[brianmccord2001]

I just got a new 40 gallon. The Dimensions are 36"L x 12"W x 16"T. I have had bad past experiences with Mbuna and would like to stock with 4 large Haps or Peacocks. Something not as aggressive as the rock fish. I would also like 2 pair so they possibly will breed. Which means that i need species where both the males and females are colorful. This tank is going to be sweet when it is done, stand/canopy the I made to be furniture grade, DIY concrete rock background, undergravel jets...I'm really doing it up right this time.

Thank you in advance for your comments.

 

[Gibbs]

G'day mate. Your going to have a tough time keeping most haps and peacocks in that size tank these fish need more swimming space then that.
I asked the same question not so long ago as i have a similar size tank.
If you not going down the Mbuna route then check out some of the lake Victorian fish.
The Pundamilla especially. Pundamilla Nyererie are very nice fish, the females are attractive and they have known to breed without any worries in just 20 gallons of water. With them particular fish i have seen people add yellow labs which are quite possibly the easiest of all cichlids to keep.
The route i ended up going down was that of the dwarf mbuna such as the Cyno Afra's, Saulosi etc.
Perhaps the most suited to a 40g tank are the Ps. Saulosi. the females are a very nice yellow and the males are very very nice. I think that is what you should do with your tank.
Say 4 males and 8-10 females which makes a lovely blue and yellow combo

 

[brianmccord2001]

I just realized that my so called 40 gallon tank, which is what is was advertised as is actually a 30! Heads are gonna roll...

 

[DJRansome]

It's not the gallons that are limiting you, but the length. Malawi need one male and multiple females to breed. In general haps and peacocks have colorful males but drab females. I think I have heard of smaller peacocks being OK in that size tank in a trio (one male, two females). Not sure if you could do the same with smaller haps, but pretty sure you could not do both.

 

[nick a]

Yeah, a 40BR should be 36x18x16. Forget about Haps, be very selective with peacocks (major generalization here: stuartgranti types are less aggro than the jacobs....etc...) for a tank that size.

Another major generalization; Pairs of these types are not long-term successful--the lone female will often end up /stressed/beat-up/dead.

The bad experience with Mbuna might be the result of improper stocking (species mix, m/f ratios etc...) As noted, the dwarf varieties of Mbuna are the general group that are most suited for these smaller tanks.

 

[Whitespy9]

I have a tank this size and have stocked it with 9 p.demansoni and 4 labs.
The fish have been very healthy and happy so far!

here is the thread: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/phpBB/view ... p?t=170203

 

[brianmccord2001]

I have decided to go with a group of 4m/10f Cynotilapia afra (Jalo Reef). Max size 4", not overly aggressive...and some really nice fish from my local breeder. Thanks for the advice guys.

Brian

 

[Gibbs]

Excellent choice mate, you will have alot of fun with it. let us all no how you go :thumb:

 

[dielikemoviestars]

I have decided to go with a group of 4m/10f Cynotilapia afra (Jalo Reef). Max size 4", not overly aggressive...and some really nice fish from my local breeder. Thanks for the advice guys.

Brian

Should be a nice species tank. You might have some male quarreling but should be fun to watch.

EDIT: The colony dynamic should be fun to watch, not the males fighting. I'm not one of those types