Ulrichsd
Aquarium Advice Freak
Hello everyone, great forum here!
Other than having a 10g tank as a kid, I'm new to the hobby and on-line it seems like there is conflicting info on cichlids, especially regarding stocking.
I just bought this 60 gallon tank/stand from Petsmart and am planning on using it for a Mbuna African cichlid tank. Still need some filters/heater/gravel/rocks/caves and fish. The petsmart employee suggested treating with the bacteria stuff and testing the water before stocking, which I plan to do.
Here's the list of Petsmart's African cichlids, but there were probably only about 6 or 7 types at the store: Electric Blue, Spotted Leaf, Electric Yellow, Peacock, Bumblebee, Jewel and generic
The person working the fish department there told me to start with 5 cichlids and not to add more than 10 for the size tank.
My questions:
1. Is 5-10 a good number for an all cichlid tank?
2. Are there any other types of fish (non-Mbuna) that I should consider adding to an African cichild environment?
3. Can you suggest an example cichlid mix for stocking a 60g tank?
4. Would it be a good idea to just pick one fish from each type to avoid mating agression? And avoid baby fish filling up the tank?
5. Is it a good idea to just do one of the larger cichlids but group the smaller dwarf mbuna?
6. Is there a good place to buy on-line that is reputable and environmentally responsible that would have more selection?
I am ok with doing a weekly 10% water change, but would prefer something that is not going to be overly time consuming. My big concern is if I get the 1 male:3-4 female ratio and they mate, what am I going to do with all the fish, I don't want to end up with too many fish and an overcrowded tank.
I have to admit that I'm partial to the idea of African cichlids as I did a volunteer trip to Malawi about 8 years ago and visited Lake Malawi on a side trip.
Thank everyone for your help!
Scott
Other than having a 10g tank as a kid, I'm new to the hobby and on-line it seems like there is conflicting info on cichlids, especially regarding stocking.
I just bought this 60 gallon tank/stand from Petsmart and am planning on using it for a Mbuna African cichlid tank. Still need some filters/heater/gravel/rocks/caves and fish. The petsmart employee suggested treating with the bacteria stuff and testing the water before stocking, which I plan to do.
Here's the list of Petsmart's African cichlids, but there were probably only about 6 or 7 types at the store: Electric Blue, Spotted Leaf, Electric Yellow, Peacock, Bumblebee, Jewel and generic
The person working the fish department there told me to start with 5 cichlids and not to add more than 10 for the size tank.
My questions:
1. Is 5-10 a good number for an all cichlid tank?
2. Are there any other types of fish (non-Mbuna) that I should consider adding to an African cichild environment?
3. Can you suggest an example cichlid mix for stocking a 60g tank?
4. Would it be a good idea to just pick one fish from each type to avoid mating agression? And avoid baby fish filling up the tank?
5. Is it a good idea to just do one of the larger cichlids but group the smaller dwarf mbuna?
6. Is there a good place to buy on-line that is reputable and environmentally responsible that would have more selection?
I am ok with doing a weekly 10% water change, but would prefer something that is not going to be overly time consuming. My big concern is if I get the 1 male:3-4 female ratio and they mate, what am I going to do with all the fish, I don't want to end up with too many fish and an overcrowded tank.
I have to admit that I'm partial to the idea of African cichlids as I did a volunteer trip to Malawi about 8 years ago and visited Lake Malawi on a side trip.
Thank everyone for your help!
Scott