[Mitch101]

HI All,
Currently trying to decide on a new tank size. I have 75 gallon with the following:

aulonocara jacobfreiberbergi "Eureka Red"
aulonocara jacobfreiberbergi "Eureka Red Albino"
aulonocara jacobfreiberbergi Undu "Lemon Jake"
aulonocara stuartgranti Ngara "Flametail"
aulonocara stuartgranti Hongi Island
aulonocara sp. stuartgranti Maleri island
aulonocara sp. "Rubescens"
aulonocara hansbaenschi "Red Shoulder"
aulonocara jacobfreiberbergi Otter Point "Malawi Butterfly"

copadichromis sp. "Mloto Undu"
copadichromis borleyi Kadango "Redfin"
protomelas sp. Likoma "Tangerine Tiger"
protomelas taeniolatus "Red Empress"
protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan" Taiwanee Reef
nimbochromis livingstoni
otopharynx lithobates Zimbabwe Rocks
synodontis eupterus

All these males are sub adult. Trying to decide on the size tank - 125, 150, 180 or 210. Thinking that I do not want too large of a tank that I would have to add alot more fish, well just maybe a few more, but I want to make sure the tank is large for some of the larger haps. What size of tank would you suggest? Below are the two adults that I have in lock down in a quarantine tank (brawlers). Hoping to reintroduce them when the new guys have settled in.

sciaenochromis fryeri Maleri island "Iceberg"
aulonocara hueseri "Midnight Peacock"

Thanks for any replies.

 

[Fogelhund]

Typically the 150 is just a taller version of the 125. Similarly the 210 is the tall version of the 180. In both cases the extra height adds nothing to the functionality of the aquarium in keeping cichlids, though they do look nice.

For my money, I would choose the 125 or the 180. Obviously the 180 is preferable with the extra depth, but I think the 150 and 210's are a bit of a waste.

 

[F-1]

I like your peacock/hap stock! I agree with Fogelhund...go with a 180 for sure.

F-1

 

[cichlids _killer]

nope all wrong with mbuna the longer tank the better but with deep water hap and peacock the taller tank is the one to go ..so my pick will be the 210 gallon ....

 

[F-1]

I wouldn't say all wrong. Besides, Mbunas aren't in the stocking list. Mitch101 is speaking of sub-adult peacocks and haps. A 150 would suffice actually. Anything above a 150 for Mitch101's stock is subjective but I like the 180's length, width, height and depth. A 210 just isn't necesary for Mitch101's stock but if he has the money to burn then go for it. :wink:

F-1

 

[SubMariner]

I concur!!!

 

[Mitch101]

Thanks for your help. I am going to the lfs today and I will be looking for the 180 but if they only have a 210..well . I wasn't sure if I needed a 18 or 24 inch bottom. I guess with some fish 10 to 12 inch a 24 is better :drooling:

I am though, still unclear on stocking. With Mbuna, overstocking is a must IMHE, but with Peacocks and Haps is it as important?

Oh and I pulled the Albino, put him in his own tank too fatten him up. He was having a hard time getting any food. I have since noticed that he is either half blind or suffers from depth perception... ....He just cannot aim and grab a piece of food consistantly, is this pretty typical of Albinos? Never had one.

Thanks

 

[cichlids _killer]

I wouldn't say all wrong. Besides, Mbunas aren't in the stocking list. Mitch101 is speaking of sub-adult peacocks and haps. A 150 would suffice actually. Anything above a 150 for Mitch101's stock is subjective but I like the 180's length, width, height and depth. A 210 just isn't necesary for Mitch101's stock but if he has the money to burn then go for it. :wink:

F-1

you're right too but to me size does matter ..beside 180 not that much cheap than 210 ...in the long run if u want to add more fish there always be more room ...to me if i got a chose between 180 and 210 i just get the 210 and that exactly what i did ... :thumb: starting out with the 75 ...now i got a 210 gallon
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/phpBB/view ... p?t=172908

 

[Fish_Dude]

Always go larger footprint. These fish will grow... and you have room for your hobby to grow as well. The problem with a taller talk like a 150 or 210 is the extra weight that's added. A 125 can pretty much it on l flooring that runs perpenictular at a support foundation without shoring up the joists. Will likely weight over a ton! So where you place the tank is very important. I sistered the joists under my 180 and haven't had a problem, but place a 180 over a parallel joists, or either in the center of a span and you're asking for problems!

A 150 actually puts more weight in a smaller area than a 180.. the 180 spreads it out more. If you're on a concrete slab, you have nothing to worry about.

Just don't forget about the floor!

And I would go 150 or 180. I feel me 125 is too short. However, lighting can be more difficult on a 150, that think is what? 28" deep? That's 6" more than a 125 and 3" more than a 180.
Would be great for a peacock tank, but you have some nimbochromis.. and some of those protomelas and the Borleyi can get 8".. though I don't see any fish that get larger than 10" or so. I would love to upgrade my 125(my peacock and small hap tank) to a 150.. but that's because It's on a slab, and I already have the stand, tops and lights. I'd rather do a 180, or maybe even a 8" tank.... but cost is an issue!