Mbuna dwarf care

[alandon]

Would really appreciate some guidance on this.

Getting my Juwel Rio 240L this week and I'm planning to set it up for dwarf Mbuna. I've got my heart set on keeping pseudotropheus saulosi and Iodotropheus Sprengerae, but I'm unsure about stocking options. Should I:
(1) Just stick with these two species
(2) Add another compatible species - I quite like Cynotilapia afra "Cobue" or maybe something else
(3) Keep the two I mentioned and throw in some Synodontis Lucipinnis, even though they're from a different region

Thanks in advance for any input or advice.

[waterworlds]

I've only kept pseudotropheus saulosi personally, but based on that experience, I think it's best to stick with species from the same lake. Mixing different lake species can be done, but it's definitely more challenging than keeping fish from the same lake. That being said, a 240L tank is plenty big, so you could easily accommodate three different species. If I were you, I'd choose a third type of fish from the same lake - it'll make things a lot easier. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck with your tank, these fish can be a blast to keep.

[rustyfox]

I was about to ask, what's the tank's layout like, but I guess I can just look that up myself. 240L gives you a decent amount of space to work with. If you're set on adding a third species, I think you could make it work, and the Synodontis Lucipinnis could be a nice addition too. Just not entirely sure about the Cynotilapia afra, having two species with barred males might cause some issues down the line.

[alandon]

Thanks for the input, really helpful. If not the Cynotilapia afra "Cobue", what other species from the same lake would be a good fit with the pseudotropheus saulosi and Iodotropheus Sprengerae?

[rustyfox]

No specific species comes to mind that I'd recommend with the Pseudotropheus saulosi and Iodotropheus Sprengerae, but I'd stick to Mbuna from the same lake.
Maybe something like Maylandia callainos, they're pretty similar in terms of requirements and temperament.

[alandon]

Thanks for the suggestion. I've had yellow labs in the past and they were great to keep, but I'm a bit concerned they might outgrow a four-foot tank.

[rustyfox]

A 4ft tank works just fine for them, I've seen them thrive in similar setups.