Just thought I'd share some pics of my recent tank upgrade from 29G to 50G. I'm looking for ideas on how to improve the setup. I've got 3 P. Acei and 3 Red Zebras in there now. Turns out the Acei are 2 males and 1 female, and the Red Zebras are all females - the two older ones are definitely the dominant ones.
I also have a common plec in there. What do you think would be a good addition to the tank? Would love to hear your thoughts.
Also, trying to post a video, so any feedback on that would be great.
setting up a 50g tank with two species
Re: setting up a 50g tank with two species
I think the common pleco should be rehomed, he's fine for now but he'll get massive, 2ft is a lot for a tank this size. Your tank looks great, though. Adding some slate stone or a rock system could give it a more natural look, what do you think?
Re: setting up a 50g tank with two species
Thanks for your response, Flynest. I'm well aware of the common plec's growth size - didn't know when I bought him, and LSF didn't tell me either. I've actually tried a more natural look with river rocks, each weighing 5 pounds or more, but the weight and management of the system were drawbacks. The rocks provided a nice cave setup, but Mbuna create a lot of waste, especially fecal material.
I found that doing 25% water changes and weekly gravel/sand sifting left behind large amounts of fecal material trapped within the rocks, causing my Nitrate readings to be 30/40PPM. After water changes, the Nitrate levels would shoot back up to 30/40PPM within days. Removing or moving rocks for cleaning was a tedious chore, and I wanted a simpler system.
My current structures are lightweight and easy to lift out and replace for cleaning. I can even do sand/gravel cleaning underneath a structure during a 25% water change. Since switching to this system, my Nitrates stay between 5 and 10PPM, a huge improvement from the 40PPM I used to get.
My pets are happy with the many hiding spaces, and aggression has virtually disappeared with plenty of space for all. I'd like to add more fish, but I'm not sure what would work. A 1 male red zebra is an option, maintaining the 1 to 3 ratio, or adding more Acei, though they're not as colorful. I'm happy with my tank's stability, but it seems like it could use a bit more... any ideas?
I found that doing 25% water changes and weekly gravel/sand sifting left behind large amounts of fecal material trapped within the rocks, causing my Nitrate readings to be 30/40PPM. After water changes, the Nitrate levels would shoot back up to 30/40PPM within days. Removing or moving rocks for cleaning was a tedious chore, and I wanted a simpler system.
My current structures are lightweight and easy to lift out and replace for cleaning. I can even do sand/gravel cleaning underneath a structure during a 25% water change. Since switching to this system, my Nitrates stay between 5 and 10PPM, a huge improvement from the 40PPM I used to get.
My pets are happy with the many hiding spaces, and aggression has virtually disappeared with plenty of space for all. I'd like to add more fish, but I'm not sure what would work. A 1 male red zebra is an option, maintaining the 1 to 3 ratio, or adding more Acei, though they're not as colorful. I'm happy with my tank's stability, but it seems like it could use a bit more... any ideas?