Yellow Labs - Will I have a problem

[rdd1952]

I have just bought a 75 gallon tank that will deliver tomorrow. I have decided on what I want but would like to make one change is it won't create problems. Here is what I am going to stock:

4 angels
12-14 larger tetras (something the angels won't see as food)
6 corys
a couple dwarf plecos or bristle nose catfish to keep tank clean
4 blue rams or yellow labs

I had originally decided to put 4 blue rams in with this group but I would really like to have yellow labs. They are so pretty. Would the labs be a problem in this tank? I plan on the tank being heavily planted but haven't decided on exactly what plants yet. Thanks for your help.

 

[Ferris]

Yellow labs are peaceful by Mbuna standards but there would be a pretty large risk putting them into a community tank. They are still agressive fish and get pretty big, you could try it provided you can return them to your LFS if there are problems. If you are going to try it, I would suggest going for juveniles which should be fine initially although you may still have problems as they grow.

 

[freddyk]

I wouldn't do it myself.

 

[Ferris]

I think freddyk's reply sums it up better than my paragraph. lol

 

[rdd1952]

Thanks very much. I will stick with the blue rams. They're just harder to find around here than the labs. Have you had any experience with ordering them online? Maybe my next tank will be a full cichlid tank.

 

[Talleyrand]

I have never had a problem with yellow labs in a community tank.
but I have never placed Angels with them either, they might be de-finned by the yellow labs.
IMHO, I would say either angels or labs, but not both.
(also, mbuba like hard, slightly salty water- the soft water angels like would also put the them at odds)

I keep yellow labs with livebearers and other species that can handle the harder water

 

[loafybones]

'4 blue rams or yellow labs'

Go for the Rams. Yellow Labs, although they are pretty peaceful compared to some mbunas would probably be a bit too aggressive and it's not worth risking the other fish.

Blue Rams are really pretty too, I've got some of those in my son's little tank, they're quite entertaining too!