Ok, so some people do mix labs and haps, but it has mixed results. Maybe somebody else will have different advice, but imo, you should get a 40 gallon tall tank for the lab. You can keep a ratio of 1 male for every 3 females. If you want a bigger tank, like a 55 or bigger, you can try to keep the lab with the hap, but you will likely have to get more of each.
My reseach so far does not suggest that to be a good idea. But, I am still hunting.
From what I know, one lab alone is not very happy. They thrive in groups. Haps are bigger and boisterous. Their activity level is the number one reason I suggest not getting more of them. Also, they do better having more like 4 females with them. They do only reach 6-8 inches, so the activity level is the driving factor in the tank size. If he gets nasty in the new tank, take him out and get him some girls, then re-introduce him. It sounds like you lab is a boy, but I know it is supposed to hard soemtimes to tell the juveniles apart. Honestly, you do have the space for another African mbuna in there too if you want. But, if I were you, I owuld try thi first and see how it goes. It sounds like you are pretty happy with all your current fish and are not trying to add more.
in a 75 gal with plecto. The plecto can't be with bichir he sucks on his skin and it could hurt him. So what do u think?
IMO, the blue hap and the jewel shouldn't be together. The jewel is more mild and would torn apart by the hap. Also, the pleco needs 125 gallons. Those are the reason I suggested you split the species I way I did. I agree that the pleco shouldn't be with the bichir. But, the pleco would be fine with the cichlids. I have read that about bichirs too, so I think he would be fine with any of the cichlids, the issue is making sure the jewel doesn't get picked on, and that the pleco gets enough space. So, the hap and the pleco really should be in the 125g. The jewel needs to not be picked on, and the pleco can't be with the bichir IMO.Yes I am very happy with all my fish now they just need to be happy! So I was just reading on my bichir and it said that it can be in a tank with aggressive fish as long as he can't eat them lol can't catch em to eat. So I was thinking that maybe my blue hap, pearl, and the bichir could go in a 125 gal and I could put my one male and two females (eventually)
I thought the angel as going to get a 29? Well, some people say 29 gallons is the minimum for an angel, some people say 20. Personally, I think an angel and a ram will be fine in a 20. Oh, and get 3 female labs, not 2. But yes, I think that sounds good. You will also have some space in those tanks in case you decide you want a few more fish, but I think the ones you have will be very happy in those set-ups. Its alwys good to set it up, see how it goes, and add more later if you feel more fish wold be happy in the set-up.
Sounds good. I hope I helped you a bit. Its awesome that you are so dedicated to your fish.
