Mbuna Help

[TheGodfather]

Hi everyone, I am setting up my first mbuna tank. 180 liters. How many fish could I fit in using mbuna and could anyone suggest a stocking scheme to try and keep the aggression down because I realize 180 liters is a little on the small side??

 

[chr15_8]

Hi everyone, I am setting up my first mbuna tank. 180 liters. How many fish could I fit in using mbuna and could anyone suggest a stocking scheme to try and keep the aggression down because I realize 180 liters is a little on the small side??

what size is the tank (length x width x depth) as this is important for mbuna.

its the same litre tank as mine (almost)

chris

 

[TheGodfather]

it is a juwell rio 180 in length it is nearly 4 ft...what would you recommend? Ollie

 

[chr15_8]

similar lengh aswell to mine.

in it i have
6 Labidochromis caeruleus
6 Cynotilapia afra 'white top'

the 'white tops' males are starting to get a bit pushy now lucky i only have 2 as they stay over there own side of the tank.

you might know this already but it is important to have lots of rock.


im also thinking of adding some 'rusty cichlids' (about 3-4) carnt remember the proper name of the top of my head.


chris

 

[TheGodfather]

when I was doing my research I did see that white tops can be extremly aggressive??? Would you say a maximum of 15 would be a good bet?

 

[chr15_8]

to be honest im nit sure. im only fairly new to this side of the hobby. stocking isnt my strong point.

chris

 

[SJ2K]

when I was doing my research I did see that white tops can be extremly aggressive??? Would you say a maximum of 15 would be a good bet?

15 fish in total at a push may be ok, better off with around 12 fish, 3 species, 1m/3f

 

[adpierin11]

Personally IMO 55 gallons or 209 liters, should be the smallest size for mbuna. You could go with rams. Harder fish to keep, but much smaller and would do well with many different species of fish, such as gouramis and the like.
If you do decide to go with Mbuna then I would suggest staying with one or two species, no more. And 3-4 of each 1 male to 3 females, or all males.
But once again I would look into rams.

 

[dthoffsett]

While I normally recommend 55gal as the minimum size for mbuna, there have been a few people on here successful with the juwel rio 180. Careful planning is in order, you'll need lots of rockwork, and stick with smaller less aggressive species. I'd go for a maximum of 12 adults, and IMHO you get less aggresion with more of a species kept together, so I'd suggest two species of 1m/5f each.

Here are some less aggressive species, iodotropheus sprengerae (Rusty cichlid), labidochromis caeruleus (yellow lab), pseudotropheus saulosi, metriaclima estherae (red zebra).

I'd suggest going to your LFS and writing down the fish you like, and we can help narrow it down a bit.

Also, if you haven't read this, I highly recommend you do.
[URL="http/www.fishforums.net/content/African-Old-World-Cichlids/27706/The-Mbuna-Aquarium/"]http/www.fishforums.net/content/African-...Mbuna-Aquarium/[/URL]

 

[TheGodfather]

guys, Thanks for all the help... So hearing your advice do you think that this would be appropriate??


3x yellow labs
3x electric blue johanni
3x rusty cichlids
Then I am not really sure... Possibly some more yellow labs. I know that the johanni's can be quite aggressive but they are just so stunning... Do you think I could risk it??? Ollie

 

[Ferris]

guys, Thanks for all the help... So hearing your advice do you think that this would be appropriate??


3x yellow labs
3x electric blue johanni
3x rusty cichlids
Then I am not really sure... Possibly some more yellow labs. I know that the johanni's can be quite aggressive but they are just so stunning... Do you think I could risk it??? Ollie

If you can get them - subsitute the Johanni for Melanochromis Cyaneorhabdos, very similar in appearance and generally less aggressive.

Other than that - looks good.

Male/female ratio is nor so important with Labs and Rusties IME due to their less aggressive nature but try and make sure you only get 1 male Cyaneorhabdos/Johanni - especially given the tank size.