[geotlyrae]

New to cichlids... I realize 46 gl may be a little small, but I'll try not to overstock.. I've looked at Pseudatropheus and Peacocks. I like to keep a peaceful tank, but also have color. I was thinking about 3 species . Can anyone give some guidance which species interact together, and how many fish should I have? I also was thinking trying to keep up to 4" max, so perhaps I could have a few more. Are there any smaller peacocks, or should I avoid them. Thanks for the replies...
Geo

 

[Woodman]

Ngara Flametail are very colorful and non aggressive to other fish except male's of their own specie's. I am growing fry of this specie's right now. :thumb:

 

[Woodman]

Aprox mature size 4-5 inche's and more of a carnivore than plant eater.

 

[DJRansome]

What are the dimensions of the tank? If it is a bowfront, provide the length and dimension from front to back on the side (not the middle).

 

[geotlyrae]

I'm not a home now, but the specification of the tank is 36x16x20 (wxdxh). The tank is a marineland bow front. According to the calculations, it should carry 189 liters, almost the same as a 55 gal, which carries 209.

Woodman.. The Ngara flametail looks like a beautiful Peacock. Can I keep only 2 males? They also say, that it takes time until color develops. Keep in mind I'll probably will house about 9 fish. Perhaps, with smaller fish, I can get more. I'm near Big Al's store, and they have a large selection of cichlids, and a 5000 gallon tank.

 

[DJRansome]

With African Rift Lake cichlids, footprint is more important than gallons. This is a 36" tank which limits the fish that will be successful in it. (Same footprint as my 38G, I have had mbuna in one.) A trio of small, peaceful peacocks like Baenschi 1m:2f or a dozen Pseudotropheus Demasoni (because they are dwarf) would work in this tank. I don't think stock consisting of all male peacocks would have high odds of success in a 36" tank.

I'm not sure how the Flametail rates on the peaceful ==> aggressive continuum.

 

[geotlyrae]

Pseudotropheus demasoni would be fine, but I would like to mix them, and not have 12 of the same color fish. I was just reading, and I think I would be able to mix them with Pseudotropheus flavus, Pseudotropheus socolofi, Pseudotropheus cyaneus or even Pseudotropheus Msobo. Perhaps 6 of each, or even 4 of each. What do you think? Not sure if all these species are readily available.. I was also reading about the Sunshine Peacock, which could be kept with these groups..

 

[DJRansome]

If you don't want 12, don't get Demasoni, they don't do well unless they are in a group larger than 12. I'd say this tank is one species of dwarfs with maybe 3 yellow labs. Socolofi and Msobo are both full-size aggressive fish and are best kept in a 48" or larger. I don't have much familiarity with Flavus and Cyaneus...maybe someone else will chime in.

Other dwarfs to consider are Saulosi, with the advantage of two colors since they are dimorphic.

I did have Socolofi with my Demasoni in the 125G, it's a nice mix, just not in a 36" tank. Hope you find a mix you like!

 

[Woodman]

I find that Flametails are peaceful and two males together would be fine but probably would need a longer tank with plenty of caves. You never know no matter how much you read about a specie's there can always be exceptions. Male's start showing color in about 5-6 months.

While people are entitled to their own opinions, they are not entitled to their own facts.

Experience is everything. Good Luck!

 

[geotlyrae]

I read the 55gl cookie cutter, and will try to follow their reccomendation. Perhaps, with a few less fish. I like the small mbuna setup. Meanwhile, before I setup the tank, I'll try to see if I can change for a 75 gallon (48"). One last question... I'm a little confused about cicling the tank. Two stores have told me to add fish right away. Is that correct? Thanks for all replies..

 

[Chris2500DK]

You don't need fish for cycling, putting them through the spikes of ammonia and nitrite just seems cruel to me. What you do need is a source of ammonia, some people here use pure ammonia from some source or other. You can also use fish food. Basicly you want to feed the tank as much food as you would with the fish in it. You'll see an ammonia spike first then a nitrite spike, once both of those are gone your biological filtration will be up to the task.

 

[Woodman]

I totally agree with the fishless cycling. The fish stores want to sale you fish. They probably wont even mention fishless cycling. 1/2 teaspoon of amonia per 60gal aprox will put you up around 2.0- 4.0 this is fine. You only need to maintain .50 Add amonia once a day. Nitrite should spike in 4-7 days aprox. Then wait patiently. No water changes until fully cycled. The fastest I have been able to cycle a tank is 3 1/2 weeks. Get some good bacteria to add in the beginning.The fishless method really gives you a nice colony. Maybe better than using fish and more humane.

Good luck!!

 

[geotlyrae]

Thanks guys.... I'll follow your advice. I also believed adding fish immediately was the wrong thing. I'll take my time. Not sure if I can change for the 48, but will try tomorrow..

Geo

 

[Woodman]

I hope you are able to get the 48. It will give a great chance of having a successful experience!! But you can also make the other one work as well.

Woodman