Returning to the Hobby

[tarheels910]

Not sure too many of you remember me, but I use to be a regular here. I had many tanks set up with tons of African Cichlids. Well, I am moving to a new house on the first and am looking to set up another tank. Although I have sold most of my tanks, I still have two complete 55 set ups. I want to do a species tank, but where I live, I am limited to what is available. If I cannot find a local breeder, my best bet is Petsmart. I want a peaceful tank, so am leaning towards a peacock tank. So I am asking what a good stock woulf be to start with? Thanks.

[laudy000]

Do yourself a favor and buy your original breeding stock either from a seller on here or a site like Aquabid. Chain stores, in my opinion, are not a good source to buy breeding stock.

[tarheels910]

Do yourself a favor and buy your original breeding stock either from a seller on here or a site like Aquabid. Chain stores, in my opinion, are not a good source to buy breeding stock.
Looking to get a nice group for a decent price. I have never bought online before though.

I am even considering doing a colony of a single species Mbuna.

[RDTigger]

Check dykemyster.com.. also on aquabid as well... Local to Charleston area of SC..

[Pittbull]

Yeah dykemyster is who i just ordered fish from and was an excellent shipment plus he is close to you and has tons of Haps, Mbuna and Peacocks..

Please don't buy fish from Petsmart you will regret it..

[efors]

For a Mbuna one species tank, I would choose Ps. saulosi. Blue with black bars males and bright yellow females. Nice combination of colors in a single species. As they are dwarf mbuna, you can have a beautiful large colony of them in a 55gal tank.

[AfroCichlid]

For a Mbuna one species tank, I would choose Ps. saulosi. Blue with black bars males and bright yellow females. Nice combination of colors in a single species. As they are dwarf mbuna, you can have a beautiful large colony of them in a 55gal tank.

+1 if you go the Mbuna route. Are you stuck at 55 or could you upgrade to 75? If it's possible you should take a look beyond the Malawis and check out Tropheus. They are similar to Mbuna in social structure and diet, but are from Tanganyika and can be absolutely stunning as a species tank.

[tarheels910]

For a Mbuna one species tank, I would choose Ps. saulosi. Blue with black bars males and bright yellow females. Nice combination of colors in a single species. As they are dwarf mbuna, you can have a beautiful large colony of them in a 55gal tank.
Yes, I had a group of Saulosi in one of my old tanks. Great fish. I got lucky and came accross them at a local fishstore that is no longer open.

I will take a look at dykemyster and see if he has what I am looking for.

[DrgRcr]

All good advice and I would also stress not buying from the big box stores. I've heard good things about Dykemysters, although I never got anything from him. I ordered my mbuna from here http://www.davesfish.com/ . He has an impeccable reputation amongst cichlid hobbiests.

[tarheels910]

These online stores are pricy. Plus once you pay for shipping, you are really in the hole. Seeing the fish prior to purchase is a big thing for me.

[Lab_Rat]

All good advice and I would also stress not buying from the big box stores. I've heard good things about Dykemysters, although I never got anything from him. I ordered my mbuna from here http://www.davesfish.com/ . He has an impeccable reputation amongst cichlid hobbiests.


I have to second the recommendation for Dave's Rare Fish. He's local to me, I love to go to his store just to look at all the amazing fish he has in. For the quality of his fish, the prices are very reasonable.

[austinpetemo]

hey labrat, are you a member of the HCCC? ive been to daves and he is real active in the club, if you want the best deals, go to one of the auctions. you just cant beat the price.

[RDTigger]

Yeah dykemyster is who i just ordered fish from and was an excellent shipment plus he is close to you and has tons of Haps, Mbuna and Peacocks..

Please don't buy fish from Petsmart you will regret it..


Yes, I had a group of Saulosi in one of my old tanks. Great fish. I got lucky and came accross them at a local fishstore that is no longer open.

I will take a look at dykemyster and see if he has what I am looking for.


I have not ordered from him yet but have met him and seen his setup.. Amazing stock and takes great care of his stock. He has hard to find species and only gets the real F1's... Friendly and courteous and willing to answer questions and offer advice on stocking options..Very reasonable on shipping.

[austinpetemo]

davesfish.com has a really nice setup. ive been there a few times, his prices are a little high, but he has great stock

[tarheels910]

I have been looking and prefer to buy the fish locally because I like to see what I pay for and therefor I can choose my stock. I still cant find a local breeder here in Concord/Charlotte. I might end up having to go to Petsmart.

[Lab_Rat]

hey labrat, are you a member of the HCCC? ive been to daves and he is real active in the club, if you want the best deals, go to one of the auctions. you just cant beat the price.

Yep. Got many of my plants, all my zebra obliqs, shellies, endlers, a bunch of driftwood and holey rock, my big nic, etc, all from the auctions. Got my peacocks from another club member. Are you going to the April auction?

[efors]

Are you stuck at 55 or could you upgrade to 75? If it's possible you should take a look beyond the Malawis and check out Tropheus. They are similar to Mbuna in social structure and diet, but are from Tanganyika and can be absolutely stunning as a species tank.

+1 if you go the Tang route! :D

[RDTigger]

I have been looking and prefer to buy the fish locally because I like to see what I pay for and therefor I can choose my stock. I still cant find a local breeder here in Concord/Charlotte. I might end up having to go to Petsmart.


Why?... They have aquatic functions in and around charlotte, just be patient. I would agree that staying away from the big box stores would be wise. Be patient and do it the right way... :footinmouth:

[blue2fyre]

I think you will end up being disappointed from the fish from petsmart. I got a few mbuna from there since my options were limited locally. They never were as colorful as the fish I got from breeders or the lfs. I ended up giving them all away since they were so dull in color.

[tarheels910]

I have found a breeder in Statesville, which is still a good drive for me, that has Yellow Labs and Cobalt Zebras. I think that is a good contrast for my tank.

[RDTigger]

I have found a breeder in Statesville, which is still a good drive for me, that has Yellow Labs and Cobalt Zebras. I think that is a good contrast for my tank.


If that's what you want.. If you want more exotic africans go through dykemysters aquabid auctions and fish list...

I want some more unique malawi species

[tarheels910]

Just talked to the person and they had my hopes up. Turns out the fish havent even been born yet and wont be ready for another 5 weeks. They want 5 bucks for fish that are 1/2 an inch. Im going to pass on that and hope to find another local breeder.

[FinFanatic]

Be careful with the yellow labs and zebras. I have a breeding pair of zebras and they are THE dominant fish in my tank. So much so that my yellows disappeared :(

[tarheels910]

Well I finally got some fish in the tank. I found a great local fish store and got 5 Acei and 1 male Albino Zebra. I know I shouldnt have gotten the Zebra, but his nice orange colors had me sold. I plan to have the store order me a group of Yellow Labs and should have them in a few weeks. I have to work tonight, but should have some pictures up tomorrow.

[efors]

Cool!