New 125g build stock list

[OZZ1978]

What’s up MFK?

Im taking advantage of Petsmarts sale on a 125gallon with stand, lids and lights for $499

I’m going to run two FX6’s for filtration and am looking for stocking input. The problem? I like the aggressive nasty types, and at the same time I wouldn’t mind having females in there too to be able to observe some breeding activity from time to time (makes things more interesting). I was hoping for mayve 6 fish groups, of different species, mostly aggressive types, and I do realize it’s probably not going to fly as a 125 still probably won’t be enough space.... still, I wouldn’t mind hearing everyone’s thoughts on the matter.

The disaster list:

Demonsani x 6
Kenyi x 6
Maingano x 6
Metriclima zebra chilumba x 6
Auratus x 6
Red Zebra x 8
Yellow lab x 8


Now, I realize the red zebra and yellow labs are docile compared to the others, but maybe I could up their numbers to even their chances out a bit?

Color wise there’s a lot of blue, so need to add that flashy red and yellow contrast to the tank

The auratus group especially Id probably make sure to have just a single male to the 5 females.

Thoughts?

 

[Kspeck]

I have a 125 (6x18) with most of your list I have bichirs and blood parrots instead of the zebras and they all do good together tried to add a Oscar the other day but they almost killed it

 

[Kspeck]

My yellow labs hold their own

 

[A201]

I think the stock list sounds pretty good. Maybe mark off the Yellow labs & Auratus and replace with a variety of Cynotilapia Afra & Trewavasae.

 

[DJRansome]

For aggressive species like auratus, do 3 species with 1m:7f of each and aquascape to manage aggression.

With them how about 1m:7f PseudotropheusPerspicax Orange Cap and 1m:7f Metriaclima fainzilberi Maison Reef "Zebra Chilumba".

 

[james99]

Tropheop species are also a nice looking group that are supposed to be pretty aggressive. You dont see them in alot of tanks.

 

[dr exum]

Looks like a nice setup! Post a thread after you order! Where will you procure these specimens?

 

[OZZ1978]

Thanks for the input everyone, I got the tank in yesterday and the extra FX6, working on Hard piping a spray bar Mod so I can get rid of the ridiculous FX6 outputs (and intakes also). Essentially the single spray bar will accept the output of each FX6 from opposite ends (it is corked in the middle so no backfill if one filter shuts off).

as for the stock Im eye balling imperial Tropicals, Tampa bay cichlids and a few other sources.

Im all over the place on the stock list lol. Ironically enough we are flying out tonight for a 2 week trip to Africa, so the tank setup will have to wait until I get back and unfortunately at this time we are not planning on going to lake Malawi. Yes, a small part of my soul died but it adds another $1000 to the cost of the already super pricey trip so I can’t swing it. I’m actually proposing to my GF on this trip so I have to weigh my priorities lmao.

Anyway, I’m still not sure of the list. At all. Lmao so many different combinations and aggression levels to consider. As of now I don’t love the 1 m to 7 female ratio requirement with many of the species as many of the females are drab looking. If there’s no way around that then maybe I would rather an all male tank? I’m not sure. I think I could swing 1 m to 4-5 females on maybe 2 specific species, and then add only males for the remaining head count to up the color factor? This isn’t an issue with red zebras of course as many times the females are deeper orange once the males put on their breeding dress. Also, auratus the females are better colored, but I don’t want 7 of them in there lol. I know they are a nightmare but maybe I’d be better off with a single auratus with no females. It’s worked before for me witha large maingano male, large zebra male, and large met chilumba male. They would scrap for sure here and there, but the tank was stocked fairly heavily with other randoms and seemed to dissipate the focus. Good old Mbuna, a millón different choices, and all the research in the world flies out the window when you actually drop fish into tank ???

 

[DJRansome]

If you are not locked in to the super aggressive mbuna, then 5 species with 1m:4f of each works in a 72" tank.

Maingano and red zebra would work or maingano and yellow labs. I would still do 1m:7f on the maingano.

Then acei, white socolofi and rusties? That would give you all colored females.

 

[OZZ1978]

Thank you for the input, I might be able to drop the auratus, I’ve been eyeballing these guys since I posted this thread and They are phenomenal. Anyone know where I can score some Metriaclima Zebra Chilumba Luwino Reef?? I might develop the list around these guys I like them so much.

Check these bad boys out: