[Simoo]

Hi,

I would like to keep some African Cichlids from one of the great lakes. I have a 3 foot tank that holds about 150ltrs.

The thing is, I don't want a tank full of rock any more!

What interesting fish would you recommend for that size tank? I like the idea of sand and a few rocks but not a 'wall' or pile of them. I'd like to focus on one or maybe two species and get the biotope just right.

Thanks

 

[Simoo]

Ooops!

 

[Chris2500DK]

You could try something like occelatus shellies, with a mostly sandy bottom and a few rocks here and there.

 

[Simoo]

Thanks

Like Lamprologus ocellatus? 1 male and 3 females?

What shells do I use?

 

[Chris2500DK]

I'd go for 6-8 juveniles to let them sort things out on their own.

Shells could be neothauma, big whale eyes, escargot or similar shells. Something like 3 shells per fish spread out over the tank.

 

[Simoo]

Thanks for your help, I read up a bit more on Lamprologus ocellatus and they sound really interesting. Two questions though...

Where is the best place to get the shells?

As those fish rarely venture up in the water column, is there another species I could keep that would compliment them?

Thanks again

 

[F8LBITEva]

I just ordered a bunch of shells from here. Just go to the link and scroll down, lots of choices.

http://cichlidbreeding.com/products.php?cat=10

 

[Simoo]

Great thanks, they ship to the UK too

 

[F8LBITEva]

As those fish rarely venture up in the water column, is there another species I could keep that would compliment them?

Thanks again

Simoo, I was in your same spot. I have 7 Occies and 7 Juli. Dickfeldi's with about 35 shells. I also have 6 rainbowfish I didnt know what to keep with and the breeder I got the julies and occies from told me they can be kept with rainbows! Rainbows mainly just hang out on top and the shellies stay on the bottom.

 

[Simoo]

Cheers for the info

What are Rainbows exactly? and would they be ok in a 3' tank?

 

[F8LBITEva]

Rainbow fish originate from Australia I believe. They can grow to be roughly 5" but are slow growers and they like higher PH. They generally have the same "football" shape to them but are very colorful and different species have yellows,red,blues,and green. Heres a link to a few examples. Good luck.

 

[Simoo]

Thanks

 

[F8LBITEva]

ooops! forgot to add the link:

http://www.livefish.com.au/index.php?ma ... &cPath=1_3