46 bowfront tanganyika questions

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
fishmastermike

fishmastermike

Gambusia
MFK Member
Jul 23, 2008
436
5
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28
Barnegat, NJ
I had a 46 bow set up with some natives but upgraded and now the tank will soon be empty. I have always wanted an a. calvus or a. compressiceps and contemplated setting up a tanganyika tank but wasn't sure if this tank was big enough for them to live their entire life in. I know they grow really slow so if I did have to upgrade in the future I have a lot of time but if upgrading isn't necessary I would like to avoid it. Also if anyone has suggestions on what else to keep that would be greatly appreciated. I really like ctenochromis horei
 
That is plenty of room for a calvus or comp or even a pair. My full grown gold comps prefer a 30g to the 55 they were in, don't know why, maybe they feel more secure in a smaller tank. Some other tangs that work well with the above are eretmodus cyanostictus and synodontis petricola.
Calvus and comps are pretty easy going and if the other fish don't fit in their mouths or aren't to boisterous they do great. If you happen to get a pair of gold head comps they are really cool to breed. Even during breeding mine have never become overly agressive to their tank mates. Hope this helps.
 
I checked out those two fish you mentioned and they're both really nice. I'm not too into synodontis tho. I'm thinking maybe do some Julie's in there. Could I get away with a trio of comps?
 
When the comps are young you could get away with a trio, but when it's breeding time there will probably be trouble . The julies sound like a nice choice, but I have zero experience with them.
 
You could keep a group of calvus (maybe 5) if you are wanting a group. Comps on the other hand will form a pair and all bets are off for the odd ones out. In my experience. I have so far managed to keep 5 redfin comps in a 90g with only minimal agression, but the tank is so heavily planted and cave heavy it's sometimes hard to see the fish. If you condition the comps well and maintain water quality, you will be rewarded with approx. 100 fry per month. Great thing is (at least in my area) they are a quick and easy sale and can help pay for the hobby.
 
I'd do a pair of calvus or comps and a colony of shell dwellers. I would not do 2 rock dwellers in a 46G bowfront.
 
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