Malawi Mbuna Tank

[strvn]

So this is far from my first experience with cichlids, but it is with mbuna. I cuurently have set up a 30 gallon long tank with a canister filter rated for a 70 gallon tank, a heater, a UV sterilizer, and more than enough ornaments, rocks, caves, and hiding places than neccesarry. I have been cycling it for a week with some filter material from my jack dempsey tank and have the pH and hardness balanced with crushed coral. My question is, how many mbunas should i get? I understand that you are supposed to "over-crowd" due to agression. I also realize that a 30 gallon long is rather small, but im working with what can be afforded.

 

[timbo6684]

You could start with something mellow like yellow labs or dwarf mbunas like saulosi.

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[Gruntking]

Get 10 to start

 

[cantrell00]

Only the smallest and most passive can be housed in a tank that small. Yellow Labs could work. Saulosi also.

Ideally though, a 30/40 breeder at the minimum. Preferably a 55.

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[Angler]

Demasoni are a good choice for a smaller tank.

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[EastBay]

P. Aceis are pretty mellow. Nice purple color with yellow tail.

DO NOT GET Kenyi, they will destroy and rule the tank!

 

[EastBay]

But I guess you asked how many . At it's height, my 90g had at least 3 dozen of various mbuna of various ages after breeding. 10 sound like a good number, especially if they're juvvies

 

[bozatron]

For that size I would say that Acei get too big and so do yellow labs. Also Demasoni will be too aggressive in that size. I would stick to the dwarf species, like Rusty Iodotropheus Sprengerae or Pseudotropheus Saulosi or Pseudotripheus Socolfi. There are other dwarfs but these 3 are pretty good choices for first time mbuna keepers IMO