What is the smallest rift tank I could do?

mel_20_20

mel_20_20

AC Members
Sep 1, 2008
3,300
1
38
Deep in the heart of texas
I was wondering what is the smallest tank size that you could do an African rift lake biotype?

What would be the appropriate fish to stock, and what substrate and rock arrangement? What plants, if any, and would it have snails?

Thanks for the info, I was just wondering because I love the rift lake biotypes.
 
Mel!! Are you branching out? Those tiny shell dwellers are so cute!
 
((((Jacki)))) where have you been.... I pm'd you night before last... had asked you about my filter issue I am having. Are you still up at the mansion, lol?

Back to the thread. Yes, I just love the africans but was wondering if you could do them in a 10 gallon. Or maybe a 20. Could the shellies go in a small tank?
 
Depends on what you constitute a "rift tank"

You can certainly do a lot of species setups in 10-30 gallon tanks. Shelldwellers, julidochromis species, and other smaller tangs do well with those sizes. I believe even some malawi's work in breeding setups like that but I wouldn't know which species.

If you are looking for a community setup, go with something 30 gallons and up IMO. For most malawis, a 4 foot tank is pretty much a must if you mix species.

For a 10-20 gallon tank, I would highly recommend n. multifasciatus. They are small (around 1-1.5"), are not picky, and have great personalities. One potential problem with a tank as small is 10 gallons is that they do breed pretty readily, so you have to be diligent with rehoming fry. However, they do colonize so multiple generations can co-exist. But you also have to look out for any squabbling between males in a smaller tank.
 
you could do most species of shell dwellers in a 10g.
 
If you go as small as a 20 you would be limited to a maximum of 2 fish. To get the most out of your effort I would suggest going with a 40 or 55 gallon tank.

It all depends on which lake or river basin they come from and the size you want. I would suggest you decide on a species and then buy an appropriate sized tank for your ideas. By doing it that way, you are likely to be much more satisfied than trying to make something work that you may not really like. You know your budget and room limitations best and can set one up accordingly.

I researched the fish I wanted and then bought accordingly even if it was 1 piece at a time. It took a while, but it gave me the most satisfaction. Now I just "tweak" on it.
 
jpappy789 said:
Depends on what you constitute a "rift tank"

You can certainly do a lot of species setups in 10-30 gallon tanks. Shelldwellers, julidochromis species, and other smaller tangs do well with those sizes. I believe even some malawi's work in breeding setups like that but I wouldn't know which species.

If you are looking for a community setup, go with something 30 gallons and up IMO. For most malawis, a 4 foot tank is pretty much a must if you mix species.

For a 10-20 gallon tank, I would highly recommend n. multifasciatus. They are small (around 1-1.5"), are not picky, and have great personalities. One potential problem with a tank as small is 10 gallons is that they do breed pretty readily, so you have to be diligent with rehoming fry. However, they do colonize so multiple generations can co-exist. But you also have to look out for any squabbling between males in a smaller tank.
Click to expand...


Wow, good info from everyone. I'll research shellies and go look up n, multifasciatus. and julidochromis and the others. I wouldn't mind having a species tank in a 10 or 20, and if I can ever go bigger I think I would try a malawi community.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom