[Gibbs]

Hi guys and gals,
i currently have two 40g tanks that i want to set up as breeders. I already have in mind for one of them an all Ps. Saulosi tank of about 12.
I am looking for suggestions on the other tank bearing in mind that these tanks will both be on display and all i have 40g to work with.
All suggestions are welcome :fish:

Cheers.

 

[xclub]

Concerning suggestions I don't know what else to say but that will work without any problem if you don't have too many males, because if you do, they will concentrate on fights more than on spawning.

I can give you my formula, how I make my spawning/breeding tanks:

Here is how I do it (Malawi Mbuna only):

Tank size: 110cm x 30cm x 25cm
or
110cm x 30cm x 30cm

In one tank one species only

Male/Female ratio (depending on species temper and size):
1M and 4F
2M and 6F
1M and 6F

Tank setup:
Standard: rocks, caves and tubes (tunnels)

Water change:
Every 5-7 days up to 15%

This is how I do it and I have very satisfactory results. The best in all of this is that this volume tanks are not expensive (at least here) because for making them I use 4mm glass with certain reinforcements.

Low cost high results :thumb:

 

[Gibbs]

Cheers mate

i was actually thinking about stocking 3 Protomales (red empress) which i already have, and they have spawned already and then say 5 or 6 yellow labs.

what do you guys think about that

 

[nick a]

Do you have the 36" long or the 48" long version of a 40G?

 

[Gibbs]

36'X14'X18'

 

[nick a]

I'd reconsider the red emps for that size tank. I have quite a few what we call 40Breeders here (36x18x16). IME breeding groups of Haps don't seem to do well in these, but many Mbuna do very well--especially some of the smaller types.

The Salousi would be perfect for that set up!

I've had lot's of species only variations and up to 3 different breeding groups in these tanks. There's lot's of options for colors etc,,,just depends on what you like!

 

[Gibbs]

thanks for that nick.

i do understand that the tank size would be unsuitable for most haps and will have to rethink that

im gonna have to do some research to find out which fish fell comfortable in a smaller environment, definately going to have to be Mbuna which i think is great

i also want a good looking blend of fish to

i think that a tank full of Sualosi only is really nice with the blue and yellow and would like a different colour mix for the other tank :thumb:

 

[nick a]

Look around at some of the Cynos. The sp "Hara" has attractive females as well as the sp "Lion". Also check out some of the mbuna-like Vics; Pundamilia etc... Smaller groups of both types can work well in that tank size for a lot of color variation and as close to 0% crossbreeding chances as possible.

Heres an old set-up that worked well for quite a few years: Tropheops red cheek 1M/2F + Pundamilia nyererei 1M/3F +Mbipi mbipi 1M/3F==blues, reds, yellows

 

[Gibbs]

They are quite nice looking fish. I'm gonna do some research on the fish you have suggested to get a good look at them.

What is the one that is in the bottom left side of the tank with the green glow in him?

Cheers for your advice mate.

 

[Gibbs]

I really like those fish that you suggested Nick.

I have always like the Cyno's but them Vics are really nice to and very accessable here in Australia.

If you have had some success with these fish then they are worth a good thought :thumb:

 

[Gibbs]

While doing a little bit of research on the site i checked out the cookie cutter for a 40g and come across the Pundamilla and yellow lab mix.

Sounds like a very good idea and especially like the vibrant colours of the Vic.

If anybody has any better suggestion let me know real qiuck

 

[nick a]

Sorry, I got jammed at work & wasn't able to get on-line. I'm guessing that you meant lower right with the greenish look--that's a Punda. n. Python Island

the left side is the tropheops

I think you'd be happy with the Vic/Lab mix and I've seen http://www.wetpetz.com/flameback.htm that Aussieland has a good Vic following!
IME--your best bet for a successful tank in the long run is to get your fish as smallish juveniles and allow them to grow up together. You'll have to get larger numbers of fish than your desired population, but as they grow you'll be able to see which ones are keepers and which ones to trade away. Good luck & have fun with it!

 

[Gibbs]

Awesome! Thanks alot for your help and advice :thumb: