My First Venture Into Mbuna Cichlids

[Lisa67]

I have a 55 gal, 4' long tank that will be done cycling soon. After much research I've decided that I want to stock it with Mbuna Cichlids. I'm very excited about this, but have lots of questions.
So far there is nothing in the tank but water. I know that at the end of the cycling process I have to do a large water change... at this time I need to balance the tank a little better (crooked floors I think) so, I don't want to add anything till I've done this. So, once this is done I plan to use sand. Ive read that pool sand is ok... is that the sand that goes in the pool filter or do they mean the stuff that goes under the liner when putting a pool up? Any suggestions on how to put it in without making a huge mess in the tank? Should I do it with that large water change? I would like to use some rocks from my property. I think they are mostly slate... and maybe I'll buy a few for variety. Any type I should stay away from?
And the most exciting question... any recommendations for what fish I should start off with? I'd love to know what combinations people have. My water PH is 8.2 (can't believe we drink that stuff, but it's what got me interested in cichlids in the first place). I'm looking for color and personality. Thank you all for any help.

 

[slade]

Welcome. I have a 55 gal tank that I added mbuna to on 2/20 after a month-long cycle. I have 7 yellow lab and 7 albino P. socolofi. They are still young about 2" and loads of fun to watch. I wanted some red zebra too, but don't want to overstock; and I still need to add a few more rocks & caves.

I don't know much about the sand. If you're using rocks from your property, wash very well to get rid of any pesticides that might have gotten onto them. I've heard that soaking in bleach & very hot water, then letting them completely dry, and re-rinsing will be ok.

Enjoy! ...and don't overfeed - these guys are always looking for a meal.

 

[Lolly123]

If you want to use slate and want to test it, i think the vinegar trick is good enough. Put a little vinegar on it and if it fizzes/bubbles then its not inert and not good for the aquarium. Thats how I tested mine anyway.

To wash my substrate I used the hose and kept the bucket on a slanted angle and swished around for about 45 mins on and off, mind you that was very small gravel. Maybe it would be easier if you did a large water change, added the sand carefully and then slowly filled back up with minimal substrate disturbance. I havent used sand that much so maybe someone else has a better way of doing it.

I know they are kinda your usual but I love the electric yellows.

 

[Lisa67]

Thank you both! Today I went out looking for lava rock at Home Depot and Agway. Thought it might be a better option for making caves. All I could find were small pieces in bags. Hopefully as it starts getting toward summer they will be easier to find.

I found this as a a "starter list" on another site. Any further suggestions? I love color and variety.... the tank is 55 gal.
3 electric yellow labs (1 male, 2 female)
2 electric blue or Alhi (1 male, 1 female)
3 Kenyi...
1 upside down synodontis catfish
3 red zebras...
Thanks again.

 

[rifty]

slate can look really good i use it in a few tanks my tip is buy a big peice from a garden center and smash it up! lava rock is good too as it will buffer your water and is good for caves!
Your sand is a popular choice in the US or play sand is often used too! the easiest way i have added sand without making a lot of mess is wash it in a lage bucket several time till the water is clear to remove all the dust? then pop the sand into your tank using a shovel
Your choice of Alhi are not a mbuna and are a hap and et quite big but if you want blue mbuna there are lots!

 

[creg]

i was told upside down catfish arnt a good choice for mbuna, have a look for cuckoo catfish instead they are cool

 

[Lisa67]

Wow, the slate does look nice and I have TONS and TONS of it. I'm going to research the cuckoo catfish... not easy when the only stores that sell fish in my area are Petco and Petsmart. Just curious, can I mix cichlids from Lake Victoria and Lake Malawi? Or should I stick to Lake Malawi? I want to start off easy, but I also want variety and color. Thanks again!

 

[james41683]

Thank you both! Today I went out looking for lava rock at Home Depot and Agway. Thought it might be a better option for making caves. All I could find were small pieces in bags. Hopefully as it starts getting toward summer they will be easier to find.

I found this as a a "starter list" on another site. Any further suggestions? I love color and variety.... the tank is 55 gal.
3 electric yellow labs (1 male, 2 female)
2 electric blue or Alhi (1 male, 1 female)
3 Kenyi...
1 upside down synodontis catfish
3 red zebras...
Thanks again.

honestly i would not follow this stocking list. for mbuna i would go with 3 species,1m 3-4f each. then which ever bottom feeder you decide on. the problem with the list above is the electric blue are haps, they dont always work with mbuna and the shouldnt be kept in pair. the kenyi get far to aggressive for a 55 gallon and need more females for each male. the red zebras will easily breed with the labs creating hybrids. here's a good place to start reading and theres also a few stocking ideas to work with.

http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/

 

[Lisa67]

James, after much reading on the link you posted I decided that maybe I should just stick with Mbuna as they have similar needs as far as feeding, tank decor, etc... but then I started reading about peacocks and got the impression that they are quite peaceful and might be good with Mbuna.
My tank is nearly cycled (I hope). I can't wait to start stocking the tank. Realy am hoping not to mess it up!..........


Just went to another website that said "no" to mixing the two. OK, I guess I should stick to Mbuana.

 

[james41683]

James, after much reading on the link you posted I decided that maybe I should just stick with Mbuna as they have similar needs as far as feeding, tank decor, etc... but then I started reading about peacocks and got the impression that they are quite peaceful and might be good with Mbuna.
My tank is nearly cycled (I hope). I can't wait to start stocking the tank. Realy am hoping not to mess it up!..........


Just went to another website that said "no" to mixing the two. OK, I guess I should stick to Mbuana.

some peacocks and mbuna can be mixed, labs, acei, and rusties are good candidates. these are in general pretty peaceful as far as mbuna go, but still need to be watched for signs of aggression.

 

[rifty]

I keep labs acei and afra in with my haps no problem