stocking a new tank

[TheCroust]

hello people.
we're starting a rift lake tank soon and could do with some help. we have 2 julidochromis ornatus already, living in a community tank (it's a long story). so far there hasn't been any bother but we think they'd be better in a proper african setup. we were thinking of maybe a pair, or trio, of altolamprologus calvus and possibly some cyprichromis leptosoma.
would these be suitable tankmates and if so, how many would be acceptable?
if we can't find (or can't afford) these, as the calvus at least seem both expensive and hard to find, what would be suitable alternatives?
the new tank is 125l (80 x 35 x 45cm), so not huge, but not tiny. i've read on some sites that african cichlids can be kept in smaller tanks than south american cichlids but it's all new to us, so any help would be greatly appreciated...
thanks

 

[bigbird]

Hi, having also had a tnaganyikan 6ft tank set up, i can say that your choices are very nice. You have top fish leptosoma, middle calvus and bottom ornatus. My only tip would be to make sure that you have enough hidding spots, rocks and caves for all. These fish are normally mild aggresive and when they breed, they become sometime unbearable. It is said that to keep the aggresion level down one either has an all male tank. The Calvus will eat anything that will fit into their mouth, so be carefull. I personally like the Lamprologus ocellatus and Neolamprologus brichardi . Water had to be hard and water changes for all at least 50% a week. They also state that if you overcrowd the tnak that aggresive levels are also kept in check, but that you will have to find out, because more fish, more water changes. I also like the Paracyprichromis nigripinnis, but in my home town they are very hard and expensive to get. Substrate crushed sand and coral, lots of rocks and medium light. Feeding only every 2 days, frozen and flake ok for all fish. Let us know how you go...cheers jk

 

[TheCroust]

Thanks for the reply. The Paracyprichromis nigripinnis are lovely looking fish but I think hard to come by round here to, shame. Maybe I'll keep an eye open.
What sort of numbers should I be looking at, bearing in mind the tank's only 3ft long?

 

[levine]

I keep or have kept all the fish listed and I wouldn't put the nigripinnis in with that group - they can be bullied pretty easy. I would only add one more group or pair of fish. Maybe you could add a couple synodontis petricola in addition to the fish you choose.

 

[bigbird]

Evening,

Most choices are an individual ones. I personally would pick only nigripinis and ocellatus, they are peaceful and a nice mix. If not Nigripinis then leptosoma as you stated. I am not in favour of the Calvus and they can eat anything that fits in their mouth. My suggestions would be 6leptosoma, 3calvus and your ornatus. Be aware that the leptosoma breed nicely and I found very easy. It is very hard as everybody wants to add their choice. Each fish has character and I find are very interesting. Good luck...and keep us informed.....remember water changes every week at least 30-40% cheers jk