Lake M and lake T cichlids together

[dwarfgourami7]

I can spell the two lake's names so i won't try. Basicly after i went into my lfs and saw a few tanks clearly selling M and T cichlids just from looking. Next time i have to stock my 30G i would like to make an african cichlid tank but can the two types of cichlids live together or will it strictly have to be either a lake T or lake M set up?

[Aquaken]

A 30g is too small for a lot of Malawi species so why not just do lake Tang.

If you insist on Malawi be sure to get one of the smallest species like demasoni or saulosi.

[dwarfgourami7]

ok but that didnt anwser my question. Are the two types compatable?

[liv2padl]

not compatible.

African cichlid from Lake Malawi do best in water with a chemistry of: pH 7.7-8.6, GH 160-280 ppm, KH 180-240 ppm. Malawi is considered a Class 1 lake: Class I lakes have low total concentrations of ions [alkalinity usually less than 6 milliequivalents per liter (meq/L) and conductivity of less than 600 µS (µmho).

Lake Tanganyikan is a Class II lake: Class II lakes have higher total ion concentrations (alkalinity of about 6 to 60 meq/L), and conductivity of between 600 and 6000 µS. The higher ion concentrations of solutes are primarily sodium carbonate and bicarbonate. the chemistry required by these cichlids is: pH 8.5-9.4, GH 240-320 ppm and KH 180-240 ppm.

[GirlieGirl8521]

Ditto! ^^

In a 30g, I'd go with Lake Tanganyikans...alot of them are small enough for that size tank.

[dwarfgourami7]

But are lake tang fish less hardy than lake M cichlids? Thats what came up a few times when i was searching the internet.

[Rbishop]

Doesn't matter which one is more or less hardy. They are not compatible.

[dwarfgourami7]

Ok then. They are not compatable. That rule is in effect on me now. It just seems that not only are tang cichlids less hardy but they are more expensive. I just want to know in the long term which type is better to keep. I don't want to spend £80+ on fish that will die in a few weeks. I just like the cool colours shapes and behaviour these fish have to offer.

[kay-bee]

Specifically what Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika cichlids are you considering? I wouldn't necessarily categorize the lake tang. cichlids as being less hardy.

Each lake contains a great diversity of cichlids which in my opinion can't be lumped into a single group when it comes to categorizing them as fitting a single characteristic.

Non-compatiblity typically involves significant differences in dietary needs, behavioral patterns, aggression, ideal water requirements, etc.

[dwarfgourami7]

Basicly. I like the colours and the general look of both types of african cichlids. The key factor is size because they will be going in my 30G when i re-stock it. What will be better. Also my ph is steady at 7.5 and thats better for lake M cichlids and i dont like to buffer my water unless i have naturaly buffering things in my tank as decor or what ever.

[kay-bee]

What particular species do you have in mind?

[liv2padl]

there are precious few Malawi cichlids that can fit in 30 gallons.