Hi everyone,
I have a 46 gallon bowfront that i've had going for almost a year now, stocked with some tetra, cories and an angelfish, along with amazon sword. I enjoy the tank, but frequent trips to the LFS has got me thinking about converting it to a Lake Tanganyika tank. I think this type of tank would appeal to me more than the setup I have now.
Because this mean i'd essentially be 'restarting' my tank, i've been taking advantage of that and doing a fair bit of research on all aspects of rift lake tanks, not just stock. I figure i'll go with a simple setup of pool filter sand and rocks, with a bag of coral in the filter to help with water conditions. At this time, I haven't decided on what type of rocks i'd like, but i'm leaning towards piling several rocks versus something like Texas Holey Rock. Layout will be determined by rock choice obviously, so that will have to wait.
In terms of fish selection, i've narrowed it down to a few species. I don't want any shells in my tank, so i'm avoiding species like multifasciatus, for example. The first species, and the one I would I absolutely want is neolamprologus caudopunctatus. I've read good things about them, and love the way they look. Seem like the perfect start for my aquarium. Sounds like they don't need shells either.
The second species is where i'm a bit stumped. The primary two that I have been looking at the most are altolamprologus calvus and Julidochromis transcriptus. I'll note that neither of these two are set in stone, and am open to suggestions on what else would go well with the caudopunctatus.
Where I could really use some advice is on how well the species will live together, and how many I could have of each. If I could have the punks, the julies, AND the calvus in there, I was thinking of going 5/1/1 or something. I wonder though if I would I be better off going with 5 or 6 punks and 2 of either julies or calvus? Possibly more punks even? I'm not too sure about any of them, and would appreciate any help!!!
I have a 46 gallon bowfront that i've had going for almost a year now, stocked with some tetra, cories and an angelfish, along with amazon sword. I enjoy the tank, but frequent trips to the LFS has got me thinking about converting it to a Lake Tanganyika tank. I think this type of tank would appeal to me more than the setup I have now.
Because this mean i'd essentially be 'restarting' my tank, i've been taking advantage of that and doing a fair bit of research on all aspects of rift lake tanks, not just stock. I figure i'll go with a simple setup of pool filter sand and rocks, with a bag of coral in the filter to help with water conditions. At this time, I haven't decided on what type of rocks i'd like, but i'm leaning towards piling several rocks versus something like Texas Holey Rock. Layout will be determined by rock choice obviously, so that will have to wait.
In terms of fish selection, i've narrowed it down to a few species. I don't want any shells in my tank, so i'm avoiding species like multifasciatus, for example. The first species, and the one I would I absolutely want is neolamprologus caudopunctatus. I've read good things about them, and love the way they look. Seem like the perfect start for my aquarium. Sounds like they don't need shells either.
The second species is where i'm a bit stumped. The primary two that I have been looking at the most are altolamprologus calvus and Julidochromis transcriptus. I'll note that neither of these two are set in stone, and am open to suggestions on what else would go well with the caudopunctatus.
Where I could really use some advice is on how well the species will live together, and how many I could have of each. If I could have the punks, the julies, AND the calvus in there, I was thinking of going 5/1/1 or something. I wonder though if I would I be better off going with 5 or 6 punks and 2 of either julies or calvus? Possibly more punks even? I'm not too sure about any of them, and would appreciate any help!!!