Potential Stocking List

[tmiller]

So I am debating a stocking list for a 55 Gallon dimensions are in approximation (48"longx14"deepx18"tall)I will most likely be using hollow ceramic rocks (unless there is a valid reason not to) with some real rocks mixed in to provide plenty of hiding spots without much water displacement
It is quite over filtered (2x Ehiem classic 2215 creating 328gph = almost 6x turnover)

My thoughts are some of the less aggressive species.
Possibly

4 Electric Yellow (Labidochromis caeruleus / Labidochromis tanganicae)
4 peacocks (Aulonocara) these are quite young so I'm not 100% sure of the specific sub species
4 of either some colorful Otopharynx or some blue dolphin ( haplochromis moori )

need ideas on some cats for the tank maybe some Synodontis Njassae or some bristle nose... not sure how many of either one.. and which one would be more suited for the tank size


does this look ok or should numbers of or species be adjusted??

 

[tmiller]

Bump..

 

[njstockley]

I'll start by saying I'm no expert but...

1) Yellow Labs and Peacocks/Haps have different dietry requirements. Better to choose one or the other. I was planning on introducing a group of labs to my all male peacock tank but have refrained because of that. Think they also need bigger groups than 4 ideally.

2) Peacocks would be ok in a tank this size, and you could also try for an all male setup. Females are a drab brown/grey so they are easy enough to sex even from a youngish age. You would just need to get one male of each species, and make sure than none are so similar that they may exhibit conspecific aggression. Makes for a great display although you have to be prepared to chop and change stock as some peacocks (especially the OBs I've found) can have some serious attitude. I also have a small group of Zebra Obliquidens in with mine and have had no issues.

3) A male otopharynx eg lithobates would be fine. Some of the other smaller haps like Placidochromis Electra would likely be ok too. Moori on the other hand are very large as adults and would need something a bit bigger I think.

4) I have a syno and BN in with mine and both are fine. Feeding both can be a challenge sometimes as malawis are agressive feeders - mine never even let the food hit the bottom. I use long tweezers to place wafers and pellets in front of my plec and syno.

Hope that helps. If I were you I would choose between peacocks or mbuna - that way it's fairer on the fish as you can provide exactly what they need. With your tank size though there are some good options for you.

 

[rifty]

labs will be fine with the mix mate i keep a group of ten in my main tank with aulonocara no issues. just choose a food type like nls or new era green and both fish groups would be fine

 

[njstockley]

labs will be fine with the mix mate i keep a group of ten in my main tank with aulonocara no issues. just choose a food type like nls or new era green and both fish groups would be fine

My bad...

... rifty more than knows his stuff so youre now in much more capable hands!

 

[tmiller]

Good to know, so should I just stick to the labs and haps ? I would like to have a 3rd species in there but would be ok as is and just up the numbers I guess

 

[rifty]

haps and aulonocara with the labs will be fine! just like i said choose a food like nls this will give all your fish a good balanced diet

 

[tmiller]

haps and aulonocara with the labs will be fine! just like i said choose a food like nls this will give all your fish a good balanced diet

so will the total of 12 be ok with sand and rocks or should it be modified up or down in numbers?
I am buying young, 1.5" or a bit longer and planning to adjust to proper ratio over time

 

[tmiller]

Tank is coming together, a few pics of the fake rocks and pool sand . I think I'll mix a few real ones in , maybe some limestone??