40 gallon long mbuna cichlid stocking

[harrytownend]

I have a 40 gallon long tank (48x16x12") and want to keep mbuna cochlids. I have kept a lot of community fish in the past and want to try something different. My filter is rated at 200gph. Is this enough? Also, I don't know what fish to keep in my tank. I know that it should be slightly overstocked to reduce aggression but don't really know any cichlid species. What do you think I should get? I want quite a variety and some colourful fish like blue and yellow etc.

Sorry for all the questions but I don't want to mess up and buy a fish that will get too big!

 

[severum mama]

I'd probably stick to one species in that tank. Is there anything in particular you really like?

If you're using a hang on back filter, I'd recommend adding another one that is at least as powerful as what you have, if not a little more. What kind of filter do you have?

 

[harrytownend]

Its a submersible filter

Could I get more fish because my tank is 48" instead of 36" like a 40 breeder?

 

[severum mama]

I probably wouldn't keep Mbuna in a 3' tank at all... 55 gallons is usually the minimum recommended size. You essentially have a short 55 gallon, so I'd probably just do one species in there due to the fact that there is slightly less space. Others may disagree though.

I do think you should add either a hang on back filter or a canister.

 

[harrytownend]

What species do you recommend?

 

[severum mama]

I think Rusty cichlids (Iodotropheus sprengerae) would be nice. They are less aggressive than a lot of other species. Here is a profile. Iodotropheus sprengerae (Rusty Cichlid) — Seriously Fish

 

[harrytownend]

how many do you think I should get? Would 1 male and 3 females work?

 

[erikmoseley]

That would work. Even a couple more female. My rusty are seriously aggressive toward each other but no one else