African Cichlids in a 30 gallon tank

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rudelou55

rudelou55

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Apr 24, 2006
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i'm new to cichlids and i have a spare 30 gallon tank and i was wondering how many and which kind of african cichlids could i keep in a tank that size also what would be a good substrate to use and also what would be a good filter for those type of fish in a tank that size. i appreciate the help.


Thanks,
Louie
 
Zero, they'll kill each other, can someone make a sticky thread saying this in the cichlid forum?? 55gl minimum for African Cichlids...
 
the answer is ZERO. African Mbuna are polygamous ... you have to keep ONE male with at least THREE females and FOUR would be better still, or the male will harrass the females to death. that dictates a minimum of FOUR fish and FIVE would be better still.

additionally, these fish are very aggressive and need sufficient space to have a territory of their own. to have a territory there has to be some way of demarking it in the tank. that means rocks ... lots of them. with a minimum of one cave per fish. given this, there's simply not sufficient room in a thirty gallon tank for 4-5 of these fish. a 55 gallon tank is considered the bare minimum for African Mbuna.
 
Perfect size for cichlids from Lake Tanginyka(sp)
 
I wouldn't say all african cichlids need 55g minimum. IMO, a 30g can house some julies and/or shellies (Tanganyika cichlids).

Sand would be the preferred substrate for them. Also, plenty of empty shells if you choose shellies.

As far as filters, I'm partial to rena xp series cannister and aqua clear hob.
 
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Why do you guys keep saying "ZERO". One fish wont definitely kill itself.... :)

Peace.
 
It's not that it would kill itself. It's that mbuna are happiest when in groups. One mbuna stuck in solitary confinement is not a good way to live. I had my mbuna in my 38g when they were young. When they grew, I purchased a 75g and it was amazing how different they acted when in a larger environment. You would never be able to enjoy the natural behavior of an mbuna if you stick them in a little cell. Why stick a 5-6 inch fish in a tank he/she doesn't have much room to enjoy the short life they live? It's just not right....but that's my opinion.
 
exactly I have one auratus.....he's one mean MF...but doesn't throw himself on his sword...he's in a twelve
 
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