Need Help To Finish Stocking My 55

[Luke78]

Hey Guys!

I have been slowing adding fish the past two weeks (3 to 4 at a time) and this is what I have thus far:

4 Labidochromis caeruleus (Juvies..sex unknown)
3 Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos (1 male...2 Female)
3 Cynotilapia afra (Cobue) (1male...2 Female)
2 Pseudotropheus Acei ( 1Male...1Female)

Wanted to end up with around 15-18 fish. How should I finish stocking. Thanks

 

[Andrew McFadden]

I really like these
Labidochromis sp. "Mbamba" yellow fin
And don't forget about

Cuckoo Catfish" (Synodontis Multipunctatus)
Or some sort

If you want to keep some of the fry then I wouldn't get all 15-18 now. It doesn't take long for them to start breeding

 

[Luke78]

You think I could add red zebras to the mix, or would they be too aggressive?

 

[Andrew McFadden]

You can try
all I can say is they work in my tank so they should but everyone's tank is different.

 

[Luke78]

I currently have four different species in the tank. Is it o.k. to have more than that in a 55?

 

[Andrew McFadden]

I currently have four different species in the tank. Is it o.k. to have more than that in a 55?

You could do every fish different but then you know they will interbreed

 

[TheGrza]

Rustys!

 

[Luke78]

Your right....I may just add a couple more females when I can sex them and a clean up crew and call it done.

 

[Andrew McFadden]

Rustys!

I wouldn't add a rusty when breeding they are not calm. Mine thought he ran the tank till my afra put him in his place. But now my female rusty is fine

 

[Andrew McFadden]

Your right....I may just add a couple more females when I can sex them and a clean up crew and call it done.

I wish I never had got females. It was nice the first couple of time when they breed but now its just kinda crazy. I'm going to be getting rid of all my females someday.

 

[TheGrza]

I wouldn't add a rusty when breeding they are not calm. Mine thought he ran the tank till my afra put him in his place. But now my female rusty is fine

Rustys are rambunctious until put into their place but they're really interesting and have fascinating personalities. They're like those mini dobermans who think they're real dogs.

 

[Andrew McFadden]

Rustys are rambunctious until put into their place but they're really interesting and have fascinating personalities. They're like those mini dobermans who think they're real dogs.

He got put in his place alright rip Mr. Rusty he was really fun to watch

 

[Luke78]

Stocked...traded the maingano in....aggressive little bastards. Went with:

5 Labs
5 Cobalts
3 Acei
3 Afra Cobue

 

[Andrew McFadden]

Stocked...traded the maingano in....aggressive little bastards. Went with:

5 Labs
5 Cobalts
3 Acei
3 Afra Cobue

I want to see pics sounds like a really good mix

 

[Luke78]

Pics of the 55

What do ya think?

 

[Andrew McFadden]

Very nice
I think when your fish get bigger its going to be stunning

 

[Labenator65000]

Stocked...traded the maingano in....aggressive little bastards. Went with:

5 Labs
5 Cobalts
3 Acei
3 Afra Cobue

Nice mix. Your potentially 6" Acei and Cobalts are teetering just over the upper limit of the recommended 5" in a 55 gallon aquarium, but it's not overly so. Very nice balance of color and contrast. I love the idea of Afras with Labs. Nice-looking, relatively mild temperament, and a good size for a 55. I may just look into those myself.

Say, how's your filtration? You have a number of fish in there. You'll probably want at least 600GPH of filtration, if not more, esp with those big 6" fish.

 

[Luke78]

Nice mix. Your potentially 6" Acei and Cobalts are teetering just over the upper limit of the recommended 5" in a 55 gallon aquarium, but it's not overly so. Very nice balance of color and contrast. I love the idea of Afras with Labs. Nice-looking, relatively mild temperament, and a good size for a 55. I may just look into those myself.

Say, how's your filtration? You have a number of fish in there. You'll probably want at least 600GPH of filtration, if not more, esp with those big 6" fish.

Filtration right now is at 500GPH...Gonna wait and see how it goes as the fish get bigger. If it doesn't turn out to be enough I may add a canister filter, but right now all is well. After taking out the Maingano the whole tank changed...very laid back now.