180G Mbuna Tank Idea

[kevin007]

Hi, I'm trying to get as many thoughts as possible about a 180G that I am planning to setup.


180G
20 Yellow Labs
20 Acei
15 Rusties
15 - 25 Demasoni
10 - 15 Clown Loaches
3 BN pleco
1 Red Tailed Black Shark

With alot of fry that I hope can survive on their own.

How do you think giant vals and java fern will do in a low lighted mbuna tank?

What do you think about the stocking?

The filtration should be 2 Fluval FX5 and 1 Eheim 2217, is the 2217 necessary? (fluvals run 54 watts each)

How do you think the demasoni will do? I want to start with the minimum amount possible and let them populate the tank themselves.

Thoughts? Thanks

 

[JamesRiggs]

I might be a bit more diverse on the stocking, The 2217 couldnt hurt, just fill it with bio, that is how I run my 2217. I dont think the demasoni will have any problems at all.

 

[kevin007]

I want to get 10 syno multipunctatus/pekolita instead but it has everything to do with the price tag. Oh and about the stocking, I have been thinking about it an I agree. I already keep yellow labs, aceis, rusties and rtbs in a 55G, its hard to justify getting a 180G if all I am adding is basically one species (demasoni) BN Plecos arn't very active.

what are some mbunas that would look good with the fish i currently have? I was thinking of a trio of haps (one species 1 m 2f) and maybe

some afras.

As for filtration, I'll be adding the FX5 output on each of the 2 back corners and I have no clue on where to put the ehiem spray bar.

I am thinking of giving each of the filters their own "role" ie the 2217 for bio, 1 fx5 for mechanical, one for polishing.

What do you think?