[Michael R.]

I'm currently in the process of setting up a 90 gallon African cichlid aquarium.

I have two filters, 1 Aquaclear 500 and 1 Eheim 2215. I'm using a sugar-sized aragonite for the substrate.

As to what fish I'm going to keep, well it's still a toss up between Malawi Mbuna or some Tanganyikans.

I have to say, I love all of the Tanganyikans. They have a really unique, delicate beauty. Nothing personal, but I don't really like Shellies. I don't want to cover my sand in shells, and besides I think they're kind of plain looks-wise, though I know many of you advocate them for their character.

For my aquarium, I would like maybe 4 or 5 different species of fish (I don't even know if that's even possible).

In particular I really like:

- Cyprichromis (no jumbos, I know)
- Paracyprichromis
- Julidochromis
- Calvus and Comps
- Brichardis, Daffodils, and various other Lamprologines (leleupi, tretocephalus)
- I would really like some sand-sifters (I don't know what I can put into my aquarium)
- Synodontis!

My only two must-haves would probably be the Cyps or Paracyps, and the sand-sifters, but if I'm limited to only those two fish species, I'd look for a different combination.

What suggestions do you guys have for stocklists? Which fish up there can work together?

I don't really care for raising babies, but just observing the breeding behaviours (and having a bit more of a natural-looking tank than having a bunch of different fish) would be nice. If the Synos would eat the babies (I think they do), that's good.

Anyways, thanks so much for your help!

 

[Michael R.]

Here is a setup I like from the cookie-cutter section:

Tanganyikan Sand-Sifter Setup:
• Xenotilapia papilio or flavipinnis - 6
• Paracyprichromis brieni or nigripinnis - 8
• Altolamprologus calvus or compressiceps pair
• Reganochromis calliurus - 6
• Phyllonemus typus - 4

Modified, how's this:

• Xenotilapia papilio or flavipinnis - 6
• Paracyprichromis brieni or nigripinnis - 8
• Altolamprologus calvus or compressiceps pair
• Julidochromis marlieri or regani - pair
• Synodontis petricola or multipunctatus - 1

Could I even squeeze in another pair of fish with the above list, or is that good as it is?

 

[Michael R.]

Oops! double post - delete

 

[Darkside]

Modified, how's this:

• Xenotilapia papilio or flavipinnis - 6
• Paracyprichromis brieni or nigripinnis - 8
• Altolamprologus calvus or compressiceps pair
• Julidochromis marlieri or regani - pair
• Synodontis petricola or multipunctatus - 1

You have room for some more paracyps if you're interested. The catfish a) should not be kept singly a group of at least 3 should be kept, 5 or more is preferable b) will completely interrupt the spawning of all the fish in the aquarium. They can cause issues with sleeping fish as well, only keep them if you aren't looking to breed the other fish. Other than that the set up looks pretty good.

 

[Darkside]

Wow, I wish there was an option for us to delete the duplicates!

 

[Michael R.]

haha I agree

I don't care about breeding, but I want a breeding-like setup.

Instead of the Synos, then, could I add any Brichardis?

 

[Darkside]

Brichardi aren't recommended for most community setups, because of their aggressive nature. You can have a group of 3 Synos, that'll be fine. The problem is if you only keep one you'll never see it.

 

[Michael R.]

Thanks for the advice,

I see you live in Toronto. What do you recommend for fish stores, especially for Tanganyikans and Malawians, in your area?

 

[Darkside]

You'll be able to find a selection of LFS in the reviews section. Price Network is another good (online) resource for fish.

 

[Michael R.]

Wow, if that stocklist really works, well it will encompass almost every fish I wanted for a Tang. tank

Hmm... I still don't know!