Stocking mbunas

Could I do Red Zebras or are they an aggression/cross-breeding risk with the Cobalt Blues? Alternatively, could I do Red Zebras with the Demasoni and have Labs with the Blues and Rusties? I really like the Red Zebra color.

Another question: Do fake plants stand any chance of staying buried in the gravel? I know mbuna are diggers, so is it a lost cause to even try?
 
If you switch it around like you stated above it could work, yes they will breed with each other the Zebra and Cobalt's are basically the same fish just different colors..

Another species if you have them local or willing to buy off the net would be a fivesome of Labeotropheus fuelleborni do not mistake the Labeotropheus trewavasae which are similar and way more aggressive.. This will give your tank a whole new look with the Labeo's different look..
 
So, you can do what you said: A demasoni and red zebra tank and in the other tank the mix of labs, rusties and cobalt blues. Don't forget to add the numbers suggested for each species. Good luck and enjoy both nice tanks!
 
You guys are AWESOME! I'm psyched - my LFS is having a huge sale tomorrow (buy one fish, get the second fish for $0.02!), then anything I can't get there I'll order online. So, final plan is: Tank 1 - 15 Demasoni, 5 Red Zebra; Tank 2 - 5 Labs, 5 cobalts, and 5 rusties.

If I can just ask one more favor... please critique their homes.

This is the 60 gallon (where the cobalt currently resides):
Fish2017.jpg
I've rescaped it so many times now, but I think I've finally got an arrangement that I like (even if it does looking like I threw in everything but the kitchen sink).

Then, this is the 55:
Fish2019.jpg
I'm not 100% in love with the flower pots, but I don't think I have it in me to stack stones. I'm just no good at it, plus I have an awful tendency to pick stones that look great dry, but not so great wet. I think I'll add a few more flower pots and call it good.

Advice from the experts is very welcome, however. Plus, which groups should I put in each tank? Originally, I was going to leave the cobalt in the 60 and put the red zebras/Demasoni in the 55, but now I'm debating switching that. Thoughts?
 
This part is up to you and what you like or your taste, so have fun experiment see what works for you, if you like it than your fine but don't let anyone tell you how to set it up, at any rate some folks do a natural theme some do kid themes and some do whatever they want theme.. Have fun my friend and enjoy our wonderful hobby..
 
Thanks again for the help, everybody. I've decided I'm happy enough with my scaping for now (and if I rearrange the 60 one more time the cobalt may jump out - he sees me coming and can't decide if I'm bringing food or rearranging the place again - very conflicted little fish).

My LFS had its big sale today, so I got the red zebras, cobalt blues, and labs. Now, I just need to order the Demasoni and rusties online, and I'll be set.

I'm super excited. I've avoided Africans for a long time because of their aggression, but thanks to the totally awesome help from everyone here (especially blue2fyre, you've been great!) I feel confident that I'll end up with 2 tanks that I LOVE. Y'all rock! :headbang2:
 
Congrats on your acquistions! Look forward to pics of them in the tank.

Moot subject at this point, but I've kept the two zebra species (red and cobalt blue) in the same tank for 5 years with no cross breeding events during the entire time. In fact the two species don't interact at all. Crossbreeding is theoretically possible between any two mbuna species but I don't think the reds and cobalts are particularly prone to crossing, particularly with females of their species available for each male.
 
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