HELP...adopted two cichlids in a 5g

[jonasionin]

Dear Cichlid Community,
I need some help. Yesterday, I bought a 5g tank off Craigslist. I want to use the tank and light for my office, but the person selling said I had to take the fish too. I didn't mind, because they are very pretty cichlids. A yellow lab? and another that he didn't know the name of. It has three distinct dot markings along its body, the first being somewhat green, while the latter two being dark and tiny electric blue dots along the edges of it dorsal and tail fins. They both appear to be in good condition and about an inch and a half to maybe two inches long. He said he's had the tank for six months, I'm guessing a little longer.

Now, I have two other tanks (see sig. and pics in Member phot section) and realize that these two will quickly outgrow this tiny tank. I have full intentions on starting a cichlid tank soon, something I've been wanting to do anyway.

My questions are: How soon must they be moved? (I realize sooner is best).

Second, what is the minimum size for a cichlid community tank?

Finally, given what I already have, what should I stock a new larger tank with?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[jonasionin]

Ok, I've been doing a little research this morning. The two fish are: yellow lab (Labidochromis caeruleus) and an african butterfly (Anomalochromis thomasi).

And, it sounds like I'll need at least 40g tank, soon.

[Aislinn]

My cichlid tank is 40g (36") and I would consider it the absolute bare minimum in terms of size for the mbuna I keep. A 48" tank would be much better, in my opinion. Having a tank as short as mine meant I had to be incredibly careful when scaping it. I use these things called Cichlid Stones; they're ceramic caves that look like rocks. I've got 13 of them mixed in with the regular rocks in my tank, so on top of all the nooks and crannies, there are actual caves as well. It makes the fish far more comfortable, and the only ones that ever hide are the juveniles when the males are displaying. But in the end, I think I just got really lucky in making it work, and I wouldn't recommend anything shorter than 48".

[GirlieGirl8521]

If you are wanting to add more African cichlids to the tank (specifically other Mbuna), a 55g is minimum IMO. A 40g tank that is 36" would be fine for a group of Yellow labs and another group of smaller less aggressive Mbuna. I wouldn't keep the ABF with the African cichlids, as its fins would most likely get nipped (just my prediction), even though most Africans are bottom-middle fish. I wouldn't try it. ;)

Try to get atleast a 55g if you can.

[x0x0x0]

I agree with Girliegirl. A 55 would suit a mbuna tank much better and if you found the 5 gallon on craigslist, i'm pretty sure you'll find cheap deals for a 55 gallon there too. I got my 55 gallon for $100 with tank, heater, filter(i replaced), stand, aerator..oh and stand.. so just be on the lookout. and as for the 5 gallon... i didn't know you could keep mbuna and african butterfly fish together? i've always wantend an abf.

[jonasionin]

i didn't know you could keep mbuna and african butterfly fish together? i've always wantend an abf.

I don't think you're supposed to, but that's how it came...(from a UC Berekely student, no less). Surprisingly they seem to be doing ok together and the ABF seems to be tolerating the higher PH quite well.

My wife is gonna kill me, I already have a 46g community tank and a 10g...when I bring home a new 40g or a 50g...I'm afraid to think how she's gonna react.