Question On Filtration

[saturnal]

I'm setting up a 30-gallon long tank for some of the smaller Malawi species. I'd like to overstock it to distribute the aggression. I have a Fluval 404 which does 340 gallons/hour for filtration. I'm wondering if this is enough filtration if I want to overstock it with approximately 14 fish. I'm thinking something like 7 yellow labs and 7 P. demasoni.

So my main concern right now is filtration. I do have a Penguin 170 w/ large bio-wheel in addition to the Fluval, but it's very noisy. I'd rather not use it unless it's necessary. I'm wondering if both the flow on the Fluval and the 2 levels of bio-max media in the canister is sufficient for overstocking this tank. The canister also has 2 other levels, one filled with carbon and the other with some "pre-filter" media that's similar to the bio-max.

If you don't think the Fluval is enough, I'd surely like to hear some recommendations for a second filter. Perhaps a UV sterilizer? I've set this whole tank up (tank, stand, light, hood, 2 filters, heater, gravel, and decor) for about $170, so it wouldn't kill me to buy another filter. But obviously, if I don't have to..I won't.

Thanks.

 

[Ferris]

The 404 should be more than enough for that tank but your proposed stocking levels are too high. 14 is way too many for a 30 gallon tank, 6 labs would be more realistic. Demasoni do stay small but they are among the most aggressive Mbuna and because of this they need much more room than their size suggests.

 

[saturnal]

The 404 should be more than enough for that tank but your proposed stocking levels are too high. 14 is way too many for a 30 gallon tank, 6 labs would be more realistic. Demasoni do stay small but they are among the most aggressive Mbuna and because of this they need much more room than their size suggests.

Thanks for that input. It's frustrating deciding on a new malawi tank setup, because everyone's opinion is different. I've read that slightly overstocking the tank will decrease the risk of agression, and then I read how it will increase it. Kinda hard to find a happy medium.

I did mention the demasoni just to give an example of size, but perhaps Cynotilapia afra would be less agressive? Would 4 yellow labs and maybe 4-6 Cynotilapia afra work better do you think?

Thanks again.

 

[Ferris]

The labs and Afra would be a much better mix and should get along fine. Overstocking is a good way of keeping aggression down, its just that 14 is too many in a 30 gal, IMO 4 labs and 4 Afra would be the maximum for that tank.

 

[freddyk]

To sort out the conflicting advice, maybe this can help - mbuna are aggressive whether you keep two or ten of them, and stocking more doesn't really make them less aggressive. What it does do is spreads the aggression out among more fish so that no one particular fish ends up taking all the abuse. Overcrowding is important, but a 30 gallon tank is extremely limited, and I wouldn't even do the Afra, though it stands a better chance of working then Demasoni.

Realistically I think you should just get 8 Labs and call it a day, but a couple of other milder species that could work well are Pseudotropheus Saulosi or Iodotropheus Sprengerae, or Pseudotropheus Acei.

 

[mamafish68]

IMHO a colony of Cynotilapia afra (Cobue) would be full of color and vigor!;

male afra cobue:

(taken from cichlid-forum/copyright posted)

 

[bobf]

I can't say I know Cyno. Afra from personal experience but found a couple of stories here which may be of interest;

Linky

Obviously just more owners opinions, but worth consideration.