Ideas for a Malawi Cichlid tank

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

I am shopping for a tank to make into a African Lake Malawi cichlid tank. Unfortunatley, i dont have a lot of space for a big one, so i was thinking in the 30-33 gallon 'long' range. I know thats not big enough for larger cichlids, but there are some smaller ones i believe that might do fine in there.

The main reason for the new tank is for my kribensis, whom i know are from the Niger delta region and not lake malawi, but i've read somewhere that they get along with non-agressive malawi cichlids. (non- mbunas?). Its hard to find lists of species that get along with each other, so maybe you guys had some imput. I also want to get ones that i dont have to overstock the tank for.

I am going to have a sandy substrate with lots of flat, round stones piles to make caves and such for the fish (just like a malawi lake would look like). Maybe some grasses and Vallisneria as well.

I'm open to any ideas you might have.

[SnakeIce]

the main problem with kribs and rift valley lake fish is that the water requirements are so different betweent the two...

kribs are hardy to say the least but it would not be the best for iether one if you compromised on the water values

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

Hmmm. Thats is true. Its strange someone would say then that they can be kept together?

Well should i go for some Jewel, butterfly or blockhead cichlids to go with my kribensis? They are all river cichlids..... are they not?

Do they still like the rocky and sandy set up?

I really like those shell-dwelling cichlids as well. But i suppose those like the higher ph.


:mad:

[demon_surfer]

im pretty sure that even the most placid rift lake cichlid will be to much for the Kribs.

the size diffrence is just too great.

if you want something with your kribs I would look into some fast shoaling fish. tetras or rainbows. they will stay in the upper part of the tank look good and stay in motion.

otherwise i would be too worried about the kribs vanishing.

[~*LuvMyKribs*~]

Well the thing is i have the pair in my community tank right now. They chase everyone to one side of the tank, and the two soley inhabit the other. They even chase my innocent little catfish. I dont like them going after my angel either. My set up does not offer them a small-sized substrate or any real caves that are suitable. They have spawned before, but never succesful in raising the fry.


I want to give them thier own tank, and i want to keep some other small-sized cichlids in with them that would benifit from the rocky decor. I've read that other african river cichlids go fine with them.... and i wont have any other non-african river fish in with them (aside from some sort of catsfish).

[demon_surfer]

dont do africans they dont go with them at all.

apistos need soft water africans need very hard.

you could try keyhole cichlids they dont get to big and are pretty peaceful.