New to Mbuna

[tsk5035]

Hi! I'm new to the site and just wanted to say hello to everyone and get some advice.

So after I get done here at work today, I'm going and getting a new 30 gallon tank. I'm interested in setting up an Mbuna community tank; now I know all the generals of aquarium care- cycling, nitrite, etc.

I was told by our LFS that I could put about 4-6 fish; now would that be considered over-crowding? (I would like to do that to reduce aggeression). And what is the best kind of setup for mbuna as far as a biotope?

Thanks everyone, and I'm glad to be a part of the site!!!

 

[hdultra]

Substrate: Sand to small gravel.

Decor: They like to have tunnels and caves. Most people use rocks. 30 Gallon tank is a little small. You may want to consider 55 Gallon.
I have 20 in my 55 gallon aggression is not to bad.
For a 30 IMO I would go with 6-8.

 

[mfdrookie516]

A 30g is too small for mbuna. You need a 4' tank minimum. I would get no smaller than a 55g. The bigger the better though, IMO.

 

[Chunkanese]

With a 30 gallon you have atleast 6 months to a year before you would need to upgrade. Mbunas don't grow very large for the most part 5-6 inches usually is the biggest. Get them at 1 inch or so and watch them grow. 4-6 is a good amount if you plan to keep them in the 30. Don't add any plecos if you want an algea eater get a Siamese algea eater they stay rather small. Have fun.

 

[Chunkanese]

However if you haven't bought the tank even a 60 gallon isn't much more in price then a 30. Try checking the classifieds and ads. Very good deals out there. I see 90 gallons for 100 dollars. You will likely want to expand soon too. It's addicting.

 

[tsk5035]

Yeah. I've thought about going bigger- there's lots on Cragslist. But I'm getting 2 30 gallons, a stand, and all the accessories (might get new filters depending on what kind the tanks come with).

I currently have 2 kribs and 2 black convicts in a 20 gallon- over the coming weeks, I would like to move the 4 fish from the 20 gallon to one of the 30 gallons, and then use the 20 gallon and start some shell-dwellers.

So I think I might just go with some smaller mbunas and just get 4-6?

 

[mfdrookie516]

I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, I definitely do not intend for it to.

Mbuna need a lot of swimming room. There are a select few that are considered to be 'dwarfs' that *can* be kept in a smaller tank like 30-40 gallons, but the majority need the swimming room and territory that a 4' or larger tank provides. You have to look at more than the size of the fish. You put 4-6 mbuna in a 30g tank, they're going to be cramped, upset, and ultimately kill each other off. It's not the same situation as huge fish in a small tank, its like tying up an active dog on a short leash rather than giving it a big fenced in yard... its just not right

 

[tsk5035]

So after some very helpful advice, I will now be getting a 75 gallon tank. Lol. So how many fish would be good for it's size? Ha

 

[hdultra]

So after some very helpful advice, I will now be getting a 75 gallon tank. Lol. So how many fish would be good for it's size? Ha

IMO 15 to 30 But only with excellent filtration.

 

[mfdrookie516]

I would go with 4-5 different fish, each with 1m-4-6 females. I'd feel comfortable with 20 fish total. Many more than that and you'd be entirely overstocked IMO

 

[hdultra]

I would go with 4-5 different fish, each with 1m-4-6 females. I'd feel comfortable with 20 fish total. Many more than that and you'd be entirely overstocked IMO

I like those odd's lol
1m-f4-6

 

[tsk5035]

Haha, so do I! And yes- I did pick up the filtration is the key!- My lfs will be able to get me hooked up with what I need

 

[hdultra]

Haha, so do I! And yes- I did pick up the filtration is the key!- My lfs will be able to get me hooked up with what I need

Just make sure it is rated 2x for a 75 it should be rated for at least 150 Gallon.

 

[tsk5035]

Well I'll prolly shoot for one that does like 250 gph.

And Ive been looking at all kinds of species.. There's lots that I like. But what are some that people have had that are good breeders and/or they just really liked?

 

[hdultra]

This is one of my favorites and is quite common.
Labidochromis caeruleus
Pseudotropheus crabro

 

[mfdrookie516]

That pic is not of a yellow lab...


tsk5035, I would take any and all advice given by an LFS very carefully. While we all hope that they mean their advice well, often they are simply trying to make more money.

If you're going with an HOB filter, go with AquaClear... They're the best. Two AC110's should filter a 75g pretty well. If you're going with a canister, go with a Fluval 405 or Rena xP3... There are others of course, but those two are the best IMO (I own a fluval 305 and 405... read nothing but good things about the rena xp filters as well).

 

[tsk5035]

Ok. And the lfs is actually more of an aquarium store- Wet Pets and Friends in Cannonsburg, PA. I have been to zoos/aquariums that have less fish than this place! Lol

When I talked to the guy on the phone the other day, about how many fish I could put in a tank, he told me that they currently had 20-30 mbunas in stock

 

[Chunkanese]

I like peacocks and haps when you buy them as juvis they look dull but the males soon color up. That's another question do you want an all male set up? That's what I'm pretty much doing myself other then 2 peacocks that turned out female a kenyi a hap and a krib. Rest are males but it's been working for a few years

 

[HUKIT]

This is one of my favorites and is quite common.
Labidochromis caeruleus
Pseudotropheus crabro

That's the fattest bumblebee I've ever seen, are you feeding the neighborhood kids to it? Joking of course just couldn't resist.

 

[Jason7894561230]

Shell dwellers are a small type im not sure if its a mbuna though