Your opinion of these stocking options

T

trixylarue

AC Members
Jul 16, 2006
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Hello - I have an empty 55 which will be set up this week. This is my first cichlid tank, and I have been researching what I want and I'm leaning toward two options. I'd like your opinion on these and I have a few questions.

I think I would like a 2 species tank with Metriaclima Callainos (Cobalt Blue Zebras) and Labidochromis Caeruleus (Electric Yellow). What would be the stocking #'s for each? 6 of each?

I am also toying with throwing a third species in there (4 of each ?) and I"m thinking of Rusty's.

Any opinion's between the 2 or 3 species tank? Do you have another suggestion for a third species other then the Rusty's?

Thanks.
 
Labs, cobalts and rusties are a beautiful combination of mbuna with 3 very different colors...I like it! IMO 5 or even 6 of each would be OK in a 55gal with a lot of rocks.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I originally was going to go with Ps. Acei and then decided to change it to the Rustys. I think I will do the three species. Now the waiting starts while I set it up and cycle it.
 
I agree with the others, 3 species will work well, the ones mentioned will look nice together. Good luck.

FWIW, I don't know where you live, but I have Rusties for sale in the buy/sell section if you're local.
 
Yup those 3 will look great together, good choices! I gotta put my plug in for acei though! :) If you went with acei, labs & rustys you would have a much more peaceful, balanced tank. The Cobalts are more aggressive then the labs & rustys where as the acei are as calm or perhaps even more relaxed than the labs & rustys. Plus the acei are well known for always being out and about, hanging in the upper portion of the tank (uncommon for Mbunas) and they have schooling tendencies. If you really prefer the cobalts they should work just fine, don't get me wrong, this is just my 2 cents. :D
 
myswtsins you have me thinking again. My original plan was the Labs, acei, and Rusties and after more research decided to change to the Cobalts because I really like their coloring. But the reason I had the acei on the list in the first place was their tendency to swim toward the top. Oh decisions, decisions.

DrgRcr - I lived in Central NJ for 30 years but now I'm in NC.
 
IMO you will be have less problems if you go with the acei, labs & rusty's especially in a 55g which is the smallest tank I would put mixed mbunas in. One aggressive species with 2 less aggressive species will do ok too though, just make sure your less aggressive species out number the aggressive ones.

I am currently thinking about reducing my aggressive species and doing mostly acei with 1 maybe 2 other species. In the end YOU have to look at and be happy with it, for me the less work & stress a tank causes me the more I can enjoy it! Hence why my low tech planted shrimp tank is my favorite tank! :D

*EDIT* Oh yeah, how do you like NC compared to NJ? I am thinking it is time to get the heck outta here and head south! :)
 
Well I like a less stressful environment too so I guess it's back to the acei with the Rusties and Labs.

NJ vs NC: I have been here for 10 years and I have never owned a snow shovel. How does that sound?? I love it here, you still get 4 seasons but the winters are mild (this year being an exception). When it does snow, it is just a few inches and it's gone in a day. But beware - because we don't get much of the white stuff, they don't have the equipment down here to handle it and even and inch or two can shut the whole area down. I find people in general are more polite and friendly down here.
 
myswtsins said:
IMO you will be have less problems if you go with the acei, labs & rusty's especially in a 55g which is the smallest tank I would put mixed mbunas in.
Click to expand...

I agree, after all; so, good decision to stay with these 3 species, trixylarue! :thm:
 
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