A 'nano' Tanganyika Aquarium?

[AmazonFTW]

Ok... I have a 40ltr tank (18x12x12") and am thinking about a 'nano' Tanganyikan aquarium. This would include: Shell Dwelling Cichlids, Neolamprologus Brevis and other species.

I actually know nothing about the fish from the Rift Lakes other than hard, alkaline water = good. I know the species I have stated are small but are there any others that I could include as I am trying to replicate a large tank in a small one. Also, for decor, slate/ocean rock (not live), coral sand/gravel? Wood?

Any information you can provide on these wonderful fish and their habitat would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,
AmazonFTW

 

[elisew]

Multifasciatus OR Brevis would be the only Tangs you could have in such a small tank. Tanganyikans aren`t 'nano' fish so I would strongly advise against mixing or having anything other than one specific type of shell dweller.

I have a 35L Arcadia tank which I moved my 8 adult multis into from my 380L, I now have lots and lots of fry that I`m now selling/trading at MA. The 35L is far from ideal even for the shell dwellers but it was only ever meant to be used as a temporary measure.

 

[AmazonFTW]

Multifasciatus OR Brevis would be the only Tangs you could have in such a small tank. Tanganyikans aren`t 'nano' fish so I would strongly advise against mixing or having anything other than one specific type of shell dweller.

I have a 35L Arcadia tank which I moved my 8 adult multis into from my 380L, I now have lots and lots of fry that I`m now selling/trading at MA. The 35L is far from ideal even for the shell dwellers but it was only ever meant to be used as a temporary measure.

I've been working in my LFS for 2weeks and have not seen the shell dwellers move out of about a 2inch radius from their shell, other than to feed. And they seem perfectly happy to me? The tank is 40L and i'm not planning on stocking it heavily, maybe a maximum of 6 fish (3/4 Brevis, 2/3 Shell Dwellers)

AmazonFTW

 

[Lufbramatt]

Imo 2 brevis would be the max for that tank. I had 2 pairs of brevis in a 11 gal tank and although they were fine, they often had stand offs and I think it would have only been a matter of time before they kicked off. They're in a 29 gal now and seem much more relaxed. Even though they might not go far, if another brevis is near their territory they will be constantly flaring their fins at the other fish which must stress them out. I think overstocked lfs tanks stop individual fish establishing territories hence it seems they get on ok but I don't think that's ideal. Tangs need space, but have loads of personality so even a single pair will provide lots of interest.

 

[AmazonFTW]

I will be cramming it full of rocks to create a lot of holes and caves for the fish to establish territories, dont plan on having no places for them to hide. The store tank has about 8 fish in (4 brevis, 2 shelldwellers and 2 other Tangs). Discluding the 'other Tangs' I'd just buy them all (not in one go of course) and then let them all establish together in a new environment. I wouldn't be keeping pairs, just solitary fish, I believe (from my expeience with SA/CAs) that solitary fish are less aggressive than pairs. Also, keeping more (4)Brevis would mean aggression is dispersed rather than one targeting another (2).
I don't want to be mean to the fish, but I doubt that, with the number of caves I wish to create, the fish will not be able to set up territories.

AmazonFTW

 

[elisew]

Ok, please don`t take this the wrong way but.......ok so you work in an lfs......we all know how crap lfs`s are for keeping fish. The fish at lfs are only there temporarily so they don`t have to care about how much room is given to different fish.
The people here (including myself) keep Tangs and are giving you advice (that you asked for) from our own personal experiences. IF you don`t really want our advice then there`s no point in you asking and us giving it?

I really don`t mean to be funny with you but I`m getting the feeling that you want particular fish and wanted people to tell you it`s ok?......Well in the advice you`ve been given so far......No it`s not ok. To provide the fish you like with the proper requirements then you`ll need to look at a much bigger tank I`m afraid. Brevis AND other shell dwellers OR Tangs WILL NOT co-exist in such a small tank.

Tangs are different in relation to 'overstocking disperses aggression' as with malawis etc.

I`m sorry if it`s not what you want to hear but my concern is the welfare of the fish and not what you`d like to keep

 

[Lufbramatt]

BTW brevis are shell dwellers and wont appreciate rock work. My big brevis male likes hiding in a particular cave but the others wont go near the rocks and stay over the sand. Also I have found they will only use the shells that are directly on the sand, if you move "their" shell on to a flat rock they will go and find another shell thats on the sand after about 10 mins! Funny little things

wouldnt risk keeping more than one type of shell dweller in one tank unless you have a massive tanka dn can set up 2 shell beds at either end of the tank so they don't meet. otherwise they will see the other type of shellie as a threat and start fighting. Brevis have quite big teeth for such a little fish and I've seen them use them, it was quite shocking how aggressive they can be for supposedly the "most peaceful" shellie!

 

[AmazonFTW]

Ok, please don`t take this the wrong way but.......ok so you work in an lfs......we all know how crap lfs`s are for keeping fish. The fish at lfs are only there temporarily so they don`t have to care about how much room is given to different fish.
The people here (including myself) keep Tangs and are giving you advice (that you asked for) from our own personal experiences. IF you don`t really want our advice then there`s no point in you asking and us giving it?

I really don`t mean to be funny with you but I`m getting the feeling that you want particular fish and wanted people to tell you it`s ok?......Well in the advice you`ve been given so far......No it`s not ok. To provide the fish you like with the proper requirements then you`ll need to look at a much bigger tank I`m afraid. Brevis AND other shell dwellers OR Tangs WILL NOT co-exist in such a small tank.

Tangs are different in relation to 'overstocking disperses aggression' as with malawis etc.

I`m sorry if it`s not what you want to hear but my concern is the welfare of the fish and not what you`d like to keep

I was only trying to explain what I've seen and why I thought that they would be OK together, I've never stocked a tank this small before. I honestly am completely new to Rift Lake Cichlids. I do want your advice I'm just trying to explain why I thought they would be OK, I like to keep fish I like but of course, welfare is most important - hence me saying shelldwellers and neolamprologus(which are shelldwellers?!). It's as I know the size of these fish would suit the aquarium - I have been previously told the more you stock in a Rift Lake tank the better, as aggression is dispersed and the fish are not singled out.

AmazonFTW

P.S If you could suggest what you would keep that I could follow it would be helpful. And I'm sorry you think I'm ignoring your comments - I'm not, I just don't understand this corner of the hobby yet.

BTW brevis are shell dwellers and wont appreciate rock work. My big brevis male likes hiding in a particular cave but the others wont go near the rocks and stay over the sand. Also I have found they will only use the shells that are directly on the sand, if you move "their" shell on to a flat rock they will go and find another shell thats on the sand after about 10 mins! Funny little things

wouldnt risk keeping more than one type of shell dweller in one tank unless you have a massive tanka dn can set up 2 shell beds at either end of the tank so they don't meet. otherwise they will see the other type of shellie as a threat and start fighting. Brevis have quite big teeth for such a little fish and I've seen them use them, it was quite shocking how aggressive they can be for supposedly the "most peaceful" shellie!

I've had one bite me, not nice, it hurt for such a small fish, lol. After that it inspired me to want to keep them as I realised how much personality they have.

I also didn't realise the were shelldwellers as I've not seen them in shells before and only between rocks and in the open.

AmazonFTW

 

[Lufbramatt]

overstocking- thats true of mbuna from lake malawi, but cichlids from lake tanganyika will just end up killing each other unless you give them space. They might not fight to the death, but stress will stop them eating and the weakest will eventually die. If you let them set up a natural territory their behaviour is much more natural and they do explore much more than the 2" around their shell as they dont feel as threatened. Ive seen mine a good 8-10 inches from their "main" shell, patrolling round like little security guards

They may not be using the shells as the other fish in the tank have claimed them as their territory and wont let them near the shells, hence them hanging around the rocks.

In a tank that small I would stay with one type of fish, ideally shelldwellers, either lamprologous multifasicatus (1m, 2-3f) or a single pair of lamprologous brevis. Substrate of sand, 3-4 shells for each fish, and a few vertically placed slate rocks to break up the lines of sight.

 

[AmazonFTW]

Oh... yes, I'm probably confusing myself - told you I don't know much about these. What you said sounds like a good plan, 2 Brevis, 8 shell, some rock (you said slate but could I use another kind?) to break up line of sight. Simple.

Nice one, thank you for both of your comments, I'm sorry that I seemed to be dodging what you said, but I honestly did not mean to.

AmazonFTW

(I'll go out and buy the decor tommorrow and get it set up).

 

[bullit]

I will be cramming it full of rocks to create a lot of holes and caves for the fish to establish territories, dont plan on having no places for them to hide. The store tank has about 8 fish in (4 brevis, 2 shelldwellers and 2 other Tangs). Discluding the 'other Tangs' I'd just buy them all (not in one go of course) and then let them all establish together in a new environment. I wouldn't be keeping pairs, just solitary fish, I believe (from my expeience with SA/CAs) that solitary fish are less aggressive than pairs. Also, keeping more (4)Brevis would mean aggression is dispersed rather than one targeting another (2).
I don't want to be mean to the fish, but I doubt that, with the number of caves I wish to create, the fish will not be able to set up territories.

AmazonFTW

i agree with elise' post as that your asking advice but then already know what your going to do. So heres a few things you might consider.

Brevis are shell dwellers. You will not be able to keep two types.
You dont need to cram it full of rocks as they are not cave dwellers.
You want to buy the stock at the same time so they can establish at the same time.
Buying 4 brevis your more than likely gonna get a pair, not just solitary fish. Brevis though have small territory's so they will only defend a small area. They wont go hunting round the tank.
Keeping 4 rather brevis rather than 2 wont matter either. They are not malawi cichlids that you need to keep in groups to disperse aggresion. They will have a pecking order but just keep small territory's.
In that size tank you want a sand base, a dozen shells and some rocks just to break up the line of sight. cheers

 

[Lufbramatt]

sounds good! dont be put off if they stay in their shells for the first few days though, once they chill out they will be out all the time, only darting back in the shells if theyre startled.

Any rocks will work, just slate tend to be quite flat and thin so you can create territory breaks without taking up lots of water volume in a small tank.

 

[AmazonFTW]

I've kept fish that I hardly ever see - I'm used to it. I'm actually really suprised that I can only put such a small number of fish in, but hey, if it's in the best interest of the fish I'm happy.

AmazonFTW

 

[bullit]

Thats me slow typing lol

 

[AmazonFTW]

Thats me slow typing lol

Lol, sorry, but thanks for the advice.