Would This Work? Labidochromis Caeruleus

James42a · Apr 29, 2008

Hey, i have a 30x12x17 tank wich i would like to house soley labidochromis caeruleus. If i was to have say 1 male to 3 - 4 females would this work? The tank it's self is 26.5 US gallons and i would scape the back etc with lots of rock for them to hide in with an open swimming area in the front strip. filtration would be a tetratec EX700/1200. Im just checking right now as i dont want to go ahead and get the fish etc only for things not to be right. The tank is currently housing a selection of south american fish such as tetras, 2 rams and 2 clown plecs wich will be housed in the new tank (Lido 120) or would the labs work better in the lido althought its more of a cube? Thanks in advance for any replies

James

kj23502 · Apr 29, 2008

I really don't think a 30" tank is big enough. I'm quarantining some yellow labs in my 29 gallon and they still fight like mbuna(although not as bad as other species). They really don't have the room to runaway from the attacker. If you wanted to put some cichlids in there, I would look at fish that come from lake Tanganyika!!

dthoffsett · Apr 29, 2008

kj23502 said:
I really don't think a 30" tank is big enough. I'm quarantining some yellow labs in my 29 gallon and they still fight like mbuna(although not as bad as other species). They really don't have the room to runaway from the attacker. If you wanted to put some cichlids in there, I would look at fish that come from lake Tanganyika!!

Agreed. I started out with labs in a 29gal tank (despite being told it wasn't a good idea :look:

), and my 6 peaceful juveniles soon became 1m and 2f who killed off all the others. They would even kill juveniles once they hit the 1 inch mark. You'd be much better off with a shelldweller tank and/or some of the smaller tangs. :good: