Topic: my first cichlid tank

[Gerry]

yes I am aware that chichlids can be aggressive but that is when they compete for space and we can reduce that by proper tank size from the begining so why not upgrade now instead of waiting until one or more gets a severe beating or killed.

[callen]

In this hobby sometimes what works for one may not for others.  When you post on forums you get lots of opinions and ideas...you can take them or leave them, but please keep in mind we are all entitled to post our experience and our thoughts.

yes I am aware that chichlids can be aggressive but that is when they compete for space and we can reduce that by proper tank size from the begining so why not upgrade now instead of waiting until one or more gets a severe beating or killed.

I agree with this.  But bottom line is watch close and if you can intercept before things get bad then your head of the game.   

[kingrichard5405]

trust me i will but for now the tank is perfect size for them there not even 2 inches

[altaaffe]

Welcome to the site. 

As Callen says, people will give you advice based on their experiences - try not to see it as a personal attack.  I gained a lot of useful info when I first joined these sites and had to swallow some hard to take advice when I thought I had done all the research I needed.

Good to hear the JD is going back, I've seen one being badly beaten by a group of Mbuna and it wasn't pretty.

As for the Mbuna, as you are probably already aware, all four are rated as aggressive with the Kenyi (Metriaclima lombardoi) as very aggressive.  They do reach sexual maturity at 2 inches so watch out for that aggression from now.  Hopefully you've got a tank full of rocks to help provide them with plenty of hiding places but as said you'll be looking for a bigger tank sooner rather than later.  I wouldn't be looking to keep Mbuna in a tank less than 50g but you're also looking for a tank with a large footprint rather than a high tank.

Hope you stick around and look forward to seeing more of your fish as they grow.

Al

[kingrichard5405]

thank you i have two female kenji in my tank a long with a bumble bee and a red zebra and a electric yellow they all seem to be doing great together the first day they were together they got in a lil skuffle but now that they have there places they claim as there own there doing very good like i said before once they get a lil bigger i will get something like a 50g or 75g tank but who knows will see how they do i do have a spare tank set up just in case something happens im prepped for any thing im trying to post a picture but its not letting me so until later

[Antonia]

hi and welcome.

[Dan]

Welcome to WC! 

[Alex]

  Whoa dude Less agreesion and more love. were all here for the same reasons. we want to learn and share our experiences with others. in a hobby htat rocks the Planet!

And the internet is great as If you didnt like what people put you can ignore it really easy! lol

Alex

[iwade4fish]

Now that the JD is gone, the zebra and the bumblebee are the top aggressors. Don't be put off by our harsh comments, only trying to help you outby making ALL the mistakes for you. I'm sure that tank is very eye-catching. Enjoy it, and be ready to upgrade the tank once they get 50% bigger. Look on craigslist for them, very good source for your particular area. You can't overfilter, you CAN overfeed.Feed them food with alot of algae or spirulina in it. Too much protein (look at the label on the back ) can lead to trouble. I mix spirulina flake with color food at a ratio of 10-1, with fresh zucchini strips and krill as treats. Welcome to the money pit!!!!