[Jonz'n]

I have recently returned from Germany and a tour in Iraq and have just gotten the chance to set-up my brand new 80g bow-front Perfecto that has been in storage since Christmas! I'm using aragonite substrate and my aquarium is being way over filtered...so overstocking wouldn't be a problem. Now the true question is what species to start with!?! I'm thinking at around 5 different species, at least 3 of each...at least 2 females to every male. I definitely want to include Demasoni's...what would be species that would go well with the Demasoni's?!?!? :-?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Chris2500DK]

Demasoni and yellow labs is a very pretty combination. I'd rather keep fewer species with more fish of each, but that's a matter of personal preference.

 

[Dewdrop]

They say you should get around 12-15 Demasoni to be successful with them and most other species of mbuna should have 3-4 females per male. Hope this helps. From there, alot depends on what you like and what will work together. Good luck with the new tank. Welcome home and thank you for serving our country :thumb:

 

[Jonz'n]

I appreciate your help and comments...I'm probably looking into adding some Lombardoi and possibly some of the Fuelleborni. Outside of that, I'm still not really sure. Any more ideas? Also, with my tank, I've got plenty of hiding places and plan on adding some more rock. There is still plenty of room for the fish to roam. I read in an article that you can add haps in with mbuna's...I've never ventured so far as to do it, but I knew they were both Malawi cichlids. Of course I could see a diet problem trying to feed both without getting too much protein for the mbuna's. Outside of that issue, I have plenty natural environment to offer both throughout the tank. Thanks again,

Josh

 

[Fogelhund]

If you are just starting out with mbuna, I'd recommend on passing on the lombardoi, as they can be a very aggressive and disruptive fish to a community. In addition to the demasoni, Labidochromis caeruleus and Lab. fuelleborni (OB?), Pseudotropheus acei are a great community fish. Another fish that would be a good colour mix would be Metriaclima callainos, or even Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos (if you can find good ones). Cynotilapia afra (cobue and White Top Hara) would mix as well.

 

[Jonz'n]

I was looking at the Lab. Fuelleborni (Chidunga, Nakantenga) or whichever species I could find a good set on, my lfs usually has a really good selection if you catch them around re-stock days. 6 or 8 tanks of African Cichlids alone. Thanks for the input...