Malawi Cicilids

[smokeyjo]

Hi peeps
I'm thinking about getting a new tank to have malawi chicilids or some kind of them. I'm not sure what size tank I need and if I get malawis could I put a few cockatoos in with them or is that a no no thanks

 

[Dieses Madchen]

I would recommend at least 55g for a nice setup. The bigger the better though. I do not know anything about cockatoos...sorry.

 

[smokeyjo]

Could I have a smaller tank if the shoal was smaller I haven't really got the room for a big tank I've got my community tank in the process of setting up my vampire crab tank don't think the girlfriend will b too pleased with another big tank lmao

 

[soybean]

Hi peeps
I'm thinking about getting a new tank to have malawi chicilids or some kind of them. I'm not sure what size tank I need and if I get malawis could I put a few cockatoos in with them or is that a no no thanks

I'll assume you mean apistogramma cacatuoides, not the birds.

Short answer is no, they are from totally different areas of the world and have vastly different requirements.

As for the malawi enquiry, I think 55G is the minimum you could go for. You'll get better help here: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/forum/13-african-old-world-cichlids/

 

[smokeyjo]

Ok thanks for ur help ill have to shelve that idea for now then lol have to sweet talk the girl friend first thanks again

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Most malawis get rather big. My smallest ones are 4 inches as adults. You may look into dwarf cichlids if you would prefer a smaller tank. They aren't malawis but they are rather nice looking fish

And when I say 55g minimum, that is basically it. You wouldnt be able to get more than 6-8 malawis in a 55g.

 

[smokeyjo]

Ill have a look into dwarfs. I just read that u should over stock cicilids so that the dominant fish will be less likely to find a weaker fish

 

[Dieses Madchen]

you can to an extent, but you have to tank into account as well the tank dimensions and the size of the fish. a 55g tank is only a foot wide, and you need ALOT of rock for caves, so you are diminishing about a third of the tank capacity.

and there is still ALOT of work I need to do on this tank.

and my 75g cichlid tank