Melanotaenia Boesemani

[ryguy]

I have done a lot of reading up on the Melanotaenia boesemani and have found that many put them in their african cichlid tanks. I have the right size for them (60 gallon that is a little long but same height as a 55). there are already about 12 cichlids and i have 1 syno and getting 2 more. i was planning on getting about 4 Melanotaenia boesemani. would this be a good idea. no disease in 2 years, and it is extremely overfiltered. all peacful cichlids like the yellow lab.

 

[Colin_T]

Boesemani rainbows will be fine in a rift lake tank. They naturally occur in hard alkaline water and as long as the cichlids don't try to eat them they should be fine. The rainbows do like vegetable matter in their diet so please make sure they get some. Rainbows can jump so its a good idea to have a cover on the tank. If the water quality is not up to scratch they will become nervous and skittish.

 

[dthoffsett]

As long as you have a backup plan for the boesemani in case the cichlids start picking on them, I'd give it a try. A couple of things that may help, rearrange your rocks shortly before adding the new fish to break up territories, you may also try feeding the cichlids right before adding the boesemani.

 

[ryguy]

thats good to know, ill give it a try and tell u guys how it works. thanks!