Who Gives A Fish Forums

Not much help on the Tanganyika side, I'm a Malawi guy myself, but from what I know, most Malawis have a similar diet, don't quote me on that, hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Having said that, a 6x2x2 tank full of Malawis would be an awesome sight.

I think mixing Tangs, the brichardi, and lake malawi cichlids could work since they all have similar water parameters, but personally I'd stick to fish from one lake. I've heard N. brichardi can be quite aggressive, especially when breeding.

Silvy, you're on the right track. Chlorine in tap water's the culprit affecting pH. Leaving it to stand overnight lets the chlorine gas escape, that's why you see all those tiny bubbles in a glass of water left overnight.

I'm fairly sure the water in our area's pretty hard, should be able to check water quality on your local water company's website.

Tangs seem to thrive in water with a pH of 8 or higher, to be honest. Your water hardness, measured by GH and KH, is just as crucial, though. You can easily raise and maintain these levels by adding Epsom salts and baking soda. By the way, whereabouts in the UK are you based?

Black fin calvus seem like a better choice to me, they should get along with the cyprichromis and lamprologus just fine. As for the ceramic plant pots, they can work as spawning sites, but to be honest, they don't quite fit in with the natural look I'm going for. My gold head comps have always ...

First off, let's look at the tank length - if it's 4 feet or more, it should be fine for the cyprichromis. I've never personally kept Chalinochromis brichardi, but from what I've heard, they're quite peaceful. Lamprologus tretacephaleus is one of my favorite Tanganyikans, but I'd advise against ...

Lovely Tangs you've got there, tankfish. I've got a Utinta that's been holding for about 3 weeks now and I'm getting impatient, I'm like a dad waiting for the birth. Any signs of your Cyps getting frisky, mate?

I wouldn't hesitate to go for Calvus, I've found them to be slow growing and not aggressive at all - mine's a gentle soul, anyway. I agree with flinta, though, Tropheus aren't the best choice, they're algae grazers and can get bloat if fed high-protein foods, which your other fish will need. If you ...

I'd advise against the Cyprichromis Nigripinnis Mupulungu for a tank your size, as they generally prefer a bit more length, ideally 4 foot plus. Have you considered Calvus instead, they might be a better fit for your 80cm tank.