New African tank

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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craig_uk

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 29, 2008
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Hull, UK
Evening All.

Recently i upgraded my Severums to a 100 Gal (4x2x2), but im sure that wont interest you boys :naughty:

Either way, ive been left with all the equipment for my 55 gal sat about, and i wondered if it is viable to kep rift valley cichlids in a tank this size.

(never kept africans before, but i know a fair bit about south americans now a days... guessing their MUST some similarities lol:))

Just wanted to ask a few ground basic questions to the experts on here (had a good search online to little avail)

1. How many fish can be kept in this size tank?

2.I understand there a few rift valley lakes, am i right in assuming i shouldn't mix fish from differant locations?

3. Water comes out my tap at 8.4 PH. This sound ok?

Any pointers on first fish? feeding? etc

Many thanks
(hopefully soon to be african owner :screwy:)
Craig
 
Well, I'm not really good with the "how many" question, but a 55 will work fine as long as you find that right number. A combination of over-filtration and extra WCs will allow you to keep more. Most people start with the one inch of fish/gallon rule. I would say add more if you are going with mbuna. Over stocking keeps agression down. My advice, do your research and look at the possibilities. You have tons to choose from.
Feeding...follow the general rule of no more that they can eat in a minute or so. Feed about once or twice a day.
The PH is great.... 8.4 is perfect.
Mixing from lakes is a personal thing...if you don't mind and the fish get along then it shouldn't matter. But it all goes back to compatibility research.
 
Thats a fine size for African cichlids. I have mixed lakes in my 75 with no problems. As posted above, do some research before buying a bunch of fish. Some are more aggressive than others. Oh and some species will try to cross breed. For example the fish commonly sold as "Electric Blue" will often breed with Peacocks cichlids.
 
Right then, looks like its all a go.

Fish seem simple enough to keep (no offence lol) just watch out for feeding protein heavy foods. lots of greens, and a staple cichld food.

Over stock to limit aggression on single fish.

Most breed like rabbits.

about 9 fish, 3 pairs, each with one males.

Lots of rocks.

Obviously, ill just stick to the fish that get to about 5" or less.

Thanks for the help
I'll be back soon when im up and running. (no doubt asking more amature hour style questions)
Craig
 
I'll appear a ortodox but a real malawi tank could not be done in 55g without aggressions,otherwise u choose only mild tempered mbuna and haps (something like Labidochromis Caeruleus and Peacock like Auolonocara).
guys like Demasoni,Flavus,Auratus *** are really to avoid.

in 55g I suggest u a nicer Tanganika tank (with Neolamprologus for example )
 
You could do quite a few Tangs. However, make sure you research the breeding habits of them. Some can become really nasty when spawning.
 
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