Too Many Fish?

[Jhncf]

A friend wants rid of his malawi cichlids, all around 2" and said he'll give me them for free because he needs them gone asap. There are about 15 of them, ruti islands, yellow labs and kenyis. Would they be ok in my 3 foot, 30 gallon tank for a month or two until I buy a 55 gal? I have 25kg of ocean rock in the tank so there will be plenty of hiding spaces for them

 

[attibones]

I would say no. Even for a month. If you don't have the tank ready before the fish come in, then something will go wrong and that tank will never come. Besides, a 55 would not be suitable for all fifteen of those fish anyway.

 

[Jhncf]

Thanks for the reply How many could I keep in the 30 gal just now? Some are around 1" atm. Some people say to overstock malawis and others say I should only have a few, really confusing!

 

[attibones]

For a thirty gallon, I would not add any. It is my understanding that these are not suitable for small aquariums. I've never kept African cichlids for more than a few days (a few tanks I've purchased second hand included giant cichlids). Perhaps someone more experienced will pop in and enlighten us.

 

[EllieJellyEllie]

Most cichlids need 55g or more. Sme like red devil cichlids need 75g minimum, and 125g perferably. Yellow labs, I know, need a 55g to 75g tank even when young.
 
If you were to keep all 15 I would say a 300g minimum for territoral reasons. You might be able to go smaller, but each fish gets 4-8 inches long in a few years.

Oh yea, Im not too experienced, but I do have cichlids!