Pet Forum / Aquaria / Cichlids / July 2004

I agree.  While you could compromise on the dietary requirements, the
available space will just not accommodate that mix when they age.
Another option is to stay with smaller Africans.  Instead of
Metriclima/Pseudotropheus, look into Neolamprologous, Julidrochromis and
other small rock dwellers. Of the Pseudotropheus, Demasoni are still an
option, but I think they compromise your menu again, and the Neos/Julies
don't.  With this mix, you might have 3 of the smaller Auloncara or other
open water types, or just go into dither fish as Amateur suggested.

I've had better experiences with Curviceps & Severums co-habituating, but
they all started together young and they had their own 'playgrounds'.  I
think your setup would accommodate both and some Kribs, though there
would be some growing adjustments when the Kribs spawned, and then later
when the Curviceps spawned (I'm thinking curviceps such as Acaras or
smaller).

Call me a fool, but I'd even put a half-dozen Rams in there for about a
month before adding the other fish (and some dither, Scissortail rasbora,
Torpedo barbs etc).  Ordinarily, the Rams would be pushed out, but with
enough rockwork (as indicated), and starting with the Rams first, then
juvenile Kribs (4 or 5), then juvenile Acaras (3 or 4), and then juvenile
Severums (4 or 5, or split the quantity with some Flag cichlids 3+3?),
you just might hit a mostly happy equilibrium.

*Warning*, my advice often pushes the envelope (and I use my other tanks
for overflow & problem resolution).  Seek other experienced and more
conservative advice before you decide anything ;~)

Thanks for that... I'm always on the fence about which direction to go,
sometimes I try to mix it up, but it seems it's not the best idea...

Warning heeded...

is that better??

That has been a worry of mine, since I got the rocks... but am hoping to not
create too much stress on the underlying floor... the tanks been well
'braced' so to speak... several layers of plywood under it to disperse the
weight... the glass on the other hand, it's not an economy model it's got
4.5mm glass... seems ok, double braced across the top and bottom... I'll
have to dbl check that tonite...

is that better??