Lamprologus ocellatus in 35 u.s. gallon tank

[hanif]

i was hoping to keep 1m/4f Lamprologus ocellatus in a 35 u.s. gallon h(125 liters) aquarium would this be okay, also is it best to have sand in the aquarium if so what kind or will pea gravil be okay, shells are a requirement but will rock be benificial as well. open to any suggestions which will be greatly appreciated.

thanx hanif

 

[Kit Walker]

That tank should be more than large enough. Make sure there are plenty of shells (more than the number of ocellatus) as they occupy more than one. IMO don't use any other substrate other than sand. The ocellatus love to bury there shells in sand and dig craters. They cannot do this with gravel, and you will miss out on seeing their unusual digging behaviour.

Despite the fact I am an SA cichlid enthusiast, I still keep 2 ocellatus in a small tank because I find watching them is so amazing sometimes! A great little cichlid.

 

[ChilDawg]

hanif, I would go with the white sands of Dover, but, failing that (and hoping that you realize that I was there kidding), any coralline sand safe for FW aquarium use would be a good idea. Ocellatus will be stressed without the ability to bury their shells (and selves at some point) and, as Kit Walker stated, pea gravel does not allow for that. I don't see rock being all that necessary as you already have good buffering with the sand and possibly within your available water supply.

I think that you could stock more in that tank, but with 1m/4f, you are looking at starting a long-term breeding colony, I assume, and you will be able to make bank (or at least a few pounds) out of the deal if that is the route which you choose.

Once you get this tank set up and going, it would be nice to see some pictures!

 

[hanif]

thanks

i just like to say thanks for all your information and hopefully in a couple off mouths when everything is up and running i will be able to send you some pics, but in the mean time does anyone know where i will be able to purchase these cichlids from, are they easy to get hold off.