Thinking of starting a malawi tank

I would avoid Auratus or Kenyi if you're looking for a peaceful tank. 15 Mbuna in a 4 ft tank sounds right. As Coler has said, it's best to overcrowd them or you will often times end up with one fish. I would always do groups of 3 or more for any species. Pairs don't seem to work so well due to male aggression.
Pittbull's stocklist would give you a good mix to fill out the tank.
 
Thanks coler and afro.

I was teeter totting on the issue of more rusty's but yep the more the better with mbuna and you know me i love the plants with africans aye..
 
Thanks for the move coler! and thanks to everyone for the replies. I'm gonna pick up my tank tonight and will probably get around to the rest stand,filter heater,rocks etc in a couple of weeks.
 
Yep most def keep us posted i like to see me some kool Mbuna man.. hehehe..

Thanks ChrisK for the props buddy..
 
I picked up the tank and have just taken measurements and the dimensions are 36 long 18 wide and 18 high. That makes it only a 40 (sigh...... I knew it didn't look right when I went to pick it up!!!) So now I'm stuck with a 40 that I can use but it's not what I wanted!

What can i do with it now? What if I just did rusty's only?

I also found out that the filter is an aqua clear 500/110 which is worth $100 anyhow so it's not a total loss I suppose.
 
The AC 500/110 filter is more than enough for that tank IMO. I have it alone in my 55gal and works perfectly.
Now, for that tank I think you should add 2 species of dwarf mbunas. Not aceis, but Pittbull mentioned saulosis and rusties which are dwarf mbunas indeed. Six fishes of each of both species would be OK, IMHO.
 
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Well that's all good to know! Now I don't feel so bad, thanks!

Do you have pics of the saulosis and the common name?
 
Saulosis are just called that way from their scientific name Pseudotropheus saulosi. Males are blue with dark bars and females are bright yellow. Nice little fishes.
 
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