Number of fish - african cichlids

[farmsmitty]

I just have a question about the number of fish to have in my tank. I've read about the inches rule and all that, but when I look at pics of african cichlid tanks, they all seem over-crowded to me.

I have a 120 gal. with 14 african cichlids and 2 plecos. How many more do you think I could put in my tank?

 

[willtang3000]

Depends what species of cichlids you have and from which lake. If you have mbuna you will want to overcrowd to keep agression at bay. If you have haps from malawi you want to stock the tank well but not so densely to give them room to swim.

 

[Ullopincrate]

You could have more depending on species/filtrations etc. There is a controlled overstocking theory on ACs to keep them from being so territorial but it's hit and miss.

 

[farmsmitty]

I have half from L.Victoria and half from L. Malawi. So far they all seem to be able to get along. I want to have a full tank, but also allow my sets to be able to breed if they want to. I was thinking I could probably put 6-8 more fish in there ... does that sound reasonable? I have a filter that would do a 175 gal. on a 120 gal.

 

[meanbestorque]

I have half from L.Victoria and half from L. Malawi. So far they all seem to be able to get along. I want to have a full tank, but also allow my sets to be able to breed if they want to. I was thinking I could probably put 6-8 more fish in there ... does that sound reasonable? I have a filter that would do a 175 gal. on a 120 gal.

You'll be fine. Just make sure you frequently check your water param's for a couple weeks after adding them. If need be, add more filtration/do more water changes accordingly.

 

[farmsmitty]

Thanks, actually I still have my fluval 100 running (which by itself is crap), so at the moment I have a double filtration system going. I just purchased a filstar xp3 that has been working great.

 

[Otherone]

You'll be fine. Just make sure you frequently check your water param's for a couple weeks after adding them. If need be, add more filtration/do more water changes accordingly.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[lateraldisposition]

If there mbunas u could keep up to 45 total specimens to cut down on agression I know it sounds like a lot but in 120 that's perfect for lowering agression in ur tank