New Cichlid Tank

[hoyfoys]

Hi,

I'm thinking of starting a Cichlid tank and am after some suggestions.

My tank is 110L with Fluval U3.

My tap water is pH 8 with kH 14 (250ppm) and gH 20 (360ppm) so for this reason I was thinking of going for Tanganyika cichlids as they like harder water and also seem smaller. It seems it's best not to mix them with Malawi, is this right? I do love the Malawi Peacocks and Jewels though. Otherwise I'd go for Neolamprologus, maybe Lamprologus ocellatus, Julidochromis Dickfeldi, Lamprologus ocellatus or Eretmodus cyanosticus.

I love vivid colours, especially blues and yellows.

Does anyone have any thoughts? What about stocking levels, composition etc?

Many thanks!

 

[Rafael Dilone]

I always found the fluval U series to lack water flow and filter media space. For African Cichlids who would someday have a high waste load i would go with a filter with a stronger flow rate and larger media capacity. Stocking wise for a 29 gallon with Cichlids would barely anything if you plan to house them in there for life. Driftwood and large rocks always make a nice layout.

 

[kiriyama]

Wouldn't worry to much about flow rate as Tanganyikans dont really like a lot of current. As long as you don't overstick and do regular water chenges they should be ok. Tangs are a bit hardier than most folks give them credit for.

I'm guessing tank is about 3' in length ?

Occies and Julies are ok , if tank is 3' in length have a look at Paracyprichromis nigripinnis, against dark rocks stacked up one side of the tank are very nice and peaceful.

Basically shell dwellers art on end and rock dwellers at the other, let us know how you get on,

Cheers, Sean

 

[hoyfoys]

Yes, the tank is about 3' long. I do love those Paracyprichromis nigripinnis though!

In terms of overstocking would I be looking at about 8 fish do you think?

Thanks

 

[kiriyama]

Yes, the tank is about 3' long. I do love those Paracyprichromis nigripinnis though!

In terms of overstocking would I be looking at about 8 fish do you think?

Thanks

Hi, I think the Paracyps do better in a group, guessing 6 would be fine, hoping someone that has kept them will be abe to advise better. Have seen 4 in a tank....
If you get a chance check out the Paracyprichromis brienni, they will use the open water column more that the nigripinnis
I know you said you fancied Occies for your shell dweller which is cool , was wondering if you had looked at multifasciatus, different behaviour, more peaceful and form colonies with all the new generations Just my two cents, occies are cool though

Cheers, Sean

 

[hoyfoys]

Hi Sean,

Thanks for the replies, very helpful