Mixing Mbuna With Tanganyika?

[jgray152]

Is this possible? I like both and im deciding on what to put in my 180 Gallon.

Cichlid Forum didn't really give specifics as to what their diets were. I know what Mbunas are but not sure if Tanganyika have the same diet.

 

[rocknurworld2006]

no you cant really mix only very experienced aquarists could possibly . these require very different conditions!!! ie, breeding habits, territory, aggression!

 

[CFC]

Tangs with the exception of Tropheus species have a more carnivorous diet which would be dangerous to Malawi's, they also tend to be less aggressive and most species would have trouble coping with the aggression of Mbuna.

 

[Ferris]

As above - it can be done with Tropheus (i've done it on several occasions and currently have a couple of Tropheus in my Mbuna tank).

The main issues you have to consider are actually Water quality and Ph - most Tangs are still wild caught and are very sensitive to water parameters. The Ph really needs to be at least 8 and you need to maintain excellent water quality.

 

[CFC]

another thing i forgot to add is that tangs dont like over crowding, they preffer a quieter less busy tank

 

[fry_lover]

Is this possible? I like both and im deciding on what to put in my 180 Gallon.

Cichlid Forum didn't really give specifics as to what their diets were. I know what Mbunas are but not sure if Tanganyika have the same diet.

I have done this (partly) and its working out, but i would not advise it and its possibly working out for me mostly through a bit of good fortune rather than any great planning or skill on my behalf (although as mentioned below i have spent a lot fo time getting feedback from both experienced Mbuna and Tang keepers)

My 300 litre is about 80-90% Mbuna, but i do have x3 Neolamprologus Tetracanthus (Tangs) and x2 Copadichromis Borleyi (Haps). Up until recently i also had a Pair of Julidochromis (Tangs) breeding like mad in there and successfully raising lots of fry without any particular aggro or damage.

I am not advocating it, if i was to plan a Malawi set-up from scratch now, i would either make it 100% Mbuna or 100% Haps, to make like simpler.

Like others have pointed out, dietary requirements is a key factor in the set-up. My set-up isnt as straight forward as i would like in this department due to the Tangs in there. I've spent many hours on this forum and specialist Malawi forums getting feedback on the dietary regime i have for this set-up.

I was going to move the Neolamprologus Tetracanthus but they have been in there for 6-months plus now and their colouring is awesome and they have never shown any behaviour to suggest they are stressed by the Mbuna

PS - my tap-water pH is somewhere between 7.5 and 8.0 (closer to 8.0 i think) going by tests and when i've done GH and KH tests in the pasts and posted on forums, they have been deemed to be appropriate for both Mbuna and Tangs

I do agree with what CFC and Ferris have said, just wanted to give you my take based on my experience.

 

[jgray152]

Thanks guys.

I'll stick with the Mbuna then.