How Many Fish To Stock

[mark7616]

I was just reading another post about stocking mbuna and was surprised at just how many you can keep in a tank. I read someone with a rio 180 had 18 in there tank and someone said that it was a good amount. I have a 55g and am looking at malawi cichlids they all seem to be around the 5-6" mark that im looking at so could i keep 18 in my tank? also what would be best to keep 1 of each different type or like 4 groups of 4 fish the thing is not really into bredding fish as im not sure how i look after fry and what to do when the fish get terrotorial wouldnt i have them fighting and killing one another???

 

[mark7616]

anyone??

 

[Mbuna Dave]

I am pretty new to Malawi`s myself but the first thing you need to do id get the filtration right.
Have you got an external as well as the inbuilt one,if not then do so.Without this the over stocking would not work.

On the fish themselves i think the ratio is 2/1,that is 2 females and 1 male is the norm.The idea being that no 1 male can chase 2 females.

 

[freddyk]

Have you read the pinned artical on mbuna yet?

 

[scoobyfish]

I agree with Guppy Dave, use the best filtration you can, and make sure you have surface agitation/ good aeration.