60gal. Malawi Mbuna. Updated 09/05/07

[WaterPond]

Oh, this is exciting. After much figuring i was able to distribute fish throughout some other tanks so i could have my 60gallon free for african cichlids (which i have always wanted to keep). I had to give away some fish to my aquarium society.

This tank is fairly tall, so that will affect how many fish i can put in it for sure. I have a ton! of rockwork in here so it should be all good. The tank is 3'long and 2' tall it is 16" from front to back. So it should prvde enough floorspace for my fishies.

I went out to my backyard and found some nice HUGE rocks, mostly flat which i thought the fish would like. Also so i could stack it easier. I didn't silicone the rocks together so i can make spaces bigger if need be as the fish grow. These rocks do buffer the water a little bit, i used to keep them in my south american community, but they buffered the water too much. I do plan to get more rock, when i can find more.

I have spent the afternoon stacking these rocks, it took me about three hours to finally get a nice steadly hold that nothing will bring down, well, i shouldent say nothing. I guess an earthquake can bring down anything. Good thing those arent that common here.

As for fish i plan on:
4x yellow labs
2x rusty cichlid
3x socofoli (most likely albino)
2x red zebra

That should give me a good mix, dont you think?

I want suggestions! make sure you give me all your tips and tricks, seeing as how i have never ever kept africans before, but i have always loved them.

Now for some pictures of the tank:
Full:


right side:


Left side:


I really hope this all works out for me. I im over excited about this, and i would just low it if i could get some tips and suggestions.

Thanks a bunch

P.S. you might se kribs in the pics... don't worry, they are outa there as of tomorrow.

[darrin34]

looks good i wish you luck in your new adventure ..... i know i added plastic plants and my zebras like to hang out in them

[JustOneMore20]

It looks good!

I wouldn't just keep a pair of any of them, go with atleast 3 IMO as they are best kept in groups.

I think in that tank you have room for:

4 Yellow Labs
4 Rusty cichlids
3 Socolofis
3 Red Zebras

The Labs and Rusties aren't as aggressive as the other 2, so thats why I suggest more to their groups. You could possibly have more than that, but I'll leave that decision up to you...and the others.

[WaterPond]

thanks! I am going to see if the LFS can order me in some afra cobue.... I am SOOOOO amazed by yours Kristin. I will see if i can get them ordered in, if not i will just got for the Red Zebras.

Funds are... erm... what am i talking about, i have about 50 bucks to my name right now so i dont think i can afford to have large groups of the more expensive fish. Labs run around 4 bucks, so i can have four of them easy. The rusties are 12 dollars a peice. And the socofolis are about 9 bucks a peice. Zebras are the cheapest... but i would much rather have the Afra Cobue or some other type of Afra.

[Fishyfanatic]

Looks good so far WP. What kind of filtration do you have?

[JustOneMore20]

Originally Posted by WaterPond

Funds are... erm... what am i talking about, i have about 50 bucks to my name right now so i dont think i can afford to have large groups of the more expensive fish. Labs run around 4 bucks, so i can have four of them easy. The rusties are 12 dollars a peice. And the socofolis are about 9 bucks a peice. Zebras are the cheapest... but i would much rather have the Afra Cobue or some other type of Afra.

You can always buy what you can now and then add later. My list was more for a final stocking....so if it takes a little while to stock it fully, then its fine.

Filtration is mucho important. I'd like to know what are your plans are for it also.

[maxwell1295]

What's the footprint (LxW) of that tank? It looks like it's almost as tall as it is wide. I'd be inclined to avaoid the Zebras and stick with the smaller species. Labs, Rusties, and Socolofi should be fine. Perhaps you can add some Saulosi or Maingano instead. Both of those species are smaler than the Zebras.

[Fishyfanatic]

The footprint is 36x16.

[WaterPond]

As for you asking about filtration. I have an aquaclear 70 running right now. That will do for while the fish are yyoung i would think. I plan on adding a second (probably another aquaclear) filter in the furture.

I got my first fish, i will post pics later. They were sold to me as "blue Zebras" i got a trio. 1m 2f. I thought they were nicer than the red zebras which i had planned on. I know you can't trust the LFS's word very often, so i might have a totally different fish. Dont be mad, this is my first go with africans.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[Marc118]

Sweet, cant wait to see pics