I've read most "stocking" threads in the 5 Cichlid sections (SA/CA/Malawi/Victorian/Tang) that would be similar to my available tank, and I also watched most videos on YT under the same keywords. I also read a lot on different types of cichlids and their needs on a lot of different websites : I usualy google "Name of species + Care" or "name of species + tankmates" in order to get sites with detailed descriptions instead of LFS's and online-FS's websites with limited information besides actual size of available specimens + a copy-pasted description of the specie taken from another non-sourced site.
However, those results usually gets me the max size of the adult fish, the minimum suggested size tank for this specific species, and a list of tank mates only based on behavior but not on tank size. Like, it's not possible to get a list of "how many of this specie if added with these X amount of specimens of that specie and N amount of specimens of that other one". I also found the cookie cutter section of this current site, but based on the comments and posts I read on your forum it seems like it's more like a loose suggestion than an actual advice to follow.
I mostly read threads under the Malawi and Tanganyikan sections of your forum, but I also scrolled the other sections as well, always looking for the words stocking, 40 gallons, 36", etc -- And I gathered some interesting information. From what I read, 36" tanks are pretty limited when it comes to cichlids, and besides some tanganyikans shell dwellers with some dither it seems like the only other options would be Rams, Apistos, or Tanganyikans open water fishes. I also read that mBunas would be possible only if numbers would be how enough to overcrowd them in a way to disperse aggression, territoriality, as well as the urge to breed and/or chase females to death.
Let's say that dwarf or really small species of Tanganyikans don't interest me, neither a combination of Rams with non-cichlid tropical dither fishes, and let's also say that I wouldn't mind doing water changes twice or thrice a week in a voluntary overcrowded tank (as long as it's not a huge load of stress for the involved fishes), what would you suggest me ?
I know that peacocks and mbunas shouldn't be kept together. I also know that species from different lakes shouldn't be souped together. I also read that species only tanks could be tricky in such a small tank as males could chases females to death even if enough hiding spots are provided for them. I also know that males-only show-tanks are not suggested under 55 or even 75 gallons. I know overcrowding can be complicated but I'm willing to try as long as it's humane and that I could get an happy tank. Even though my message might seem like I think I know a lot, I know I actually don't and it's why I want to know more and need your help.
I'd like to know more about overstocking, and how to do it. I know the basics of «why» it works, I know that when there is a lot a traffic it prevents males from establishing territory, it also distract them from chasing their females (either because other fishes distract them from doing so, or just by "knowing" tank is too crowded to even think about raising fry so they just don't), but I don't know the numbers, the details, the important things to know, the..... the pretty-much-everything-else-except-the-why.
I don't have a preference in collection points, neither do I have a preference in lakes or even continents. I just like colored fishes and would like a tank full of them. I am not a fan of tangs (except for calvuses), I don't like Frontosas or any forehead-bumped individuals. I'm not a fan of snails or plecos neither. I don't need 5-6(...)-12 inches long fishes, but I don't want 1 inch long shell dwellers neither. I don't mind chasing and display of attitude, but I'd like to avoid biting/agression/fighting. I understand breeding and territoriality can bring a lot of aggressiveness in fishes but I'd like to avoid both by using the overcrowding method and would like to have more information about it, as well as advices.
So I don't want to cumulate couples and couples and couples as I don't want fry (and/or don't mind if they get eaten if it can reduce aggression), and I would prefer to mix species instead of getting a species only tank. I'm open to trios, harems, and other suggestions.
I'd prefer fish that requires a lot of decoration and caves, rather than open water fishes that prefer an empty tank. I like to see a lot of fish in a tank but I don't like those bare-bottom monster-fish tanks with 5 rocks at the bottom and 20 mbunas stuck in traffic in the remaining empty space. I'd like to have a tank full of life and fishes, but also densily rocked and caved.
I'd like to have suggestions of stocking, as well as advices on how to deal with overcrowding. I'm pretty zealous on water testing and I'm fully aware an overcrowded tank would increase Nitrates very fast, and could also result in Ammonia spike if water changes are not regular enough. I also know that most African Cichlids don't like variations in parameters and prefer more regular small water changes instead of less regular water changes - and I'm ready to deal with this with the proper advices on how to mange this best.
I already have another 40-something gallon tank that's supposed to house tanganyikans rock dwellers pretty soon so I'd like some other suggestion on this 36x12.5x19 tank.
Even though I'd like to avoid guaranteed agressions, I have a 20 gallon long tank already cycled and running that could be used to temporarily separate/isolate bullies or bullieds. However, I'd like to avoid needing to use it and use it for another tropical non-cichlid tank for my girlfriend - or maybe even a betta sorority. That'd be the ideal on the long term, however I'm ready to wait a few month before doing so, in order to keep it available if I need to separate fishes.
Also, I might need to add that I don't have space for a bigger or longer aquarium on the short or medium term. As for the long term I'm not even sure. However, I'd be confortable with slow-growing fishes that'd be too big for my tank once adult but could thrive in it for a year or two before needing to be rehomed. So I would not mind having fish that'll be big one day, as long as I don't need to rehome them in in 3-4 months. I would not mind selling/giving away my adult fishes once they get too big, but please prioritize species or specimens that could thrive in a 36 long for at least a year.
Thanks!
PS : I have another account here, but it seems like I can't login anymore. This is not a fake account created with the intent of getting different answers lol.
I already discussed with some members about a tanganyikan 40-breeder I have and am pretty satisfied with the final stocking that was suggested to me, but this time I'd like to explore my options with this 36x12.5 tank using the overcrowding method. I'm also open to critics if people think this wouldn't be a good idea (either for me or for the fishes). People who already discussed with me here know that even though I ask thousands of questions, I'm always open to compromise or even flat-out change my plans if given good arguments against it.
Thanks in advance guys, and thanks to all of you for your dedicated (and most likely volunteer) work.
PS 2 : Since I don't have a preference in lake or continents, I thought about copy-pasting this post in all region-sections of the forum to get the most replies, but opted out with this "General" section. However, if you think I could get more replies in a specific section please feel free to move this thread there, and/or tag some active members from another section to comment here
