request for stock assistance

[floriks]

I'd advise against getting a petricola for your tank - they're social shoaling catfish that tend to share territory with julidochromis. In my experience, this can lead to the julidochromis nipping at them constantly, and with their sharp teeth, the synos would likely get torn apart. To make matters worse, they'd then get picked on by the multis for getting near the shells, leaving them with nowhere to hide.

I'm also concerned about your julidochromis numbers - having only three might lead to a pair forming, and the odd one out would likely get picked on. Similarly, I think having an odd number of multis could cause issues.

For comparison, my own tanganyikan tank is a 4-foot, 50-gallon setup with 72 shells and 140 pounds of rock. I've found that understocking is the way to go, especially since tanganyikan fish are extremely sensitive to water parameter changes and nitrates. My current stocking consists of six julidochromis dickfeldi, six multifasciatus, one calvus, and possibly six cyprichromis in the future. This experience has taught me that it's generally better to err on the side of caution and understock your tank.

[kayora]

So I've decided against the Tropheus and I'm considering a Calvus, but that's on the backburner for now. I've also ruled out the Petricola, thanks for the advice. I think I'll go with a BN Pleco instead - I've had them with cichlids before and it's been fine.

I spoke to zeniko the other day, and she has a similar setup with 4 Julidochromis Dickfeldi and 7 Lamprologus Multies. So, I'm thinking of going with 4 Dickfeldi and 6 Multies, just in case they breed. I like the idea of having an equal number of each species, and it's not too many fish for the tank.

When I picked up my 2 Multies, they were in a tank with bigger Multies, so I'm guessing I got 2 females. As for the aquascape, I'm planning to use coflake sand, with rocks on the right and a few Anubias scattered around. On the left, I'll have shells, a rock to break up the area, and a few Java ferns at the back and Anubias at the front. I'm hoping this will help reduce aggression and create a nice-looking tank that the fish will enjoy.

Thanks again for all the advice - it's been really helpful in understanding what I'm doing.

[floriks]

Keep an eye on the bioload with that BN, tanganyikans are super sensitive to nitrate and those BN's just keep on producing waste. I've got one in my tank and even with regular maintenance, it's a challenge to keep the water clean. I can barely imagine having one in a tank smaller than 75 gallons - it's already a handful in my 4 footer.

Honestly, your tank could probably thrive without a catfish, but if you're set on having a BN, just be aware that you'll need to stay on top of water changes with that many fish. You've got 4 julis, 6 multis, and potentially a calvus - that's a lot of fish producing waste, and the BN will only add to the problem. I'm not saying it's impossible, but you'll definitely need to be diligent about keeping the water clean.