72 Bowfront

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

Headrush

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 10, 2007
1,032
0
0
Upstate New York
A 72 Gallon bowfront is for sale at work with stand for $220!

So I'm thinking that if I can get it, I could start my first ever African tank. I currently have a 90 with a JD, FM , and GT in it so cichlids are not new to me. however, I've been digging into the world of African cichlids for a couple days and have a couple set-up questions. The fish I've been keying in on are peacocks, and I thought 3 pairs might work pretty well. If this is a bad idea or you have advice please throw it out there. I don't mind criticism as long as I can learn from it:D

1pair Red Empress (Protomelas taeniolatus)
1pair Sunshine Peacock (Aulonocara baenschi)
1pair Orangs Peacock (Aulonocara sp. "Maleri")
all require pH around 8.1 and are all under 6".

Good start or what?

Also if this stocking looks good, what do you recommend for a "cleaning crew?"

Thakns to all
:headbang2
 
First, all of these fish are not pair fish, plus the peacocks would likely hybrid, and very likley the empress would just decide to haras all the males like crazy if there are only 3 ladies in the tank.

So your choice is all male tank, or 1 male to ~3 females. Then if you actually want to raise and breed fry, don't put the same genus together... (IE I would only put in 1 type of Aulonocara, 1 type of Protomelas, and some other type of hap.)

That said if you want color just try out an all male tank.

IE, get say 3-4 of your favorite peacocks, (Say Lwanda, german red, albino Eureka red, maybe an lemon jake) Then add say a Taiwan Reef, an albino Taiwan Reef, and empress, and maybe an Phenochilus Tanzania, or some other fish, there are tons to pick from.)
 
go male only, what is the footprint of this tank? If it is too short, I would not suggest any large haps. I would think that some peacocks would look great, now what do you mean cleaning crew?
 
mike dunagan;1470934; said:
go male only, what is the footprint of this tank? If it is too short, I would not suggest any large haps. I would think that some peacocks would look great, now what do you mean cleaning crew?
Click to expand...

72 gallon 'bowfront' / 288 liter: 48 1/2 inch by 18 inch by 23 inches high

He's good to go. That's a nice tank...
 
I would stick with al's, and some of the smaller haps like ,fryeri, tiwan reef, fenestratus, ect.
 
By cleaning crew do you mean scavengers/bottom feeders?

Most of the Synodontis cats will eat any uneaten food if it reaches the ground. BN Plecos. are good at keeping the glass clean. I've got a few other plecos, but my waters Ph is realatively neutral, and pretty hard.
 
OK guys thanks for the info. Sorry for sounding like such a newbie. Yes by cleaning crew (bottom feeders and cleaners) I wasn't sure if the same fish i use in my SA/CA tank would be ok in that pH range.

BAD NEWS...THIS TANK GOT SOLD LAST NIGHT! :irked::(

So I guess its a blessing in disguize, I have a lot to learn about these Africans, so I'll probably be visiting this part of the forum much more.

Most of what I read on the "peacocks" were reports from people with various set-ups. Guess that wasn't all good advice. As always I'll research and plan it out first. One question tho, wouldn't pairs bring out the best color in the males, or are they brightly colored all the time based on their level of dominance in the tank's pecking order?

Do you have any good info sites in mind for a "crash course" on Africans to get me on the right track?

Thanks again!:headbang2
 
Having females does increase thier color,but as said before they are not a pairing fish,with only one female the male will kill her in a matter of days.with a few females to divide his attention they each get a chance to rest.3-4 females per male to make a mixed sex tank work
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom