Got hooked : )

[hojo1621]

Hey guys,
After having central and south americans for the last 4 years and decided to convert my 40 long into an african tank, and I love it.

Have 6 cichlids in their right now, various smaller mbuna, but was wondering how many more can I get in there.

Some info for you guys...
Black sand substrate, small amount of holey rock, and a black background. (want to show off the fish).
As for filtration (it's overkill), two emporer 400's, and an 8 watt u.v. light on it.

My vision is to have as many africans in there as possible to really show off the fish.

Thanks for you help guys.

 

[Vargur]

With that filteration and frequent water changes you can have up to 20 fish but if you want your fish to show their good side I think you should not keep more than 8-12 adults of 1-3 species. 1 male for 2-4 females.

 

[SinisterKisses]

Oh christ, please do NOT put 20 mbuna into a 40gal tank, long or not!

As for how many you can have, that really depends on the actual species. You could get away with a colony of say 12-15 demasoni, for example, but I certainly wouldn't recommend keeping lombardoi (Kenyi) in a tank that size.

 

[Scotty]

Ignore the previous comment. You can quite easily hold the number you are talking about. With that filtration you should not have any problems. I run about 30-35, wild caughts, in tanks that size. Take a good look at my avatar. Great fish aren't they!!
You are wanting to try and replicate the Lake and if you ever see shots from the lake you will see the fish are more than plentifull. My supplier spent some time there, earlier this year, and he was totally amazed as to how congested the fish are. I agree with your idea of carrying lots of fish as your tank will be far more impressive.
With my overstocked tanks I also end up with a couple of breeding nets hanging off the sides which adds to the congestion. Prsently have 5-6 females carrying, in the various tanks, and have around 250-300 fry growing.
Post some pics once you are finally setup.