New to mbuna

[herp_mommy]

So I thought about setting up a 30gal cichlid tank. But there weren't enough possibilities. So I've decided to go for a 75gal mbuna tank. I'm new to these fish so I don't know where to start on my stock list. Any ideas?

 

[mfdrookie516]

Any ideas at all? There are so many mbuna to choose from. I suggest reading through some of the profiles at www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles . They have pictures of most any cichlid imaginable. A 75g gives you a lot of options. I would suggest sticking with mbuna and not throwing haps and peacocks in to the mix.

If you don't already know, a lot of rocks are a necessity. 3 or more hiding spots per fish will keep aggression to a minimum. You also want to aim for 3-6 females for every male. This also keeps aggression down.

 

[Sonomakid]

I would also suggest what rookie said . Alot of Mbuna out there to choose from. Yellow Labs, Red Zebras, Kenyi are just a few of the more common mbuna

 

[herp_mommy]

Thanks. I'll look at the profiles. I was also going to get cichlid sand and Texas holey rock for hiding spaces

 

[mfdrookie516]

PFS works fine, and is much cheaper than those marketed towards aquariums. THR is also expensive, but some prefer the look. I like the more dark brown rock, so mine came from a creek. One thing I've learned is a lot of money is made off african cichlids. Everyone buys the special products made specifically for them, at a very expensive price. But, it's your tank. Set it up how you want it, not how anybody else wants it

 

[doogle]

tufa rock and lace rock , check my albums on my profile, tufa is white oceanic rock looking with lots of little holes and is lightweight, and lace is grey and holey , both are about $2 a pound. check out my albums, wish i did sand tho. i mixed natural gravel and crushed coral. congrats on getting a bigger tank, you will love african mbunas. blue, white, yellow, orange-so pretty.

 

[herp_mommy]

Pfs=pool filter sand? If the fish don't care either way, then that's what I'll use. I also like the look of Texas holey rock but depending on the price I might go for something else. Is it better to buy adult sized cichlids or buy them all as juveniles and let then grow up together?

 

[Sonomakid]

from what i seen Texas Holey is pretty pricey especailly seeing you going to need alot of it. Pfs is great cheap and easy to maintain, As rookie said creeks make for a great place to find rock for your tank. I am sure you will do fine. your headed in the right direction asking all the right questions. Oh and another place to try is a landscaping store or excavating yard for rock.

 

[DragonFish71]

I have a 115g tank set up for mbuna (one of these days I'll get the newest batch of firemouth fry out of there) I used PFS and lace rock with a few fake plants. I can't wait to get my africans.

You must get pics!!!

 

[herp_mommy]

Texas holey rock is so pretty though. But I'll definitely look at landscape stores. Should I be looking for limestone?

 

[Sonomakid]

i believe limestone or slate will work i have both in my tank. Sorry if i seemed like i was telling you not to use the Holey rock.

 

[doogle]

do what you like, texholerock looks great, i think... but i think lace and tufa are up there.if you use argonite based substrates or hard water/ type rocks and substrate, it will help keep your p.h. up near the 8.2 that is optimal. my ph is 7.8 and they are breeding and i dont have to use ph up or anything, i hear that stuff sucks anyway. make your own cichlid salts, look into it.

 

[doogle]

here is a pic with both the lace and tufa rock

 

[herp_mommy]

here is a pic with both the lace and tufa rock

looks good. is the tufa the lighter colored rock?

 

[doogle]

yes, it is very lightweight and has little holes all over it... like reef or oceanic rock. i personally sway toward the lace because the grey color seems to look more natural and thre white stuff will not stay bright white for long, that is a pic right after i put it in... now it is getting darker with algae too, but is great for containing bio-bacteria in it-very porus