o0Faraz0o

Hey guys just wanted to know what you think about this stocking plan its for a brand new tank is only 75gallon its around 100cm in length I dunno about the height and width but there both more than the usual 18" x 18". Im planning to have a huge mount of lava rock and a few java ferns here and there.

Its gonna hopefully look something like this.

http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com...steinhaus.html

I Want everyone's opinion on the stocking idea, I got a canister filter that does 1500 L/hr so over stocking it a bit should not be an issue. Out of the 4 species I have kept 1 which is the Labidochromis caeruleus. I don't want the tank to be overly aggressive and thought this mix should be on the right track. but I am not completely sure since I have not kept any of the other species.

New Tank Set-up
Malawi Tank
5x Pseudotropheus saulosi
5x Labidochromis caeruleus
5x Iodotropheus sprengerae
5x Cynotilapia afra (Cobue)

alicem

If your tank is truely 100cm (or approx. 40") I would stay with 3 species.
My is to drop the P. saulosi...as beautiful as they are....and go with:
5x Labidochromis caeruleus
5x Iodotropheus sprengerae
5x Cynotilapia afra (Cobue)

With cichlids, as you know, the foot print is a major factor.
A longer legnth is so very important and 8 more inches would mean alot more than height or depth.

But, if you want to push it with 4 species, perhaps Pseudotropheus "Acei" would work with this group.

1500 L/hr = 396 G/hr in a 75G tank = 5.5 x turnover.
IMO, with African cichlids 8-10x turnover is much better and safer for overstocked tanks.
Maybe some power heads with pre filters would help here.
At any rate, you'll want to stay on top of your water changes and filter maintenance.

Be sure to get the java fern established during the cycle and introduce your mbuna as juvies.

It sounds like a very beautiful setup.
Good luck,
alicem

o0Faraz0o

Hmmm so what is the reason that I cannot have four species is it because umm there is no room in the tank or is it some kind of mbuna rule that people should follow. Because from my research I know that acei get larger than the saulosi's so what you said kinda made me confused.

aquarist48

Good morning. Congrats on the new aquarium! I hope you can share some photos along the way.
Best of luck!
Ken

alicem

The reason I suggested against 4 species is because the legnth of the tank.
Once the different species begin breeding, it would allow more room for territory defense.
You certainly can have 4 species if you like, it's your tank all the way.

Acei have a better temperment (not quite as aggressive), are monomorphic and so would give you
the yellow and blue colors in both male and female.
I guess I suggested them also, because they are just so darn pretty.

This was only my opinion on stocking your tank if it were mine.
I appologize if my suggestions came off as your only options, because as you know, they certaily are not.
I'm sure with careful rock placement and a watchful eye you will have a wonderful setup.

Yes, please, share some photos of your tank and it's inhabitants when you can.
You've truely picked out some lovely cichlids,
alicem

o0Faraz0o

Your reason sounds perfectly fine Alicem and I am very grateful of you input, Ive planned to stick to your advice and go with the three species plan but I wanted to know since I am having a less species can I put in more of the other three? and one more question what is the actual maximum size of a Labidochromis caeruleus every site seems to give different information. I have gotten from 4" to 6" which leaves me very worried because I don't like putting fish in a tank too small for them, I like it when they reach their full size that they do in nature .

alicem

I feel like you could up the numbers by a few, especially since you do have some tank depth (front to back) to work with.
As I understand your origional post, your tank is different than a standard 75G, by being deeper and taller than 18" each way.

3 species x 5 each = 15 fish
I wouldn't up it past 18 or 20 total, but then, I tend toward the conservative when advising folks.

The rusties (I. sprengerae) and yellow labs (L. caeruleus) are pretty "relaxed" for mbuna.
Since the cyno. afra are smaller and a little spunkier, maybe they would be the ones to up the numbers on...
btw, the L. caeruleus should max out at about 5" and I believe they will be fine in your tank.

Be sure to securely stack your rocks and provide alot of caves and sight line breaks.
You may be able to accomplish some of that with your java ferns.
Since your tank is deeper than most, an idea might be to put the rock pile through the legnth of the tank down the middle,
separating the front from the back.
That would offer almost double the caves and sight breaks.

If you want more opinions and options on stocking numbers check out:
cichlid_forum.com
They are specific to cichlids and will have boat loads of experience to share.
Keep a tough skin if you post there, as some of them can be a little impatient.
I guess because they are pretty smart and expect others to know alot of biology, chemistry and what not.
But we don't and that's why we ask questions, isn't it?

I must add... do you know these fish are omnivores and prone to bloat?
You simply have to watch what you feed them and they will be absolutely fine.
If this is news to you, do some reading on malawi bloat so you can be informed and keep things under control.

Regards,
alicem

o0Faraz0o

Yeah I actually did know I work in a aquarium shop where I sell much of these fish and I was going through a malawi cichlid book the other day on a quite day and read about it, I was planning to mix 1mm spectrum and a vegetable based food and I usually feed my fish blood worms for a frozen supplement and was going to switch to mysis shrimp for the new 75 gallon tank. Did I miss anything? should I also give them frozen vegetable supplements that we give to our saltwater fish?

deathtroll

I give mine squash and other vegetables and algae wafers for treats