45G... stocking

[Lostlilkidd]

Hi!

I was originally going to stock with a peaceful tank with tetras, cories, etc. But while waiting for the tank to cycle, I've become drawn to all the visually stunning cichlids.

Even though I am a noob, I've decided to go for a cichlid. The goal is to have a visually stunning and challenging tank to manage. Tank size 36x12x24, gravel, coliseum, artificial plants... and probably going to add a few more greek ruins.

Since im going for cichlids, Im going to take my time to let it cycle fully before I stock. Plenty of time to consider stocking options,

Now for the stocking options.
After many trips to the LFS and research, I think I may be going with african cichlids.
I leaning towards a yellow lab first. Other than that, I would like fish that is visually stunning. From what Im reading, it seems 12 demi/3 yellow labs seem to be a crowd fav.
Another option I have come across are a colony of Pseudotropheus saulosi.


Im open too all recommendations and then going to head to a more specific area of this forum.

[fischfan13]

You wont like hearing this, but IMO the footprint for that tank is too small for Mbuna.

[Lostlilkidd]

ive read that a lot of ppl have had success with 3 feet wide and 12 damai/3yellow lab

no?

[fischfan13]

Yes they do, but these fish are still confined.
Demasoni need very large groups to slow down aggression. Anyone who tries to put a colony of Demasoni in a 45g is giving these fish a slow death sentence. I have bred Demasoni, and still breed Yellow Labs. I never put these fish as adults in anything less than a 55g.

[Lostlilkidd]

really?... that is heart breaking.. im going to have to do some more research.

what about a colony of Pseudotropheus saulosi?

[M. Boona]

Demasoni are one of the most aggressive mbuna, so you need a large group (miniumum of 12) if not more. You'd be better off going with a single species or two species dwarf mbuna tank. Pseudotropheus saulosi are a great choice. They only grow to 3-4 inches unlike some mbuna that can reach 5-6 inches. The saulosi are beautiful because both the male and females are visually pleasing. The males are blue with verticle stripes and the females are yellowish/orange.

[Lostlilkidd]

i was going to do 12 demasoni and 3 yellow labs as it'll spread the aggression.

Aside from Pseudotropheus saulosi, do I have any other options?

[fischfan13]

Have you looked at smaller Tangs?

[Lostlilkidd]

no.. .. tangs?
more info please while i reseach! hehe