New Malawi Tank

[srolfe]

I will be setting up a new 50G US tank this summer. I am going to go with Malawi Cichlads. I have a few questions:

The references I have read to date say that overstocking works well with these fish, but I have not seen any examples of this. Typically, if these fish were going to average 5" full grown, than the 1"/G rule would seem to indicatethat 10 fish would be right for a 50G Tank.

My local LFS has fish from about 1-2" to 3-4" at different prices. Does it matter if I start with small juvenile fish?

Is it better to stick with one type, say Aulonocara?

 

[Ferris]

IMO it is better to start with juvenile fish as they are less aggressive and fish that grow up together have a better chance of tolerating each other when fully grown (although there are no guarantees).

Whether you stick with 1 type or not is a matter of personal preference. What i would say though is to do your research carefully, especially on compatibility issues if you decide to go with Mbuna. A mixed Aulonocara tank does look spectacular though.

 

[freddyk]

What are the dimensions of your tank?

 

[srolfe]

Have not bought it yet. Was thinking of a 50G 36x18x18, but I may go with a 75G 48x18x20.

 

[freddyk]

The extra foot of the 75 gallon will really open the stocking options - because of the aggression and activity of the fish, length is the most important dimension with these types of tanks and a 50 gallon 36" tank is little better then a 30 gallon 36" tank. You can do about 20 or so average sized mbuna in the 75 gallon.