MBUNA STOCKING QUESTION

[LuckyLoach]

I have a 55 gallon Mbuna aquarium. It's been up and running for several weeks, has completly cycled, and the water conditions are great. Currenty I have 15 Mbuna, 5 synodontis cats, and 1 pleco. I'm running double filtration. One filter is an Emperor 400 power filter (400 gpm) and a Fluval 304 caninster filter (260 gpm). I also have 15 live plants to help absorb nitrates.

My question is how many more Mbuna should I put in my tank. I've read that you should overstock to help keep down aggression. Am I good with what I have right now, or should I add a few more.

Thanks for you help.

 

[freddyk]

The best way to tell is by observing the fish. How much too overstock depends on a number of variables, including the types of fish being kept. I'd say right now you've got a nicely stocked tank without getting excessive. Is it working so far?

 

[LuckyLoach]

So far it does seem to be working fairly well. There is still some signs of agression, but not as bad as it could be. I started with 6 Mbuna. Then I added 5 more about a week later, and then 4 more yesterday. The more I've added, the less agression I'm seeing from the dominate fish. It's as if they can't decide who to chase, so they just give up chasing. At least when they do chase now, they are not singling out one fish now. I've read on other posts anywhere from 15 to 25 Mbuna recommened for a 55 gallon. I want to stock enough to keep agression down, but I don't want to put so many in there that it will be wall to wall fish.