Starting a 55 gallon mbuna species tank

[dynasty187]

I know another what should I get thread :mad2: lol but please bare with me.

I plan on turning my 55 gallon mixed african tank to a mbuna species tank. I will attempt to return my 3 large red peacocks and maybe 3 large aurore pombo (Pseudotropheus aurora?) because 1 male is really aggressive.

So that will leave me with 2 yellow labs and 2 Cynotilapia afra Chinuni. I like demasoni, acei, rusty or dwarfs. And I think I will attempt to overstock to reduce aggressiveness.

Your help on stocking number and species is GREATLY appreciated.

[dynasty187]

I'm considering adding about 10-12 other mildly aggressive mbuna like yellow labs, acei, rusty or demasoni?

[AquariumNoob13]

ur such a copy cat! i finally get a 55g to put my mbuna in and then u go and turn ur 55g into a mbuna tank! lolz. j/k j/k.

[dynasty187]

ahah I decided it was time. The black calvus are my favourite so they will get a tank of their own.

I also have barbs I will use as dithers for the mbuna tank.

[tarheels910]

Dont use barbs as dithers. If you overstock properly, there is no need for them.

First off, I would get more labs and afras.

Here is a good stock for your tank:

1 M/3-4 F Yellow Labs
1 M/3-4 F Afra
1 M/3-4 F Rusties
1 M/3-4 F Zebras (your choice between Reds, Cobalts, Blotched, ect.)

Its a good stock for your tank is you have really good filtration. Most of the fish stay small.

[tarheels910]

Oh, and its not a species tank unless all of the fish are the same species. :)

[dynasty187]

thanks tar, what if I use the barbs as dithers in my calvus tank?

[charlie_stubbs]

In my 55 tank I have:
3 electric yellows
6 electric blue
3 chizumulu zebra
3 chilumba zebra
1 upsidedown catfish

I use an Emperor 400 and a Penguin 350 for filtration. I have provided a great deal of caves, and they have dug a few of their own. Aggression in my tank is not an issue.
Recently I have discovered three babies in the tank, about fingernail sized. Because of my stocking levels, I do 50% WC twice a week.