Input About A Mbuna Tank

zackcrack00

zackcrack00

Members
I am currently conducting research on a few fish. I have narrowed it down to three, now to check compatibility, water parameters, risk of hybridization, food preferences, tank space, aggressiveness, etc. I chose a peacock, and 2 mbuna.
 
zackcrack00

zackcrack00

Members
After my research, I chose Aulonocara Baenschi (Benga Peacocks), Labidochromis Hongi (Hongi Labs), and Aulonocara sp. "Stuartgranti Maleri" (Chidunga Rocks) (Orange Peacocks).

I found all to be mildly aggressive during breeding and peaceful, but territorial. I was thinking: 10 Bengas, 10 Oranges, and 12 Hongi. What do you guys think???
 
zackcrack00

zackcrack00

Members
What about filters? I contestant to spend a lot, but I want two, with at least a 100 gallon rating each. What kinds do you have?
 
Forester

Forester

Members
You should do 2 FX5's and two large sponges for filtration.

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jonclark96

jonclark96

Past CCA President
The peacocks with hybridize. Don't pick two fish from the same genus (aulonocara).

There has already been multiple suggestions on filtration in this thread. A combination of AC110's and FX5's should work well in addition to sponges. This is assuming that you don't pick up a drilled tank that would be a prime candidate for a sump filter (a sump is another container under the tank where water drains from the main tank, runs through a series of bio and mechanical filter media, then is pumped back into the main tank).
 
Tony

Tony

Alligator Snapping Turtle/Past Pres
Those two peacocks will absolutely hybridize. A. baenschi is almost indistinguishable from A maleri (other than the shape of it's face). They are both stuartgranti complex (hence the flame pattern on the baenschi's caudal fin).

Don't mix any peacocks - even more distant ones.

Personally, I'd go with 5 groups of mbuna and not worry about fry surviving. Some will grow up in the tank just fine.
 
zackcrack00

zackcrack00

Members
I read that the peacocks were most likely not going to. Instead, I will use the cynotilapia afra "mbamba" cichlid. Here is the tank list: 10 Oranges, 10 Hongi, and 10 Mbambas. Is that too many fish? Would this be a better stocking list? : 8 Oranges 10 Hongi, and 8 Mbambas. Also, when you run a sponge filter, do you hook it up to your filter, or do you just run it. I had a sponge filter in my 29, but it wasn't hooked up to my Aquaclear 30. All of you have been extremely helpful, and I really appreciate that!
 
zackcrack00

zackcrack00

Members
Someone pmed me and said that the Hongi and Mbamba are too aggressive for peacocks, especially Maleri. I chose Morrisville greshakei, instead. How many of each of my 3 chosen species can go into a 125 gallon?
 
rupertoooo

rupertoooo

Members
Zack,

I noticed you have the Hongi and Mbamba. If these are both Labidochromis that will be a problem however if the Mbamba is a Cyno. Nkhata Bay you may be okay however the rule of thumb is one striped species. If you decide to go that route I would definitely make an inquiry through the mail order distributor before you purchase.

Personally I believe the Pearl White Zebra or one of my favorites the Williamsi Blue Lips would be nice additions. The Pearl White because of the contrast and the Williamsi because its just a bad *** fish.
 
zackcrack00

zackcrack00

Members
rupertoooo said:
Zack,

I noticed you have the Hongi and Mbamba. If these are both Labidochromis that will be a problem however if the Mbamba is a Cyno. Nkhata Bay you may be okay however the rule of thumb is one striped species. If you decide to go that route I would definitely make an inquiry through the mail order distributor before you purchase.

Personally I believe the Pearl White Zebra or one of my favorites the Williamsi Blue Lips would be nice additions. The Pearl White because of the contrast and the Williamsi because its just a bad *** fish.
Click to expand...

Yes, the Mbamba is Cyno. "Mbamba" from Nkhata Bay. I guess I have to choose between these guys and Hongi. I definitely like my Cynotilapia choice better. I will choose a different fish for the 82,000th time, LOL!
 
zackcrack00

zackcrack00

Members
I've got the mix that works perfectly together and follows all of the rules you've given me, guys:

Metriaclima greshakei 6" Max

Cynotilapia "Mbamba" 3.5" Max

and Pseudotropheus "Aggressive Yellow Fin". 5" Max

How many of each cichlid can I have? I want it relatively even in group numbers.
 
rupertoooo

rupertoooo

Members
Zack,

Aggressive yellow fin, boy is that one out of left field. Couple of things first I had a friend who had a breeding group many years ago and his were extremely aggressive. They totally dominated the tank and he had a group of Tropheops Likoma (red cheek) in that tank. I would also be mildly concerned that the Greshakei and the yellow fin may not be the best tank mates but I am not familiar enough with them to offer a concrete opinion. Lastly I am not sure they are readily available as I have seen no sign of them but maybe you have a contact.

I would go with a group of 10-12 each or add a forth group and go with 8-10 each. And remember its essential to add caves.
 
zackcrack00

zackcrack00

Members
Wow. I hate my internet sources. I read just "aggressive" for the Yellow Fins, as well as the greshakei.... -_- This is horrible.
 
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