Confused About Mbuna Stocking Levels!

[SteveReed]

Having read many of the posts in this forum I am a little confused about stocking levels in relatively small tanks. Many respondents advise making smaller tanks species only in tanks of around 20 gallons with a maximum of 3-4 fish. Having read many questions and answers about this is Practical Fishkeeping a I am getting a different message. The cichlid expert there suggests 12-15 fish in a 36" aquarium with a varied stocking list, the theory being that overstocking reduces territorial behaviour and hence aggression.

I have 1 rusty cichlid, 3 yellow labs and 1 Ps Demasoni that rub along pretty well. I want to increase stocks but I am not sure if this is feasible in my 39" aquarium (Juwel Rekord 120). I have plenty of rock and water conditions are good. Can anyone help to clarify things for me?

Many thanks

Steve

 

[rixy]

12 would be fine in your tank.get some ideas of the fish you like and then we can help some more.

 

[Ferris]

I would say 12 is an absolute max in a 120 litre tank, even with overstocking. You would need some serious filtration (mecahnical and biological) to cope.

8 would be a safer option IMO and stick to the less aggressive species like labs and Acei.

 

[SteveReed]

Thanks. I would like to add more rusty cichlids and labs. The problem is all 3 labs I have are male and the 1 rusty I think is also male. Presumably this would cause problems if I added another stocking that included females.

Others on my short list are Ps Socolofi (too aggressive?), L. Trewavasae, Ps Acei. Any other suggestions for relatively peaceful additions?

Thanks

Steve

 

[Ferris]

The male/female ratio with labs and rustys doesn't really matter as they are the closest Mbuna come to schooling fish.

I would avoid the Socolofi and the Trewavasae, they can be vicious. Acei would be fine as would Saulosi.

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

Aggressive? Really? My sweeties aren't at all nasty. The only malawis they objected to (And this was only the male) was the yellow labs. At which point my dominant socolofi male got very grumpy. It's to do with the bright yellow colouring and how they see them as a threat. As you have three of these Socolofi might be ones to avoid. Otherwise I don't think any should be a particular problem. Just bear in mind their full adult sizes and, if you are getting females then you need to think about the fry that will come in a relatively small amount of time! I was speaking to a Malawi specialist today who moved his biggest Malawis to a new tank andn in emptying the other tank, found over 100 fry hiding in the rocks!
Hugs,
P.