[DJRansome]

Welcome to Cichlid-forum!

Clown loaches won't like the higher pH Africans need...shoot for pH=8.0. Also they like to be in groups of 6 and grow to 13" so they will be a major source of bioload if you decide to stock them.

The fish like to dig and spit the sand all over the place, so they would prefer straight pool filter sand but crushed coral won't harm them.

Since you have a mbuna theme going, you could stock all mbuna. I found five species perfect for a 72" tank. Figure about 5-6 of each species with one male if you choose mbuna that are average aggression.

Since your first two mbuna are relatively peaceful, you could also stock the rest of the tank with haps and peacocks. You need to decide whether you would want all-male (colorful) or mixed genders (only males are colorful).

You probably want to do some more research before buying fish other than labs and acei. Or...if you don't get attached once they are home...make sure you get the option to return with no questions asked. :thumb:

Hope you enjoy it!

 

[DJRansome]

I can tell you stocking I have had in my 72" tank or recommend combinations if you like something else.

Peacocks are not mean...mbuna are mean. :lol: In general and on average. Always exceptions.

What is your preference among these choices:
--mixed gender, all mbuna
--all-male hap/peacock with just your two mbuna groups
--mixed gender, mbuna, haps and peacocks (silver females)

If you want one or more bigger fish than the mbuna, haps would fit the criteria.

 

[DJRansome]

Here are the haps and peacocks I have, and they would mix with acei and yellow labs in a 72" tank. Just to get some ideas. These are relatively peaceful and mature at 6" or less except the borleyi. Would be about the right number (with 12 mbuna) for a 72" I think.

Astatotilapia latifasciata Lake Kyoga 'Zebra'
Protomelas marginatus 'Turquoise'
Otopharynx tetrastigma
Copadichromis trewavasae Likoma 'Ivoryhead Mloto'
Copadichromis borleyi Kandango
Aulonocara stuartgranti Mdoka (Flametail)
Aulonocara stuartgranti Maleri
Aulonocara Ruby Red
Aulonocara turkis
Placidochromis electra Likoma 'Deep Water'
Copadichromis chrysonotus Mumbo 'White Blaze'

 

[DJRansome]

I think the venustus will not be happy with the mbuna, but maybe someone who has tried it will chime in.

If you are going mixed-gender than add fish for each species until you have 1m:4f of each. Acei and labs especially like to be in larger groups of 5-6.

You still want another species or two depending on what happens with the venustus.

Synodontis petricola also like to be in groups of 5-6 but I would probably not do both clowns and synodontis. Again, maybe someone who has tried that can chime in.