[Floridagirl]

I have a 7 Black Calvus in my 55. I've worked out a deal with a fellow member to do some trade. I am going to keep a one or two of the Black Calvus. He is trading some juvi Regani Nsumbu, P. Nigripinis and Cyp Lepto. Blue Flash. What kind of numbers would you recommend? And, would you add Lelupi or not? I alos would like any recommendations on decor.
Thanks....

 

[renegade545]

If you were to keep a pair of the black calvus, i would recommend this:
6 juvies Julidochromis regani, aim for a pair or trio.
10-12 P. nigripinis or leptosoma 2m/4-5f

I recommend choosing between P. nigripinis and Leptosoma. As both get either to or over 4 inches. And both need to be in suitable sized schools. Keeping both species would mean much reduced schools sizes for both species, which IMO is undesirable.

As for the N. leleupi, if you are aiming pairs of the Julidochromis and Altolamprologus then i would suggest leaving these ones out. Leaving spaces for the both species to breed if they want.

For decor, i would recommend making large rock piles at either end of the tank, using large and small round stones. You could also make a medium sized rock pile slightly off centre of the middle of the tank. This will provide enough hiding spots for the rockdwellers and also provide ample swimming space for the openwater swimmers. If you have enough light, you also add some large val species along the back, providing some cover along the surface for the Paracyprichromis or the Cyprichromis.

 

[Charles]

Julie, calvus, and paracyps. are rock dwellers.
Cyps. is open water.

You will need to figure out a way to have rock piles for the 3 rock dwellers. Julie when pair up will for sure take over 1 rock pile. Calvus will do the same. Now the paracyps. will be push away from the rocks. So in a 55, you can try one rock pile in the middle.

With the size of your tank (assuming it is 48"), if you want to stock your tank light, 1 trio of paracyps., 1 pair of julie and calvus, and 6-8 standard cyps..

 

[Floridagirl]

Ok, I ditched the Paracyps. My tank now contains 2 Black Calvus, 6 asst size J Regani, and 2 M, 4 F Cyp leptosoma(Blue Flash). Yeah! Everyone is getting settled in . I'm not thrilled with my aquascaping, but will work on it as the Julies pair up. The others will go in my 100 with the Fronts, lots of hiding spots. I worked a trade with Gman fron this site, my Calvus for his Cyps and Julies. He has some awesome tanks. His 180 has 4 Moba, lots if Lelupi, Black Calvus, and lots of J Regani. His moba are Huge, and he has several hiding places for the others. I was soooo impressed. Thanks for the help!!