Demasoni Mixed with...

[Jzaid84]

This species of "Mbuna" fascinates me. The color and the pattern along with the fact that the females are fairly eye appealing make me want to add this to a set up:

http://www.safhl.net/davesfish/images/Melanochromis joanjohnsonae.jpg

Im aiming for 15 Demasoni and than "X" amount of 1 other Mbuna. Here are the stats on my set up:

1 x Fluval 405 Set up with stock mechanical sponges and the bottom basket is mechanical as well. The top 3 baskets are all Bio media.

1 x Emperor 400 HOB. I have this set up custom with sponges at the bottom for mechanical, and BioMax media in hosiery on top for extra Bio filtration.

I believe my Bio capacity is quite large based on how much Bio media I have. This tank has been set up for 3 years now...with a variety of Africans. I used to have all Peacocks, but the fish out grew the tank. Than I went to Haps and Mbunas, and the Haps got to large, again. Than I had a colony of Ps. Flavus that I bought at 1" and just my luck I ended up with like 12 males and only 3 females. Needless to say...I only have 3 males right now, each with his own cave. I have had up to 24 fish in there all at once...and never had an issue with the capacity of my filters. Sure I had to do more frequent water changes...but that's a given.

So any remarks or comments on the Melanochromis joanjohnsonae 'Exasperatus mixed with Demasoni? I also really like the follow species:

http://www.safhl.net/davesfish/images/Petrotilapia sp Chitimba.jpg (I Really like these)

http://www.safhl.net/davesfish/images/Pseudotropheus sp Acei Ngara.jpg

http://www.safhl.net/davesfish/images/ps_polit.jpg

http://www.safhl.net/davesfish/images/Tropheops sp Elongatus Boadzulu Mazinzi.jpg

http://www.safhl.net/davesfish/images/july02.jpg

Maybe even mix the Demasoni with a Vic:
http://www.safhl.net/davesfish/images/astato_latifasciata.jpg

I know the water parameters are slightly different, but I believe I can manage to stabilize a PH level they both can appreciate. On the other Mbunas I liked, I tried to stay away from any fish with vertical bars, however with the Vic, I think there is enough of a difference to avoid conflict.

Comments, Thoughts, and Suggestions Please! If any of you guys have experience with any of the tank mates I suggested, please fill me in!

Best Regards,

Jimmy Z.

Note: I have been a member here a MFK for a long time...I just recently registered a different name.

 

[Mokujin22]

How big is your tank?

 

[Jzaid84]

It is 55g, sorry i missed that detail. I have over 200 pounds of rocks (plenty of hiding places if needed)

 

[Jzaid84]

Anyone?

 

[kay-bee]

Demasoni's are compatible with most other mbuna species, except those that are similar in appearance or pattern that are less aggressive than them (yellow top mbamba, male saulosi's etc).

I've also found them to be compatible with fish that have similar patterns that are more aggressive than them. For example I have a BB zebra which resides in a tank containing 20+ demasoni's and he rules due to sheer size and an even more aggressive temperment).

 

[catman]

Although dimorphic, i would check out psuedotropheus flavus. They are yellow and black striped.