Planning to setup a 75 gallon mbuna tank

[Rakeboy]

I am beginner in keeping african cichlids. Currently, i have a 75 gal cycled tank since am a newbie in keeping mbunas.
What kind of stockings of species should i go for?
How many mbunas can i put in this 75 gal?
What color of substrate should i choose?
I am planning to put black pebble lava rocks or i go for white substrate?

 

[DJRansome]

Go for pool filter sand which is a "sand" color. I recommend 4 species (or less) with one male and four females (or more) for each species. Shoot for 20 individuals if you go with mixed gender as described. Fill the tank with rocks.

1m:4f Labidochromis caeruleus yellow labs
1m:4f Pseudotropheus acei
1m:4f Iodotropheus sprengerae rusties
1m:4f Cynotilapia zebroides Cobue

 

[Rakeboy]

Go for pool filter sand which is a "sand" color. I recommend 4 species (or less) with one male and four females (or more) for each species. Shoot for 20 individuals if you go with mixed gender as described. Fill the tank with rocks.

1m:4f Labidochromis caeruleus yellow labs
1m:4f Pseudotropheus acei
1m:4f Iodotropheus sprengerae rusties
1m:4f Cynotilapia zebroides Cobue

I like to use a lava rock sand that is color black. Will the color black enhance my fish color or should i use the pool filter sand?

 

[DJRansome]

I tried black sand and threw it out. It was too fine and caused my fish to color down and showed debris too readily.

It will not hurt the fish provided it is about 20 grain, so the fish can pick it up in their mouths and move it around the tank. And assuming it will not harm their mouths.

 

[GolemGolem]

Interesting, you cycled your tank before adding substrate?