Hi to all the member

[rafatmfk]

Stocking and compatability
Hi to all the members at MFK.
I am relatively new to the chiclid aquaria and to the forum here. i would like to set a 135 gal. tank with Tanganyicans. My eyes on the beatifull Frontosas, some shell dwellers and cave dwellers as well. I was told that, when the fronts get big they will eat anything that can fit in their mouth. I wonder if they can be housed safetly with other smaller tangs, I also like the Calvus species.
I have seen comunity tanks with fronts and many other tangs, and they look good and do fine, I just don't want to take chances. I have set up a see through glass tank with natural rocks, got all proper filters, etc. but still debating on the substrate, Might go with sahara black sand.
Thanks for any help and advice.

 

[mike dunagan]

Sand is best. They like to sift it.

 

[Mokujin22]

Mike is right. Definitely go with sand. Dark sand will be better as most Tangs will color up more with a darker substrate.

Get 10+ (non-jumbo) cyps to occupy the top of the water column.

Altolamps will work with larger shell dwellers, but will still end up eating the fry. That's what they do for a living.

Whatever you do, just remember that stocking a Tang community tank is not like stocking a Malawi community tank. It is not "more the merrier" and you need to have a plan from the beginning. Figure out what you want and then stick with the plan. Smaller fish will kill larger fish either physically or just pestering them into not eating any more.

For your first Tang tank, save yourself some heartache and avoid boops and other aggressive featherfins.