new to keeping cichlids

[Riff9]

I've had a planted aquarium for years, but I'm itching to set up a Malawi cichlid tank, with peacocks being the main attraction. I've got a few concerns before I take the plunge.

My floor space is limited to 100cm x 50cm, so I'm thinking of getting a custom-made tank that's moderately tall. A 50cm height would give me a 55-gallon tank, and I could go taller if needed. However, I'm worried that as the tank gets taller, my surface area to volume ratio will decrease. I know I can alleviate this with air pumps, but is there a sensible upper limit I should set for myself? And will the floor space be enough for them to swim around comfortably?

From my research, it seems peacocks tend to feed at the bottom. If I go for a taller tank, will it just be an empty void at the top, or will they make use of it? If not, are there any tank mates I could add that would swim closer to the top?

Lastly, I've seen a lot of people talking about crowding the tank, and I've seen some crowded tanks in fish shops that look amazing. However, I'm concerned about the implications. I imagine it would require extra aeration, extra filtering, and more frequent or larger water changes. Could someone provide some guidance on this?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Riff9]

I should've clarified that my experience with planted tanks was just a background thing, and the new tank I'm planning will actually have a sand and rock setup. I appreciate the insight, thanks for sharing.

[Stefan]

I'm sure @willie32 will have some valuable insights, given my own experience is limited to SA cichlids. Overcrowding can indeed help reduce aggression, but cichlids do come with a significant bio load. Considering electric labs or other smaller Malawi cichlids that grow to 3-4 inches might be a good starting point. If you're relatively new to fish keeping, this could be a more manageable approach.

[Riff9]

Thanks for the response. I appreciate the insight on overcrowding as a method to reduce aggression, but I'm more concerned about the potential impact on the fish themselves. The old inch-per-gallon rule, although not exact, gives me a rough estimate of around 55 inches of fish for a 55-gallon tank. This would translate to roughly 5 or 6 peacocks, which is a decent number, but I'd prefer to have more if it won't compromise their well-being.

As I understand it, as long as I increase the aeration and filtration accordingly, my main concerns would be the frequency of water changes – I've always done weekly changes in my previous tanks – and the potential stress on the fish due to crowding. I'd like to get a better understanding of whether there's a point of diminishing returns, where the benefits of overcrowding are outweighed by the potential risks to the fish.

[belleora]

I'm no cichlid expert, so take my thoughts for what they're worth. I do think that if you can create a sturdy rock wall in the tank, the height could actually work in your favor - it might even give the fish a sense of their natural environment. Of course, footprint is still crucial for swimming space and maintenance. A 55 gallon tank with height can't be stocked the same way as a standard 55.

I've been reading about mbunas and their habitat, and it's got me thinking that with the right rock formations, you could create a stunning tank. I came across this article, The Mbuna Keeper's Survival Guide, which goes into depth about overcrowding and selecting species to balance aggression. I found it really interesting and a good starting point for your research. I'd love to see how your tank progresses - please do share photos.

[Riff9]

Thanks for sharing that article, it's been really helpful in giving me a better understanding of the complexities of keeping Malawi cichlids. The section on overcrowding is particularly interesting, and I have to admit, it does seem counterintuitive at first. The idea of keeping a minimum of 20 fish in a 55-gallon tank does seem a bit extreme, but I'm starting to see the reasoning behind it.

[rivvol8]

I've been digging into African Cichlids for the last 3 months, getting ready to set up my own tank. I'm definitely no expert and have zero experience with cichlids, but the info is still fresh in my mind.

From what I've gathered, overcrowding can be a good thing, depending on the species you're keeping - like all-male Malawi Cichlids, for instance. But here's the thing: as you pack in more fish, you'll need to dial up your filtration too. I've got a 240-litre tank, and I've upgraded the filter to a Fluval FX4, which cranks out 2650 litres per hour.

Considering your floor space is limited, you might want to look into Lake Tanganyika cichlids. They're not as popular as Malawi, but they're just as fascinating, if not more so. Plus, they're generally smaller, so you can easily find a bunch of different species that'll thrive at various levels in your tank.

[whetu]

I'd advise against overcrowding, it's just not worth the hassle. A few peacocks can be truly stunning, and they'll thrive with some space to themselves.

[radface]

I think it's a different story with peacocks though, they're generally less aggressive than mbuna. You'd still benefit from more length in the tank, especially with peacocks since they can get quite large. Overcrowding might not be as necessary with them, but having more space to swim would definitely be a plus.

[rivvol8]

I'd like to suggest you take a look at Cyprichromis leptosoma, also known as the Sardine Cichlid. From my research, it seems like they'd be a great fit for what you're looking for. They're a species that's known to thrive in the upper levels of the tank, which would help make the most of your custom-made tank's height. I've read that they're also relatively peaceful, which could make them a good addition to a community tank with your peacocks.