help me stock my old 55!

[moneywastedonfish]

Hi now that i'm getting the new 5ft my 55gallon is going to be free. Any suggestions of some colourful africans that could be put in there. I have a kick ass eheim filter and a pretty good internal cannister so filtration is good.
Any one have a 55 african tank?
What have you got in it?

 

[gixer]

a 55g is a decent size for a mbuna tank.. there are too many possibilities really.

have a look what you like the look of and then maybe we could point you in the right direction.

 

[moneywastedonfish]

yeah i know the possiblities are pretty much endless thats why i asked what would others put in the tank. Theres so many africans availiable, but i do like the zebra (pseudotropheus zebra?) species and the Peacock (Aulonocara nyassae) look pretty impressive.

 

[freddyk]

Everyone has different tastes. I prefer a milder setup with less aggressive africans. I took down the last of my African setups last year, but if I set up a 55 Malawi right now I'd consider about 8 Labs. Caeruleus, 6 Rustys, and a nice male peacock centerpiece. Then of course I'd add a shoal of 6 Synodontis Petricola or Multipunctatus.

As omnivores, the rusties and labs won't have diet incompatibilities with the peacocks and syno's. The milder nature of these mbuna also make them good peacock companions, since they stress in an aggressive a tank.

 

[Ferris]

Perfect tank for an Mbuna setup, which gives you loads of choice. You could go for several fish from 4 or 5 species or lots of individual fish like i did (see sig). You have lots of possibilities, do some research and pick some fish you like, just be careful that they are all compatible.

 

[moneywastedonfish]

thanks guys your suggestions and sigs gave me something to think about, you can fit a lot more in then with americans hey? Does this mean that it comes down to trial and error or is it safe to say that the combinations mentioned should work?
Ferris have you got a photo of your tank it sounds awesome. I'm guessing you have a heap of hiding spots? Are all your fish full grown?

 

[Ferris]

Ferris have you got a photo of your tank it sounds awesome. I'm guessing you have a heap of hiding spots? Are all your fish full grown?

Photos on the way (soon hopefully). Its about half and half at the moment on size but if anything i'm slightly understocked (the plec will be moving to my 125 gal when i get it). Mbuna tanks are better overstocked as it helps to reduce their aggression. I do have lots of hiding places and caves, if anything too many, i'm considering whether i've overdone it a bit a the moment, its a bit full, lol.