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I'm in the process of getting a 150gal tank and I feel it's time for an african tank. I've had a wide variety of fish over the years, but I'm looking for a good combination. I like the Electric Blues and Yellows, and I've seen some beatiful Red Top Zebras, and Brichardis. My question is if this list would be compatible? Also with africans what Male to female ratio should I look at. And finally how many should I look to keep in a 72"x24"x20" tank. Any information is appreciated.

I wouldn't mix Lake Malawi & Lake Tanganiykan Cichlids.

You can go with Electric Blues & Yellows & do a Malawi tank or go with Brichardi for a Tanganiykan setup.


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I agree that mixing fish from the different Rift lakes isn't a good idea. I don't have experience with larger Africans but here are some cookie cutter setups for a 75g, obviously you'd adjust stock for your larger tank.

And here is an article on African compatability.

Last edited by Theresa_M at 06-Dec-2005 13:43

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

Yup. Go one way or the other. So hard to choose isn't it? eeeek

I am Mbuna bias of course! <rolls eyes>

In my 4ft
Hongi Island x 4
electric yellow x 2
auratus x 2
pseudotropheus kingsizeii x 1
maingano x 1
Ps aurora likoma ?? one I think was mislabeled x 1


Last edited by wish-ga at 07-Dec-2005 21:28

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~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

You could make that into a beautiful peacock/hap tank with some labs for diggin under the rocks. As for not mixing the two lakes, i disagree, certain species can be intermixed with no problems, others cannot. A very nice addition to any malawian tank would be the tang. catfish, Synodontis multipunctatus or Synodontis Petricola.

You can keep any kind of ratio you would like as to male/female, of course the males are the only colorful ones out there, it is possible to have a all male tank there.

I actually have Altolamprologus Calvus in my malawi tank and they're fine. However i'm planning to move them into a new Tanganyikan tank sometime soon. So depending on the species IMO you can mix.

Last edited by PJ at 09-Dec-2005 16:59

Seasoned keepers know they can mix lakes, but lets not suggest it to a first timer. The brichardi are the only cichlid on your list that is from lake T. The Elec Yellow and red top zebra are Mbuna from Lake Malawi. The Elec blue(I'm guessin you mean "ahli" ) are Hap species from Lake M. Now this being your first cichlid tank, try to keep it simple. Things can get out of hand quickly if you choose too many different species. Lets start with the EL's. A great 1st choice. Go with 8-12. Also get 1-2 BN pleco for algea(ugly I know, but do a great job). I donot suggest the red top zebras as they "can" become aggressive. For the Ahli(elec blue), 1 Male will do fine(they can reach 8" ). I would also stock the tank with 5-7 Synodontis Multipunctatus or Petricola(catfish from lake T/not mixing cichlids is the point). This will pretty much take care of the bottom(with the BN's). There are other Haps and Peacocks you could add. There is also more Mbuna you can add. Do some more research, and make a descent sized list of fish from lake Malawi that you like. We can "help" add stock from there. Thats a real nice tank to fill. Work on getting lots of rock for it. BTW you could also add clown loaches or Rainbow fish if your not planning on biotype. Also where does your PH stand? With mbuna you want to aim for a 1M/4F ratio. Look at P. Salousi for another Mbuna. Males are black/blue and females are orange. 3 colors in 1 and will do fine with elec yellow/blue. Again 1M/4F. A 6'x2' tank can hold quite a bit. Stock suggestion= 10 EL's(2M/8F),10 Salousi(2M/8F),1M Ahli(watch for aggresion as matures),5-7 Synodontis M's or P's or/and 5 CL's,and 2 BN plecs. Lots of rocks and great filtration. Wish I had a 6'x2'. If no cats or loaches, you have a lot of room left.