I have a 40 gallon breeder tank that I have set up for African Cichlids. I haven't purchased any fish yet but plan on starting with smaller fish...how many fish can I put in this tank?
how many fish for 40 gallon
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Cichlids is a VERY large group of fish...you need to be more specific.
African or South/Central American? If African, which lake (malawi, tanganyika, or victoria)???
African or South/Central American? If African, which lake (malawi, tanganyika, or victoria)???
I have not received an answer to the question that I posted, and sure need some help with how many lake malawi cichlids, small 1-11/2 inch, should I put in a 40 gallon breeder tank. Don't plan on breeding just keeping males. Please help
Its not an ideal size for them but you are probably looking at 8 or so fish for an all male set-up, and you will have to choose species very, very carefully (and ideally have a plan B to sort out problem fish - either another tank or a return policy).
How long is the tank, what filtration do you have available ?
It is a risky proposition for a set-up, you will probably lose some due to aggression, and a lot of people will say that a four foot long tank is minimum size for lake malawis.
I'd probably steer you towards tanganyikans for this tank, if you do not have prior experience of africans.
How long is the tank, what filtration do you have available ?
It is a risky proposition for a set-up, you will probably lose some due to aggression, and a lot of people will say that a four foot long tank is minimum size for lake malawis.
I'd probably steer you towards tanganyikans for this tank, if you do not have prior experience of africans.
the tank is a breeder tank so it is 36"L x 18"D x 16"H. I have it set up with sand substrate, and many large rocks to help with territorial behavior. I am using a whisper filter hung on the back of the aquarium along with an air stone.
I agree with coler a 4' tank really is more ideal for malawis. They can be really nasty.
A 40 gallon could work but it may be hit or miss. If it was me I would stick only to smaller more peaceful cichlids like yellow labs and rusties
A 40 gallon could work but it may be hit or miss. If it was me I would stick only to smaller more peaceful cichlids like yellow labs and rusties
I would third Coler's remarks, a three foot tank would be better suited to Tangayikan or SA/CA cichlids.