request for stock assistance

[kayora]

I've got a 120L low lighting tank, dimensions are 80x40x43cm. I'm doing this on a budget since I'll likely be moving within a year, so no point in splurging.

Considering the following stock:
- 6 lamprologus multies for the shell section
- 4 Julidochromis dickfeldi for the rock section
- 6-8 Cyprichromis Nigripinnis Mupulungu as mid dwellers

I'm also thinking of adding a BN Pleco, but I'm not sure if it'll thrive in Tanganyikan water conditions. If not, I'll opt for a petricola instead.

For the tank setup, I'll be using coflake sand as the substrate. I already have some white "ocean" rocks that I'll pile up on one side, and the rest will be for shells. A few Anubias will be added, and maybe a piece of bog wood later on. I'll also include some Java fern and other low light plants.

Can anyone give me some feedback on the stock numbers, or should I stick with this plan?

[fluxon4]

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.

[oakleyride]

I'd cap the Lamprologus multies at 4, two pairs max. The Julidochromis dickfeldi, I'd keep to a pair or trio at most. As for the Cyprichromis nigripinnis, I'd cut them out altogether. A single Tropheus would be a good mid-water fish option. Fluxon4 mentioned the tank length, and I agree, 25 gallons is on the smaller side. Tanganyikan cichlids are sensitive to water quality and will breed quickly, so it's best to keep numbers low. One Tropheus is enough, trust me, they'll fight until only one's left. Unless you've got a massive tank, a dozen or so can disperse the aggression, but not in a smaller tank like this. For the catfish, I'd recommend the dwarf petricola.

[flinta]

I'd stick with just two species for that tank size. If it's 3 feet or more, I'd go with multies and nigripines, but if it's smaller, multies and julies would be a better fit. I think a BN plec would work well in the water conditions, and it's a safer choice than a petricola, which might stress out the multies since they're a busy species that'll swim into their territory. The numbers seem fine to me, but keep in mind the julies might pair up and get territorial with the others. I wouldn't recommend a single tropheus, and if the tank's only 25 gallons, I'd probably rule out the nigripines altogether.

[kayora]

I'm a fan of calvus, but aren't they known for growing quite large and having aggressive tendencies, plus they're rock grazers, right?

I've decided to remove the mid dwellers from my list for now. Are there any other mid dwellers that you think would be suitable for my tank? I don't want to leave any unused space, but at the same time, I don't want it to feel cramped. I had rams before and the mid to top section of the tank looked pretty empty.

I'll definitely keep tropheus in mind as an option, though.

For now, I think I'll pick up 2 multies today, just to be on the safe side. I've also taken the nigripines off my list.

So, my current plan is:

4 multies and 3 dickfeldi's. For the mid dweller, I'm considering 1 tropheus - my LFS has Moorii's and Duboisi's, and maybe others in the future. Or perhaps there's another mid dweller that would work well?

As for the catfish, I'm thinking either a BN pleco or a syn. petricola - I'm leaning more towards the petricola due to the water conditions. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks for all the helpful advice so far.

[fluxon4]

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're not set on a 100% Tanganyikan tank, you could consider some Rainbows to fill the top water levels - they'd do well with the Multis, Julies, and Calvus. As for another option, I know it's a bit of a long shot, but have you thought about Neolamprologus Tretocephalus? I've got three in my 200-litre tank and, while they're not the best of friends, they coexist. One might work in your setup - my Tretocephalus don't bother my Julies or Calvus, and they steer clear of the Multis' shells. Worth a look, maybe.

[kayora]

I think Calvus could work out well considering I'll be moving in a year. With the Tropheus, I'm a bit put off now - I don't want to worry about their specific dietary needs. Neolamprologus Tretocephalus is another option I'll look into, but I'll do some more research before making a decision. Thanks for the heads up on the Tropheus, really appreciate it.

[waveborn]

I agree with oakleyride's assessment, it's solid advice. Low stocking levels are key to avoiding issues in a tank of this size, trust me, it's better to err on the side of caution.

[kayora]

I think I'm leaning towards oakleyride's advice, it's not just about the cost, but also making sure the tank isn't overstocked. However, I do like the idea of having a different coloured cichlid, like a blue one, to add some variety.

Currently, I'm considering:

- 4-5 Lamprologus Multie
- 3 Julidochromis Dickfeldi
- 1 Syn. Petricola

But I'm still concerned about the mid to top section of the tank being underutilized. I don't want to overstock, but I also don't want a huge empty space. Does anyone have any suggestions for a mid-water dweller that would complement my existing choices?

[flinta]

To be honest, I think your Julidochromis will be all over the tank, so I wouldn't stress about unused space. A single Tropheus isn't a good idea, though - the tank's just too small. If you're looking for something to fill the gap, a lone Calvus or Comps might work, but that's about it.