Considering An African Cichlid Setup

[carrera]

my first post in african cichlid section

so im thinking about setting one up. i have a spare 48x12x18 tank and would really like a marine setup, but i have no where near the time/money, so im going for the next best, as ive heard many have

what im looking for is advice, as i dont really know where to start with them. i would like to know my options, from the different types of fish, compatibilities, the stocking rates/ratios, filtration options, right down to decor necessities/options, substrates and feeding

if anyone could help me get started with some info, or links, id really appreciate it

 

[denis coghlan]

This link contains all you need to know about keeping cichlids. I recommend that you give the start up/beginners section a really good read. Come up with a couple of tank ideas and re post then with an idea of what you want. Also the profiles section on C-F.com site is very good for getting an idea about what type of fish you would like.

Cichlid-forum Library

I have read many articles from this quality information source, and I haven't even got out of the mbuna section yet!!!!!

 

[Nevernormalalwayscrazy]

Here are some basic rules to african cichlids:

TANK:I think it is best to keep your options open so the bigger the tank the better ( I think your tank is a 45 gal).

FILTER: They can be messy so stay away from undergound filters, I use hob filters in my tanks and they seem to work great.

WATER: I would do a test on your water to see what your ph, you may have the right ph from the tap, if not you will need a buffer (lava rock, crushed coral in your filter something like that).

Cichlids: This really depends on what you are looking for and the size of your tank. If you are looking for color malawi/mbuna are very colorful, dwarf cichlids are smaller and may fit the size of your tank better. Just be sure the diets are the same it is very hard to feed fish that have different diets. Agression is another factor, cichlids are agressive some very agressive.


I keep mbuna so I may be a little bias, but yellow labs, Pseudotropheus acei, or another more peaceful cichlid may work in your tank. Maybe a 2-3 yellow labs with 2-3 Psuedotropheus demasoni (these are not as peaceful but very pritty). Just be sure not to over crowd the tank. hope this helps

 

[mamafish68]

you tell her to stick with peacefull and not a few words later suggest demasoni??? ....very telling....

 

[Nevernormalalwayscrazy]

you tell her to stick with peacefull and not a few words later suggest demasoni??? ....very telling....

Very telling What can I say they are my fav. soooo pretty... I deal with there mood swings Ok OK maybe Psuedotropheus demasoni is a little too much for your first cichlid tank........ but they look so good with the yellow labs......Ohh I know stay away from all the blue mbuna for you tank they are usually a little more agressive.

 

[Ferris]

A single Demasoni generally works very well with Yellow labs but 2-3 Demasoni and you'll probably end up back to 1 anyway, they are extremely intolerant of their own kind.

 

[Nick Sw]

Just a note on that about the Demasoni`s Ferris Like you say I`ve heard on plenty of occasions about that very fact that they don`t tolerate there own kind, people keeping 10 or 12 and ending up with a single lone Demasoni.
Do you think it`s best to keep a single Female or will a male be just the same ?

 

[Ferris]

Male or female won't make any difference with Demasoni.

 

[Nick Sw]

Thanks Ferris I`d like one once my problems get sorted out they look fabulous little Mbuna.

 

[Ferris]

They're my favourites m8, If you have any q's, let me know. They regularly have juveniles in Oasis by the way at around £10.

 

[Nick Sw]

Thanks Ferris I saw some yesterday at Tingley Tropical £6.00 but very small I plan a definate trip to Oasis to have a look at the Melanochromis Cyaneorhabdos as soon as my Tank has settled and maybe a lone Demasoni then.

 

[Ferris]

£6 is a good price, the £10 ones in Oasis are only 1" at the most.

 

[carrera]

thanks for the link + info. i got some reading to do

 

[mamafish68]

someone please show me where it says "stay away from blue mbuna", I'D LOVE TO SEE THIS.





CARRERA, thats the best thing you can do, read up on everything you can get your hands on!



cichlid-forum.com is an excellent source, IMHO way better then here. the articles & library are outstanding, then come back and ask us whats been our expierence with things, whats worked and hasnt worked.

malawimayhem.com is another picture source to cruise thru

 

[SamUK]

yea these guys really cant stress the whole reading and researching thing enough!!


i didnt do enough and its kinda ruined my malawi experience.

hate the tank cos i didnt reasearch my stocking plan properly.


if i could do it again id probably go take pics of the fish i could get, go buy some flowers, bring them on here and ask mamfish for some help.

infact most people on this board kno there stuff so your in good hands!