Tank stocking size

[Bozza45]

Would 25 to 30 mbuna's be too many for a 60 gallon tank?

 

[CichlidOWNR]

Not if they are considered a Dwarf species and more mild mannared Mbuna, such as Ps. Saulosi and Rusties for example. I have that many total fish (Saulosi, Rusties, and 6 Syndontis Petricola) in my 55 gal. Just make sure you have plenty of rocks.

 

[Bozza45]

I have plenty rock and was thinking about yellows labs, demasoni, hongi or ps. Mbejii.. At least three of the four given.

 

[verbal]

Since you probably want a group of 15+ demasoni, you could easily end up with 20+ fish in your tank.

 

[Bozza45]

15 demasoni would be fine. I would also like about 4 yellow labs, 4 hongi and 4 ps. Williamsi red tops.

 

[WendyFish]

Assuming this is a 48" tank, you can do 15-20 demasoni and a regular sized cluster (4-6) of a non-dwarf mbuna. That's what I keep in a 55gall.

To the extent you're buying them small and going to sex a few out of one or more clusters, you can fit a few more when they're young.

It's my view that in particular, my non-dwarf mbuna are not thrilled with the 55 and if I could fit it, would probably like something larger... but they are fine, and the demasoni are genuinely comfortable in that size tank.

 

[WendyFish]

The 3 clusters of regular sized mbuna are likely to be too many for that size, especially with the amount of rock work that demasoni will require.

 

[Bozza45]

Could I down size on the demasoni a couple fish? Or would it make a difference

 

[WendyFish]

You wouldn't want to start with fewer demasoni. It's helpful to have a larger number to mitigate aggression. Sounds like you are considering another path in any case though.

 

[Bozza45]

I can't make up my mind.... Which would you say is better? All mbuna or a community tank with labs, acei and peacocks?