Beginner Malawis?

[boosh96]

I'm sorry-I accidentally posted this same thread in the Media Lounge section.

I'm wondering what kind of cichlids would make a best first 55 gallon Malawi setup? I'm debating between an all-mbuna tank, and all-Haplochromis tank, and an all-peacock tank. I have a mbuna stocking plan put together, and that's 5 Labidochromis caeruleus, one male and four females, and 5 Pseudotropheus acei, also 1:4 male to female. But I know absolutely nothing about haps or peacocks. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[dempsey420]

i dont keep africans anymore but when i did i loved the peacocks. so many color varieties and a little less aggressive. one vote for peacocks

 

[boosh96]

What kinds and how many fish would you recommend?

 

[dempsey420]

africans can be a little overstocked so id say trial and error but wouldnt go over 15 in a 55 gal. im not sure someone more experienced w/ them would know better. as for what kind id say google it and see which ones u like

 

[mike dunagan]

If you are going to do peacocks I would recommend all males. Look at the types you like and come up with idea of they ones you like.

 

[junglej]

i agree with Mike. Having females in the tank can lead to hybrid fry and higher aggression levels.

 

[junglej]

and IMO in a 55g, 6-8 would be pushing it when they hit the 5" mark

 

[Lab_Rat]

For a beginner, I'd go with mbuna. They're quite hardy and though they are definitely aggressive, having the proper rockwork and sex ratios really helps minimize that. The labs and acei are good choices as they tend to be the more mellow mbuna. You could do a 3rd species as well, with that same sex ratio. Maingano, rusties, and socolofi tend to be on the milder end of the aggression spectrum as well.

 

[mike dunagan]

plus most females in mbuna have color as well.

 

[thunderridge127]

I do not recommend putting Haps in a 55 unless you are planning to upgrade to a larger tank in the near future. There are exceptions however Lake Victorian Haps do well with Mbuna & do not get too big. Most haps average 7-10 " when mature & I would recommend a 6' tank. If you mix Haps with Mbuna in a 4' tank your Mbuna will be too territorial & aggressive. A good mix in your 55 would be Electric Yellows, Blue Acei , Rusties & maybe 1 male Lake Vic. male & 1 male peacock. It has been my experience that Haps & peacocks are a better mix without mbuna with the exception of electric yellows.