new 100g with mbuna's

[dad_jsp]

Ok, so I am picking up a complete 100g, 60 x 18 x 20, setup this weekend (love craigslist) and I would like to put some mbuna's in the tank.

I was planning on building my own cave sytem, rather then stacking a bunch rocks. Just how much space do I need to fill with caves? I was thinking about filling one side of the tank with different size caves stacked 3/4 of the way up the tank. It is kind of hard to explain the vision in my head, hehe.

I was looking at the "cookie-cutter" stocking options, but the lists only went to 75g. I understand withthe amount of caves I at thinking about will 1/2 the gallons for the fsh to swim.

Any thoughts on a stock list? I love the look of this fish, Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba", so it will be included any fish combo I do.

Next, yes next, can I mix cave dwellers with open water fish? The tank is large enough, right?


Thanks for any and all input. Once I get the tank and start making the caves, pictures will be posted.

 

[Bethany]

i believe their temperment is like that of the red zebras and similar fish, not too aggressive except when breeing and amongst their own, nice fish. they should mix well and compliment the colors of one another

you should be able to mix cave dwellers and open water, gives a nice balance.

let us know how you decide to set up, and pictures!!!

good luck

 

[Kobeclone]

Ok, so I am picking up a complete 100g, 60 x 18 x 20, setup this weekend (love craigslist) and I would like to put some mbuna's in the tank.

I was planning on building my own cave sytem, rather then stacking a bunch rocks. Just how much space do I need to fill with caves? I was thinking about filling one side of the tank with different size caves stacked 3/4 of the way up the tank. It is kind of hard to explain the vision in my head, hehe.

I was looking at the "cookie-cutter" stocking options, but the lists only went to 75g. I understand withthe amount of caves I at thinking about will 1/2 the gallons for the fsh to swim.

Any thoughts on a stock list? I love the look of this fish, Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba", so it will be included any fish combo I do.

Next, yes next, can I mix cave dwellers with open water fish? The tank is large enough, right?


Thanks for any and all input. Once I get the tank and start making the caves, pictures will be posted.

Its not really how much space, but more how many caves. Most people try to give 2-3 caves per fish/pair. Stacking all caves on one side of the tank is a bad idea. A larger, more agressive mbuna may just decide that that side of the tank is ALL his territory. Thats why you wanna spread the caves out, like have them all lining the back of the tank..

Yes.

 

[Frostyone]

Its not really how much space, but more how many caves. Most people try to give 2-3 caves per fish/pair. Stacking all caves on one side of the tank is a bad idea. A larger, more agressive mbuna may just decide that that side of the tank is ALL his territory. Thats why you wanna spread the caves out, like have them all lining the back of the tank..

Yes.

I'd create a wall of rock against the back of the tank with caves the length of the entire tank. This will give them plenty of places to hide and spawn and leave the front free for the open water swimmers.

 

[paulW]

I have kept Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba". It's a nice Mbuna. Sure, it's slightly more aggressive than a yellow lab, but what mbuna isn't, since yellow labs are so mellow.

If you want to keep the peace, I'd recommend staying away from the following: Scofoli, Kenyi, Auratus, Johnani, Desmani. That's not an exhaustive list, but add those fish with caution. I've kept them all, and with the exception of psycho Desmani, they all can work in a Malawi community, but some compromises need to be made.

 

[dad_jsp]

a long the whole back wall it is then


I will post pictures as it goes.

This should be fun


Next question

Do I need to leave space for them to swim out the back of the caves?

 

[Frostyone]

Do I need to leave space for them to swim out the back of the caves?

It's a good idea, and kind of hard not too depending on the rocks you use.

 

[mike dunagan]

you can leave space in some and not in others... make it fun!

 

[dad_jsp]

Will these mix well??

Pseudotropheus Acei Yellow Tail Acei

Pseudotropheus Sp. Elongatus Chewere

Labeotropheus Trewavasae

Cynotilapia Afra Afra Cobue

Pseudotropheus Elongatus Jewel Spot Elongatus

 

[mike dunagan]

sure can...