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Advice on stocking a 55 gallon African cichlid tank

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cskollmann
Post subject: Advice on stocking a 55 gallon African cichlid tank
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 9:21 pm
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Hi,

I'm currently fishless cycling a used 55 gallon tank. My water is naturally hard and alkaline, the tank came with crushed coral sand, and I've decorated it with a lot of rockwork, creating many hiding places. So I'm planning to make it an African cichlid tank. My current idea is to stock with Labidichromis caerelus, Cynotilapia afra, and Synodontis multipunctatus. Will these species get along in this size tank? And how many fish should I have? I think, based on my reading, I would like to get of 4 each of the cichlids (hopefully 1 male/3 females) and 3 of the catfish. The tank is overfiltered, with an Eheim 2126.

Finally, how hard is it to get these species? My understanding is that I should add them all at once so they can figure out their territories.

Thanks,
Chris Kollmann


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Admin
Post subject: 55 gal african cichlid tank
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 10:19 pm
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Location: Millis MA
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I'm currently fishless NO! cycling a used 55 gallon tank.
My water is naturally hard and alkaline,Good
the tank came with crushed coral sand,excellent
and I've decorated it with a lot of rockwork, creating many hiding places. great!
So I'm planning to make it an African cichlid tank. awesome!My current idea is to stock with Labidichromis caerelus, Cynotilapia afra, and Synodontis multipunctatus. Will these species get along in this size tank? Yes
And how many fish should I have? You want to wind up with a total of 20 - 30 cichlids, adding about 8-12 at a time.
I think, based on my reading, I would like to get of 4 each of the cichlids (hopefully 1 male/3 females) that's fine, but you have room for more
and 3 of the catfish. No problem
The tank is overfiltered, with an Eheim 2126. awesome!

Finally, how hard is it to get these species?
Large (3-4"+) wild Syno Multipunc cats are in stock $50 ea.
We have 2 sizes of yellow Labidos in stock...1" $7 each...2.5"+ $18 ea.
I have a new species of Afra (Blue Reef) in stock 1" but I think they are all spoken for.
I'll have a new shipment of Afra shortly, $7 - $30 each, let me know is you have a preference.

My understanding is that I should add them all at once so they can figure out their territories. Good idea, whenever you add fish I suggest you add a large group at a time, to create more diversion.
This is also why I suggest overcrowding AND overfiltering.

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cskollmann
Post subject: Re: 55 gal african cichlid tank
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2005 6:39 pm
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Wow, thanks for the quick reply.

Large (3-4"+) wild Syno Multipunc cats are in stock $50 ea.

Whoa!

We have 2 sizes of yellow Labidos in stock...1" $7 each...2.5"+ $18 ea.
I have a new species of Afra (Blue Reef) in stock 1" but I think they are all spoken for.
I'll have a new shipment of Afra shortly, $7 - $30 each, let me know is you have a preference.


Do you ever get Cynotilapia afra "lumbila"? I love the look of the males. I'll be interested in what Afra you get in the new shipment. I'm in Boston, so I can make the trip out to the store after the tank cycles.

Per your advice, now I'm thinking of starting with 6 Labidochromis caeruleus (ideally 1m/5f), 6 Cynotilapia afra "lumbila" (2m/6f) and 3 Synodontis multipunctatus (if my wallet will stand it).

Sound good?

Finally, how hard is it to sex these fish as juveniles (I know some species are very difficult).

Thanks again,
Chris Kollmann


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Admin
Post subject: Afra
Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 1:59 pm
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Cyno. afra purple lion Cape Kaiser
Cyno. afra green Mbweca Mozambique NEW!
Cyno. afra Chimate yellow top dwarf NEW!
Cyno. afra Jaro
Cyno. afra Mbamba black Lupingu
Cyno. afra orange back Cobue
Cyno. afra red top white blaze Lundu Point

Lumbila is one of the white tops
I can't get those right now
above are the species I can get
many of the above are wild caught and relatively expensive

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cskollmann
Post subject: Re: Afra
Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2005 2:21 pm
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Sounds like a good selection of C. afras. I come buy some once the tank is done cycling (maybe Cobue, maybe Jaro, I guess I'll see what's left when I make it out there).

Thanks for the help.

Chris


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Anonymous
Post subject: Pattern
Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 9:56 am
 
 
Am i the only one seeing a patern here?:wink:


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