Tanganyika Tank

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Peanut_Power

Running From The Hammer...
MFK Member
Jul 6, 2005
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BannedVille
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I'm toying with the idea of setting up my dads 45gal corner tank as a Tanganyika tank, but would like some input on the matter.

Was thinking of doing a couple of shellies, possibly with some other fish. Going to have some lace rock on the two main back corner sides that would reach to close to the top of the tank.

Not really sure what to do though. I was wanting to do Neolamprologus signatus, but they are proving to be difficult to find. Wouldn't mind doing a tank with an assortment of Neolamprologus actually, but not sure how that would work out either.

Would REALLY like to have some shellies in there, since the tank is in my dads classroom. It would be cool for the kids to be able to see all the interactions of the fish with the shells, plus I'm sure my dad would love having them.

Main thing is I am wanting the tank to be colorful and active. I was thinking of doing mbuna, but the footprint just doesn't really leave me with a whole lot of options. It is definitely a deep tank, and not very wide or long. :(

Any and all suggestions would be awesome!
 
If you do shellies, make sure to get some cyprichromis to fill up some of the open space in the tank. They can add to the color big time. Most of the shell dwellers that I have seen are somewhat bland. You could try the Gold Ocells.
 
go with shellies, possibly even common species if you're ok with that..I find ocellatus to be really fun to watch little fish, although I agree with the above of adding cyps or something else to add color and activity to the middle and top of the water
 
If I add cyps for the upper part of the tank are they still going to need the rock work or would they rather have more open space for swimming?

I don't know the exact dimensions of the tank, but its in the 24 x 24 x 30 range or so. Its two back panels and I believe three front panels. I haven't looked at it in a while so I can't member.
 
Cyps are purely open water. They even do the little dance in open water... it's crazy to watch.

You could try cyps, but I've heard that even the small ones (leptosoma, microlepidotus) need 3' minimum tank length in a taller tank. I had a small group of leptisoma Utinta in a 40 breeder for a while before transferring them to a 75. Had one male kill another in the smaller tank.

Since I moved them over, they seem much happier with more space to swim.
 
I've seen happy breeding cyps in 30" tanks. Just don't be afraid to put a few in there.
 

Could someone give me a stock list? Total number of fish I could have and the like. I know nothing about aggression or max size so everything you can dish out would be fantabulous!

I really like the Neolamprogus species, especially cylindricus. I also like the Cyathopharynx species as well. Very cool looking fish. They appear to be a bit large though, and look to be an open water species as well. :(

Would it just be better for me to go with Mbuna or Aulonocara?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to decide the best route to take on this so I'm not caught in a pickle.

 
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