Converting a Tank to africans, exciting

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I wouldn't recommend a Hap Ahli for that tank size and for a beginner. They are MEAN SOB's.
 
so stay away from haps and auratus at least in the beginning, gotcha

Psuedotropheus - demasoni --- anybody have any input on these guys? I think they look really cool

i do like the ideas given so far as well, should look really good once everything is set up
 
CLDarnell;4843008; said:
Odd, I can't think of a single Malawi speicies that is actually red. I am sure there is one, but I can't think of it. Most Cichlids will fade, color up and fade again. The closest I can think of to true red is actually a dull orange...or very close in coloring to yours.
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Borleyi, Red Empress, Ruby Red, and Eureka Red Jake have pretty good shades of red. There are some cool red colored Tanganyikan and Victorian species

haywood;4843403; said:
I wouldn't recommend a Hap Ahli for that tank size and for a beginner. They are MEAN SOB's.
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My Hap Ahlis have never been very aggressive. I have read warnings about keeping them with peacocks, but have never had a problem. IME, Mbunas are more aggresive than they are.

NCStateFisher;4843476; said:
so stay away from haps and auratus at least in the beginning, gotcha

Psuedotropheus - demasoni --- anybody have any input on these guys? I think they look really cool

i do like the ideas given so far as well, should look really good once everything is set up
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Bumblebees are really mean too. I would avoid them. I have never kept Demasoni, but have heard they can be nasty. I agree with you....they are awesome looking fish. I believe there is a tank with Demasoni and Yellow Labs in the media lounge.
 
im really liking that red empress, definitely got to try and get a hold of one of those..

theoretically think this stock would work?

Red Zebra
Cobalt Blue Zebra
Red Empress
OP Peacock
 
My only advice with any Cichlid tank is to stock heavy. With a low population, aggression consumes the tank and leads to all sorts of problems. When I kept Mbuna in my 55g, I had around 20-30 and fry about every other week. If cost is a concern buy small Mbuna as they are often cheaper and let them grow out a little in your 10g until they can hold their own against your big Red Zebra. Good luck and have fun, African Cichlids are a blast!
 
M.Auratus are very nasty, might wanna stay away.
Psuedotropheus saulosi is a good one ( female- yellow, male-blue with black vertical bars)
AsFar as red, malawians are mostly blue & yellow with the exception of a few with red dorsal fins. (speaking of mbuna) I'd go with some OB zebras instead of the peacocks.
Salt? Unless yr buying wild caught fish, you should be good W/O it.
 
good information from everybody, appreciate the help
 
Hey, congrats on starting an african tank! I think all the advice you got so far is great. I guess thats why this site is so good! I think that fish and mainly africans are like dog breeds. They might have tendencies towards certain behaviors, but you never really know untill you try.

I think the main factor for your red zebra will be his/her size. If you get less agressive fish, get them bigger, if the breed you want is more agressive then get them smaller.

As stated before, with good water quality, crowding and lots of rocks, you can't go wrong!!

Let us know what you do!
 
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