Help With Future Tanganyika Tank!

[smiles669]

Hi everyone! So I'm looking at setting up a new tank after i move. i currently have a large ttank of barbs that has been running very nicely for quite awhile now and would like to try a Cichlid tank next. What I'm looking for is any advice you can give me for the tank size (length,width, height), Filtration, and substrate and decorations. What I'm most interested in doing is a Lake Tanganyika tank. I seen these Gold Head Compressicep Cichlids online and I definitely want these guys in there. Has anyone on here kept these before? can anyone suggest a tank size or any other tips on keeping these fish? Also, is there any other species that these fish do better with than others? Thanks A lot!

 

[bullit]

Youd want minimum 3 foot, depends what you want to exactly keep. If you can go 4 then you have good options. You could fit cyps in there and a shell dweller. What other fish do you like? cheers

 

[smiles669]

I really like the Altolamprologus calvus, Neolamprologus ocellatus gold, and especially any of the Compressicep Cichlids. Are there any species you would personally recommend  I am up for any options since i have the time. I'm planning this tank months in advance because i want everything to be done perfectly  

The Julidochromis Marlieri is also very nice  

 

[bullit]

You can keep calvus or comps with shellies but in wouldnt mix julie marliera with shellies as they get quite big and are more aggressive. Julie transcriptus or ornatus which are nice would be a better option. If you have a tank size in mind then i could be more help. I also wouldnt keep calvus and comps in the same tank really. cheers

 

[smiles669]

I was thinking of a tank that was 3x3 and about 20 inches tall. I'm very open to suggestions though, whatever would work better for the fish.

 

[bullit]

Youd prob better off going for a 4x2 though a 3x3 would be cool. The length would give better option though as you can space you territorys further apart.
 
There quite a few option you could go for a community. Non jumbo cyps, paracyps, Small julies, calvus comps. xenos, shellies. You could go for 2 rockdwellers, an open water swimmer and something for the sand.

 

[smiles669]

Would the Gold Head Compressicep Cichlids be considered a rock dweller or an open water?

 

[bullit]

There a rock dweller. Same with julies. Paracyprichrmois are rock and hang near the rock. cyprichromoiss are open water. xenos and shellies are sand. Theres also species like caudopunks and callochromois that will inhibit around the rock. Featherfins are another aswell.