Need help stocking a 29

[jpappy789]

I am new to african cichlids (I have GBR's in a 30) and I have an epty 29 gal. I have naturally hard water with a high pH (8.0+) so taht led me to cichlids. I was thinking some lake tanganyikan species would be nice. Maybe some julies and shelldwellers...any ideas?

BTW, this is what I'm thinking

• Julidochromis regani (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1532) - 1 pair
• Neolamprologus leleupi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1671) - 1 pair
• 'Lamprologus' occelatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1753) - 1 trio

[Nolapete]

I'd keep a group of julies with lots of holey rock OR a group of shell dwellers with lots of shells. Not both. A pair or trio of calvus or compressiceps would be cool. I have plans for comps soon.

[jpappy789]

Could you give me some ideas for shell dwellers? I really wouldn't like to keep just one species if possible. If not I may have to upgrade...

[Nolapete]

http://www.reservestockcichlids.com/home.php?cat=9

http://www.reservestockcichlids.com/home.php?cat=7

You could keep them together. Just have to watch for aggression when spawning. Your stocking is fine. Just put a lot of holey rock.

[Jayhawk]

I think two species is fine in a 29, but no more than that. J. transcriptus (kesse bemba not Gombe which is more aggressive, dickfeldi or ornatus with a pair of N. brevis or a trio of occelatus would work fine. I'd avoide similis or multifasciatus as they'll form a colony and take over the tank. Also, caudopunctatus would work, too, but sometimes they prefer rocks over shells.

Just have 2 territories - rocks up high in the water (julies will swim to the top if there is a rock to cling to - it's like their bellies suction onto rocks or the substrate) and put the shells on the far side. I've done it several times with great success.

Eric

[jpappy789]

That was my exact train of thought jayhawk:)

I think a pair of J. dickfeldi or ornatus, depending on what my lfs have, plus probably a trio N. Occelatus. Also, I was wondering if there was anything that I could add to help "clean up" the tank? Can shrimp survive the wrath of cichlids???

Thanks for all the help!

[jpappy789]

Well I just realized that any invertabrate is going to get demolished by a cichlid. So getting just a little off topic...what type of filter do you guys recommend. A few websites strongly advise using 2 filters. Is that necessary?

[jpappy789]

anybody? bump

[Jayhawk]

I've always just used an AC 200 on it (not sure what the new version of the AC 200 is)...just one, worked fine.

Eric

[rushhour]

You could try Daffodil pulchers. They usually get no larger than 4 inches and can handle a 29G. I have a few in my 29G less than a month ago. Guess What? Fry. 20 to 25 to my guestamation. They are beautiful and great parents. But they are Very and I mean VERY protective when breeding and raising they young. But the young and parents become one "big happy family" and will protect each other and their fry.

I recommend a species only tank with brichardis or pulchers. In case you wonder a brichardi has a T and a pulcher has a ((. Some lfs get them confused.

[Aphotic Phoenix]

A few websites strongly advise using 2 filters. Is that necessary?

Two filters should not be necessary...there are just advantages in using two.

[jpappy789]

Thanks AP, I guess there always is advantages to overfiltering but I didn't know if it was really needed.

Anybody have any additional comments on my stocking? I would like a pair of smaller julies and either occies or brevis, I need help deciding...

[jm1212]

10x GPH of the tank's volume should be sufficient

[jpappy789]

I looked at the aqua clear (if that's what you meant by AC) and it seems reasonable. What do you mean jm?

edit: nevermind. the AC 300 works then and is only $41 at Petsmart. Is this good?

Also, stocking fine???

[Coler]

you want the filtration combined to be rated as pumping 10 times the gallon volume of the tank per hour. if the flow is a bit strong you would diffuse with a spray bar arrangement.

i suggest having at least 2 filters as a matter of course, in case of failure.

[jpappy789]

Alright. I picked up a filter. AC 50/200 and I ordered some holey rock and shells from ebay (cheap too!). I was wondering if anybody had some last minute suggestions? Stocking and substrate are the two things that are on my mind right now.

[ramos93352]

I am new to african cichlids (I have GBR's in a 30)

Just wondering, you know GBR's are south american cichlids, not african, right?

Sorry if im off topic, but i was just reading through the thread & noticed that when i went back to the beggining.