Saulosi Tank?

[minnnt]

Would a 3ft tank be suitable for Saulosi's? 180 litre bow front.

Wanting to go a different way but unsure if i want some smaller Mbuna/Malawi or go back to my Tanganyikan roots with maybe some Leleupi or Daffodils.

Any comments welcome.

 

[Malawi MaD]

Yeah Saulosi would be fine in a tank that size. Ideally for most mbuna the minimum tank size is 4ft but saulosi are dwarf species and would work in an 180lt + will look nice if you have a decent sized group too with the males and females been very nice attractive fish.

 

[minnnt]

What kind of numbers would you suggest MM? Ratio etc?

 

[Malawi MaD]

10 to 15 with good decent filtration and water quality ( which i know you wont have a problem with as ive seen with your other set-ups) Seen 180L tanks before with 20+ fish some looked brilliant with healthy vibrant fish others looked not so good. So if your willing to put in the extra time and keep the water in top condition you could push the numbers slightly. Ratio wise roughly id advise 2 to 6 Male 8 to 12 female, the one good thing with saulosi multiple males can be kept together and in smaller set-ups.If you didnt want a tank full of saulosi (even though it does looks nice) You could add another species if you really wanted to Iodotropheus sprengerae work well in smaller set-ups. Some Cynotilapia species stay relatively small so they to could be another species you could take a look at mate.

 

[minnnt]

Quite like the idea of a saulosi species only tank tbh. I will see if there is any local breeders, but if not then it will be an expensive trip to the lfs. Haha.

 

[Malawi MaD]

Where are you planning on getting the fish from? (if you dont mind me asking)

 

[minnnt]

If there is no one local who breeds them then it will be wharf aquatics

 

[Malawi MaD]

Ok, just keep a look out for the nicest ones you can find some beautiful lookin saulosi out there just have to find them or hope their local/close by. Been to wharf aquatics when i first got my malawi's had some nice fish got the big guy in my sig from them.

 

[minnnt]

Yeah its probably the best lfs around me, even if they can be a tad pricey. Worth it though I guess. About 7 or 8 quid a fish. May be able to negotiate a discount if I'm getting 10-15 at once.

 

[Malawi MaD]

See what they can do i remember them been very generous with me when i bought a bulk. Dont forget the pics when you get this tank sorted mate be nice to see.

 

[minnnt]

Well its fully planted atm, so it will be a big change. What would be the best way to raise the ph a little? Would the ocean rock be enough? My tap water is around 7.2. Don't really want to use coral sand/gravel as I want to keep my darker sand to act as a contrast.

Thanks for the help!

 

[neil@northantsmalawis]

Melonochromis johanni also make a nice species tank, again orange and black/blue.

 

[minnnt]

Are they a smaller variety too?