pH and African Cichlids+ Stocking Tank

[badisbadis101]

Heads up about rock:

At my local stone yard, its like 13 cents a pound or something, or 11 cents if you buy it by the pallet. for a 125, i would think you would want around 150 lbs of rock, maybe 200, and it would run you less than $30, if prices are anywhere near what i get.

The key is to go to the stoneyard, not the petstore.

 

[Darkskies]

Hi,
After researching some more, I have decided on a new stocking list. It is as follows.
Pseudotropheus Acei
Labidochromis Caeruleus
Pseudotropheus cyaneorhabdos(maingano)
Iodotropheus Sprengerae(Rusty)
Labeotropheus Trewavasse

I think the mainganos would be a good replacement for demasoni and they can be found for a more inexpensive price. I am worrying over the fact that mainganos used to be classified in the melanochromis family and based on my readings mbuna from that genus are more adept fry predators(I would like some fry to be able to mature in the main tank). Is this accurate regarding the mainganos? Are there any possibilities for hybridization with the above stock list? Also, if I were to add just the acei, yellow labs, and rusty cichlids at first and then later(maybe like 6 months) introduce the Trewavasse and maingano would there be territorial/aggression issues? How many of each should I aim for/begin with?

 

[Darkskies]

If I decide to choose this setup, I might actually go with either the maingano or the demasoni. Would someone at least answer my question as to whether I could first introduce the yellow labs, rusties, and acei before waiting some months to add the demasoni/maingano and trewavasse? Thanks.

 

[Darkskies]

Would someone please answer?

 

[mike dunagan]

It should work.

 

[lukas]

hey bud, the african set up will be great, ive had mine for acouple months now and am very happy with what i have although a lot smaller than your set up will be,( check my pics,) Currently have 3 yellow tail aceii, 2 electric yellow, 1 sunshine peacock, 1 lemon cichild, 1 red zebra, 1 cobalt blue and a bristle nose cat, they all sem to tolerate each other, although they chase each other around a bit to show whos boss, i quiet like watching them

 

[Darkskies]

Hey guys,
I just realized that if my end stock will include both pseudotropheus acei and demasoni would that result in potential problems either with hybridization or interspecies aggression issues?

 

[Blue2Fyre]

They should be fine. Demasoni are really only aggressive towards fish that look like them and acei don't bother anyone. They also look so different that you should have no problems with cross breeding.

 

[Darkskies]

They should be fine. Demasoni are really only aggressive towards fish that look like them and acei don't bother anyone. They also look so different that you should have no problems with cross breeding.

Great! Thanks!

 

[Darkskies]

I forgot to ask but how do I learn if my floor will be able to handle the weight of the tank, the water, sand/crushed coral, rocks, and fish? I think I should be looking at 250 lbs of rock for a 125 gallon tank, right?