Stocking 29 gal African cichlids

[Jeditaz]

Hi, I am a beginner and I bought a 29 gal tank (12"x30"x18"). I have a marineland 50 gallon filter, (I think model 200) it moves 200 gal per hour. I was anxious to get some African cichlids so yesterday I went and got one tropheus Duboisi, (2cm maybe less than an inch), one electric blue johanni, (about 2 inches) and one that I think is a red zebra (a little longer than an inch). It could be a female johanni because I couldn't find differences between female johanni and red zebras. My question is if I already made a mistake with these three, and if the are compatible what else can I add? I want as many as possible because of the filter capabilities. Please help, thank you.

 

[tlindsey]

Hi, I am a beginner and I bought a 29 gal tank (12"x30"x18"). I have a marineland 50 gallon filter, (I think model 200) it moves 200 gal per hour. I was anxious to get some African cichlids so yesterday I went and got one tropheus Duboisi, (2cm maybe less than an inch), one electric blue johanni, (about 2 inches) and one that I think is a red zebra (a little longer than an inch). It could be a female johanni because I couldn't find differences between female johanni and red zebras. My question is if I already made a mistake with these three, and if the are compatible what else can I add? I want as many as possible because of the filter capabilities. Please help, thank you.

Welcome aboard

james99
stempy

 

[Jeditaz]

Welcome aboard

james99
stempy

Thank you, any advice for a beginner with a tank set up like this? I also have a 200w heater that I've been trying to keep the tank at about 78-80 degrees F. I've heard from my LFS 6 cichlids might be a max but I trust you guys more than them. I've been lurking in your posts before I joined

 

[james99]

First I wouldn't trust the lfs, they are there to make money, so of course you can buy 6 fish. When those die you can come back and buy 6 more. A 30" tank doesn't allow much when it comes to lake Malawi cichlids, I've seen people do small group of saulosi or yellow labs. Lake tang offers a few more options.

 

[Jeditaz]

i really appreciate your input james99. I was originally looking for saulosi but none of my lfs carried them. I looked everywhere nearby for them. I've heard that online is the best source to get unique cichlids but I was too impatient. Do those three species of cichlids tend to get along? Or isn't it more recommended to have a one species only tank?

 

[james99]

The tank size would limit you to one species. At least with saulosi you'll have the blue striped males and yellow females. Labs would all be yellow with a little black. Lake tang has neolamprologus cuadopuntatus, shelldwellers, brichardi, compressicep and calvus. Lots of interesting fish in lake tang.

 

[Jeditaz]

- james99- I looked all of those up and wow, they are really beautiful fish! I was looking at where to order them and to find them. Since I have a wife and a 14 month baby boy who are also new to fish the experience for my wife going to the store and picking the fish made it much more personal for her. We added one electric yellow lab, about an inch, one demasoni, about an inch, and a jewel that is the biggest at over two inches. We are at six now but they all seem to be getting along. The jewel is not fighting at the moment they are all getting to know each other. I attached a picture but most of them are hiding. I plan on upgrading once the survivors get larger and I will keep you all posted! Thanks for everything! I feed them mainly flakes but I intend on feeding blood worms once a week. Any advice is always welcomed and appreciated.

 

[markstrimaran]

45% max protein algea based food.
You got about 6 months, before things get rouph.
I started with a 30 gallon, 36 x 12 x 18. Started throwing in plastic jars, just to keep the peace.

 

[Jeditaz]

Thanks Mark, I will keep that 6 month timeline in mind. I've heard that is when fish tend to experience a growth spurt and I will keep a close eye on them and try to keep stress level down on the fish. We put in those two cichlids rocks hoping that smaller fish will have plenty of hiding spots if they don't grow as fast as others. I've been feeding them omega one cichlids flakes. We have trouble knowing how much is enough food for each feeding and how much is just right. I will research more to prevent over feeding. I also bought omega one blood worms and I plan on feeding them that once a week for one feeding. I'm thinking of also investing in pellets and beef heart. I will have to do research on switching them from flakes to pellets and if it's smart to switch their foods all the time. I don't want to make rookie mistakes and hurt them.

 

[tlindsey]

Thanks Mark, I will keep that 6 month timeline in mind. I've heard that is when fish tend to experience a growth spurt and I will keep a close eye on them and try to keep stress level down on the fish. We put in those two cichlids rocks hoping that smaller fish will have plenty of hiding spots if they don't grow as fast as others. I've been feeding them omega one cichlids flakes. We have trouble knowing how much is enough food for each feeding and how much is just right. I will research more to prevent over feeding. I also bought omega one blood worms and I plan on feeding them that once a week for one feeding. I'm thinking of also investing in pellets and beef heart. I will have to do research on switching them from flakes to pellets and if it's smart to switch their foods all the time. I don't want to make rookie mistakes and hurt them.

Feed enough for them to consume in about 2 mins. Rotate the Flakes in your feeding routine when you get the pellets. I personally would pass on the beef heart though. I personally feed my Cichlids once a day.