African Cichlids...and.....?

[SBee]

So I'm getting a dozen or so "small mixed africans" sometime in the near future. The tank has sand for substrate. I've been told I can't put kuhli loaches in there because they'll get thrashed.....so is there anything else I could put in there to keep the sand movin'?

[skeletalmachine]

I've seen lots of people keep africans with clown loaches.

[Andy16]

Maybe a horsefaced loach. It shouldnt get attacked because of its ability to burrow under the sand. It will beable to get out of the way of danger.

[Harry Tolen]

Why not Synodontis multipunctatus or S. petricola? Both are suitable for Rift Lake environments, and both will keep the bottom busy for you.

[JSchmidt]

Agree with Harry. Both of the synos he mentions make great tankmates for african cichlids.

Jim

[ChilDawg]

The only fish that I have ever seen with African (read: Rift Lake) Cichlids would be Synos, some Plecos, or Rainbowfish. Since Synos stir up the substrate, I would recommend them.

[demon_surfer]

if you want somethign other than a looch you can try a Chinese Algae eater. I have one in with our Mbuna Cicilds and everything seems to be going fine..he even chases them around a bit. The CAE can be pretty intresting fish. i dont think ive even seen him be bothered by them. I even caught them all playing in a corner once...at least i think they where playing lol

[SBee]

LOL
thanks for all the suggestions


Here's another question....anyone know what kind of africans specifically are usually in these "mixed" tanks at the LFS???

[ChilDawg]

They could just be hybrids, but I see a lot that resemble the various Zebras. I wouldn't get them if you are planning on breeding to keep bloodlines pure!

[SBee]

nah I don't care about breeding......I just want a substantial number of fish to stock my tank.......without spending a lot of money. they are on sale for 2 bucks each right now. My concern is that they appear quite dull at the LFS........do you think they'd brighten up in the happier conditions in the tank at my house?

[Jinks]

LFS = L33t

[ChilDawg]

They might, but it is possible that, because of mixing of genes, they will just be dull-colored due to a grand mix of hues.

[Slappy*McFish]

Originally posted by Jinks
LFS = L33t

actually, "|337" is the true eliteness...you h4xo|2..lol ffs!!!!1

[SBee]

LOL

[SBee]

so I've decided to go with Clown Loaches........and I see them mixed with Africans in display tanks at the LFS all the time........but my question is, don't these guys come from exact opposite water parameters as africans???

what should my water parameters be, to keep both happy?

[JSchmidt]

I don't know how you can keep fish that prefer opposite types of water in the same tank... I personally think it's not the best idea. Just because it's done at the LFS doesn't mean it's a good idea or that the fish will thrive. LFSs are famous for advocating poor husbandry practices.

Jim

[ChilDawg]

Adding to what Jim said, you wouldn't want to keep fish in tanks with the same nitrate levels as your garden-variety LFS either. I wouldn't put clowns in with Africans even if I saw every pet store in the country (except for a few who would never do that either) did so.

[SBee]

Lots of people on the African Cichlid Resource page said that mixing the two was okay......


so today I went to an LFS and the guy there said "ahhhh no way, don't do it......I wouldn't do it"...

next I went to Big Al's and asked them (they have them mixed) and the guy there told me that only the OLDER clown loaches will adjust to the harder water and higher pH......but that the little one's probably wouldn't survive.

So of course I didn't get any =(

I was really looking forward to the added color in the tank...ah well...

[Slappy*McFish]

good call..glad you didn't mix them.

[ChilDawg]

With Africans, it is not hard to find that extra color which you are seeking, so, hopefully, your fish in the tank aren't too well-established to accept newcomers (but add any newbies with extreme caution!)