Ok, I am considering setting up an african tank, but this would be my first one. I have a 55g, and my plan is to use about 30% crushed coral 70% gravel for substrate, and put in a bunch of rocks and pots for hiding places. I have no idea about the different species of these fish, but I do know I want a jewel cichlid, and I would like a variety of smaller fish so I can make the 55g a community tank. Does this sound like a decent setup for these fish? Can anyone recommend certain species? Also, I know these fish are pretty easy to breed, so would it be best to get a few of each and let them reproduce rather than buy a lot of them?
new african tank
- Thread starter yemista
- Start date
I don't know much about african fish- friends of mine keep them. I have two jewls at home, and they are very beautiful fish. Mine do have a tendency to fight with each other though. Got a couple of other africans in my tank and they are usually quite visible fish that like to be up front. Haven't noticed mine really hiding behind rocks or anything.
Now I have decided to keep ca/sa fish instead so my africans are soon going to be moved to a friends tank - but this is down more to space rather than temperment.
Now I have decided to keep ca/sa fish instead so my africans are soon going to be moved to a friends tank - but this is down more to space rather than temperment.
The substrate mix sounds great. You've got it right with the large amount of rocks and pots for hiding places to create territory.
I'm sure some people will disagree with me, but if you want a breeding pair of jewels, there's not too much more room in the tank for other fish. Significantly smaller fish sounds like a specifically bad idea when they start to spawn.
I'm sure some people will disagree with me, but if you want a breeding pair of jewels, there's not too much more room in the tank for other fish. Significantly smaller fish sounds like a specifically bad idea when they start to spawn.
No, I only want one jewel. I meant about all the other fish. The main goal is a community tank with many different cichlids. I was wondering if I should just by a couple from different varieties and let them reproduce, or if I should fully stock the tank from the start
Try a bunch of male mbuna. Colorfull and active fish. Get a wide selection of colors/stripes to avoid conspecific agression
About the substrate though, how much is good for 55g? If I put too much will it make the water too hard for the fish?
Not an expert on substrate thats for sure but I dont put a lot in my tanks, I put in just enough to cover the bottom plus a little more. Like in my 150gal tank I used to bags of sand plus half a small bucket. The bags of sand are not big they are the size of the ones you would buy at petsmart. I used one bag on my 55gal. I think its easier to clean the mess our of the sand when there is less of it.
As for stocking if you want color and breeding I would just get a mix of mbuna and keep it to that. To keep agression down you will want more females then males. They are agressive and sometimes its a number game on how many fish they are confortable with and which fish get along the best to what will over all stay in the tank.
As for stocking if you want color and breeding I would just get a mix of mbuna and keep it to that. To keep agression down you will want more females then males. They are agressive and sometimes its a number game on how many fish they are confortable with and which fish get along the best to what will over all stay in the tank.