Hi, i am kind of new here, was here like 5 years ago, getting back into my fish again. I currently have a running 55gallon with a natural pH of 8.2, containing Lake Malawi Cichlids. I think i have one Electric Yellow Hap i believe, lamborghini yellow with a black dorsal fin, 2 Blue Haps I think, and 3 others that have a purple tinge to them and there top fins go to a yellow ( 6 Cichlids total) I am new to the cichlid realm so any advice I would sure welcome. The fish are babies right now, no bigger then 1inch, i know they will grow to a decent size, how many more should I get in order to make them get along and not establish territories? Also i have a L270 pleco in there which grows much the same as a zebra pleco, will that be a problem, my own guess is no because of the sharp spiny skin and fins it has as well as hiding mostly in the daytime under rocks.
Hello, new here.
- Thread starter Jtd724
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I would be concerned about the welfare of such a nice fish as your L270. They max out at only 4" and there is a good chance that over time he may get bullied to death. Also I am surprised that a ph of 8.2 isn't to high for him given where he comes from.
As far as stocking your tank is concerned, most people follow the "high density" technique. If you have enough fish in the tank no one in particular is going to receive more than his share of the bullying (this does not apply to your plec). Keeping in mind the eventual size of your fish, you could probably get away with 12-15 fish if you have provided enough rock work. Also keep in mind that with this technique it is imperative that you do weekly water changes to keep up the water quality.
Keeping Africans successfully is less a science than a progression of trial and error. You have to monitor behavior constantly because a peaceful tank today may turn into a gladiators arena tomorrow.
As far as stocking your tank is concerned, most people follow the "high density" technique. If you have enough fish in the tank no one in particular is going to receive more than his share of the bullying (this does not apply to your plec). Keeping in mind the eventual size of your fish, you could probably get away with 12-15 fish if you have provided enough rock work. Also keep in mind that with this technique it is imperative that you do weekly water changes to keep up the water quality.
Keeping Africans successfully is less a science than a progression of trial and error. You have to monitor behavior constantly because a peaceful tank today may turn into a gladiators arena tomorrow.
Electric Yellows: http://www.malawimayhem.com/profile_show.php?id=247
Electric Blue:http://www.malawimayhem.com/profile_show.php?id=80
Purpley ones:http://www.malawimayhem.com/profile_show.php?id=398
Those are most likely what you have. They are fairly peaceful mbuna compared to other malawi cichlids. The haps require a different diet than the mbuna, but since you have labs and acei (the two best species to be kept with haps) then i would say its okay. They can handle more protien in thier diet. I would reccommend getting some Aulonocara or 'peacocks', those will be okay in a 55 gallon. Many haps will outgrow a 55.
If you wanted to do mbuna instead i would reccommend getting rid of the fryeri and stocking with mbuna, in which case you would need to do more fish because of aggression.
Like Karnaaj said, a lot of it is trial and error.
HTH
-Diana
Electric Blue:http://www.malawimayhem.com/profile_show.php?id=80
Purpley ones:http://www.malawimayhem.com/profile_show.php?id=398
Those are most likely what you have. They are fairly peaceful mbuna compared to other malawi cichlids. The haps require a different diet than the mbuna, but since you have labs and acei (the two best species to be kept with haps) then i would say its okay. They can handle more protien in thier diet. I would reccommend getting some Aulonocara or 'peacocks', those will be okay in a 55 gallon. Many haps will outgrow a 55.
If you wanted to do mbuna instead i would reccommend getting rid of the fryeri and stocking with mbuna, in which case you would need to do more fish because of aggression.
Like Karnaaj said, a lot of it is trial and error.
HTH
-Diana
thanks for the responses, and those 3 links do look like the cichlids I have, good work!! The reason the pleco is doing so well is because years back i had an R\O system but it broke, over time, slowly small water changes it got to the 8.2pH. I also have 6 rummynose tetras living quite well there too, had them for the same time about 4-5 years, my aunt is going to take them to her tank. The fish store, whyich isnt your typical, its a total fishnut paradise, everyone there are true fish connisuers said the pleco should be ok as long as he has a cave and the rough spiny fins and skin will be a preventative as well. I gotta big heart for fish so if I notice him getting roughed up, I'll give him to the fish store or my aunt, but trust me, he is totally acclimated to the 8.2 even though they are born and prefer softer (6.5-7.0pH). You guys are great thanks!