Lake Malawi Cichlids compatibility

I have two more questions about Malawis:

1. A cichlid site suggested Clown Loaches as a good fish to put with the Malawi cichlids because they tolerate most water conditions. Will they get picked on? Also Plecos were mentioned.

2. Crushed coral is used in the Malawi tank for water hardness. Can we add sea shells to the tank like Sand Dollar brought by a friend from Florida?

Thanks.
 
Clown Loaches will be fine in an African tank. The other fish will pay no attention to them. I have two in my tank and the other fish stay out there way. Also the Ph does not affect mine in any way.
 
Its currently down to 3 zebra danios. I killed two by mistake. they were caught up in my netting and i didn't realize. but they speed around the take. So i guess the african can't keep up with them. I would not put any of those other fish you mention into a african tank. they are not fast enough
 
Sunny said:
2. Crushed coral is used in the Malawi tank for water hardness. Can we add sea shells to the tank like Sand Dollar brought by a friend from Florida?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Yes you can! It raises the PH which is good.

I also thought of this combo as well for a 80 gallon tank, what do you think?

3 yellow lab, 8 acei, 1 red zebra, 1 demasoni, s. petricola, 4 clown loach
and a 3 female to 1 male ratio on the Cichlids
 
Sunny said:
I have two more questions about Malawis:

1. A cichlid site suggested Clown Loaches as a good fish to put with the Malawi cichlids because they tolerate most water conditions. Will they get picked on? Also Plecos were mentioned.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
id suggest botia modesta over clown loaches personally. they can take care of themselves much better, dont get as big and they grow a bit faster letting them keep up with the cichlids closer than clowns. loaches prefer slightly acidic water but can live just fine in riftlake conditions ime.
large fancey plecos i never put with mbuna as they will get torn to shreds but bristle noses work well with mbuna ime.
 
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