29 gallon tank, Emperor 400 filter, and I've decorated it with stacked slate.
Considering cichlids, I'm thinking at least one sunny gold and one electric blue, one male and one female - might try breeding them. Also looking at a feather fin or possibly a petricola, though they can be pricey.
Other ideas or suggestions would be great.
my first cichlid aquarium setup
Re: my first cichlid aquarium setup
To be honest, the dimensions of the tank would be useful to know, but given it's a 29 gallon, I think it's on the small side for many Malawi species. Yellow labs can get pretty big with proper care, so you might want to consider Saulosi instead - the males and females have distinct differences, which could add some visual interest.
I'd also advise against just having two fish. It's counterintuitive, but overstocking and over-filtering seem to be key to a successful Malawi tank - it disperses aggression, and in theory, no single fish gets bullied to death. I'm not familiar enough with synos to offer any specific advice on those.
I'd also advise against just having two fish. It's counterintuitive, but overstocking and over-filtering seem to be key to a successful Malawi tank - it disperses aggression, and in theory, no single fish gets bullied to death. I'm not familiar enough with synos to offer any specific advice on those.
Re: my first cichlid aquarium setup
The tank's 30 inches long, 12 inches deep, and 20-something high - I don't recall the exact height off the top of my head. It used to be home to my angels, gouramis, a rainbow shark, an eclipse cat, and my massive 9-inch pleco. The pleco was just too big, but I never had issues with the others. All my tanks are over-filtered, so I'm not worried about that aspect. I've found that people who say you need a huge tank usually have more time and money on their hands. I've always managed to make things work, despite what others might say.
I'm still interested in those blue and yellow cichlids - the Sunnygold and Electric Blue would be awesome. I'm also considering a butterfly fish, they're really starting to catch my eye.
I'm still interested in those blue and yellow cichlids - the Sunnygold and Electric Blue would be awesome. I'm also considering a butterfly fish, they're really starting to catch my eye.
Re: my first cichlid aquarium setup
Considering the size limitations of your 29g tank, I'd advise against a Malawi setup, even before taking into account the filtration and overstocking requirements. A more suitable option might be a mini Tanganyikan setup, where understocking is actually preferred. This would leave ample space for raising fry and observing interactions between species.
For instance, you could have a pair of Sumbu Dwarf cichlids, providing them with an area filled with shells. A pair of Julidochromis dickfeldi would also thrive, given a rocky area with hidey holes. Neolamprologus caudopunctatus could be another option, requiring a similar setup with rocks and hideaways, allowing them to roam freely.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could consider a small Phyllonemus or Lophiobagrus catfish pair, but be aware they might see the other species' fry as a snack. A social group of Synodontis, such as lucipinnis, petricola, or multipunctata, might be challenging to accommodate due to space constraints.
For instance, you could have a pair of Sumbu Dwarf cichlids, providing them with an area filled with shells. A pair of Julidochromis dickfeldi would also thrive, given a rocky area with hidey holes. Neolamprologus caudopunctatus could be another option, requiring a similar setup with rocks and hideaways, allowing them to roam freely.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could consider a small Phyllonemus or Lophiobagrus catfish pair, but be aware they might see the other species' fry as a snack. A social group of Synodontis, such as lucipinnis, petricola, or multipunctata, might be challenging to accommodate due to space constraints.