African Cichlid Tank - 10 Gallon?

[*FishKeeper*]

Anyone here have experience keeping African cichlids in a 10 gallon? I know it is often suggested to slightly overstock African cichlid tanks to disperse aggression. How many specimens would be a good number for my 10 gal? (I'll make sure there are plenty of nooks, crannies, and caves provided by the rocks for hiding.) I'm considering the following species: M. auratus (female), P. demasoni, and L. caeruleus.

Any information/personal experience is definitely appreciated. Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[fluttermoth]

I'm afraid a ten gallon is far, far too small for Africans, it's as simple as that, really.

Most Africans, including the species you mention, grow to around four inches, and a ten gallon just won't be big enough for them to grow properly.

You're really looking at a minimum tank size of 200l, and something at least four foot long, for it to work successfully.

Have you thought about some of the smaller, shell dwelling, cichlids instead? Some of them are suitable for a ten gallon, depending on the exact dimensions, and the hardness of your water, of course, as none of these fish will thrive in soft water.

 

[Demeter32]

Firstly the fish you listed will not do well in a 10gal tank. Think more along the lines of a 55gal for those fish. I suggest you do some researching and see what certain fish need before setting a tank up for them.

http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/Melanochromis-auratus This is just one of the species, but the others should have basically the same requirements.

Can I ask what your pH and hardness is? If your parameters do not match what African cichlids need, then perhaps they are not the fish for you. They need a high pH and hard water.

 

[*FishKeeper*]

Can I ask what your pH and hardness is?

Thanks for your response. Seriously Fish is a great resource. Our water has the following parameters: pH=6.8 to 7.0, GH=150ppm KH=100ppm.

 

[*FishKeeper*]

Have you thought about some of the smaller, shell dwelling, cichlids instead?

I have researched the shell dwelling cichlids and they are intriguing, but simply not as striking as the African cichlids I was hoping to keep. But I will keep these little guys in mind. Thank you for responding!

 

[fluttermoth]

Africans certainly are striking (my mum used to keep mbuna), but they're also very demanding, and can be problematic, if you don't get things exactly right for them.

 

[fluttermoth]

Thanks for your response. Seriously Fish is a great resource. Our water has the following parameters: pH=6.8 to 7.0, GH=150ppm KH=100ppm.

That's way, way too soft for Africans.

 

[Demeter32]

Thanks for your response. Seriously Fish is a great resource. Our water has the following parameters: pH=6.8 to 7.0, GH=150ppm KH=100ppm.

With a pH so low I think you are better of looking into soft water fish. Small species that are colorful and will fit in a 10gal (considered a nano tank) are few and far between but I'll try linking a few.
http://seriouslyfish.com/species/dario-dario/
http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/celestichthys-margaritatus/
http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/boraras-brigittae/

Then of course the ever popular betta splendens. Other than that there are not a whole lot of colorful fish that will fit in a 10gal and do well with your pH.

 

[*FishKeeper*]

With a pH so low I think you are better of looking into soft water fish. Small species that are colorful and will fit in a 10gal (considered a nano tank) are few and far between but I'll try linking a few.
http://seriouslyfish.com/species/dario-dario/
http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/celestichthys-margaritatus/
http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/boraras-brigittae/

These are great suggestions. Galaxy rasboras are very beautiful, but I haven't seen them for sale locally. I might ask the fish store if they can order some. My local fish store does currently have Dario dario, at one time I was considering these for a species only tank.