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Post by murdock6701 on Oct 20, 2008 23:00:47 GMT -5
what do you cichlid people think of mixing electric yellows and blue johannis in the same tank? am going to set up my last 20+ gallon tank this weekend so it'll be a few weeks before it is ready - can I put males and females of both species in the same tank or all males in one and all females in another except for the 4 yellows I'm getting soon that will all go in one tank by themselves - it's a deep hex tank, probably closer to 29 gallons - thanks - murdock
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Post by brenda on Oct 20, 2008 23:13:31 GMT -5
Good question...I know I have read a lot of people keeping these together but I can't help anymore then that. We'll have to wait for the other guys. Sorry.
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Post by jonv on Oct 21, 2008 6:30:53 GMT -5
I have 1 Johanni in with the group of yellows and it's about the same age as they are. I generally don't like putting Johanni in with other species in a tank lower then 40 gallon footprints because this species seems to be one of the more nasty types. I haven't really kept but a handful of Mbuna types, by comparison to the number of overall Mbuna there are, however I'd have to say, only Auratus, and possibly Kenyi appear to be more nasty then Johanni. Demasoni's I'd rate pretty high up there too.
Basically, a Johanni is pretty much a very aggressive type that I think in a 20 gallon footprint type, is going to supress most any Yellow in that tank, minus a male that's significantly bigger or older then a Johanni might get. I have a feeling the stress levels in a 20 would be a little too much for the milder Yellow's on average and I wouldn't try to mix these unless short termed if under 40-55 gallons. These guys go for the gusto in a fight and need space.
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Post by murdock6701 on Oct 21, 2008 9:43:03 GMT -5
thanks - pretty much what I thought but I have known people who have kept them together and saw them together in a local store - just wanted an experienced opinion - don't want aggression - I'm a peaceful mellow old fart - Jon, did you get my PM?
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Post by Carl on Oct 21, 2008 10:07:32 GMT -5
I'm a peaceful mellow old fart This is good to know, and brings up a few questions I will not ask ;D Carl |
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Post by murdock6701 on Oct 21, 2008 10:16:59 GMT -5
ask away! don't know where you're going w/ tihs one, but it sounds like fun - had a chat w/ Bill regarding mixing Africans and he said you would be the one to ask along w/ Jon and John8 - you know me, always trying to learn as much as I can to lessen the odds of failure, or more positiveley, to ensure the odds of success!
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Post by jonv on Oct 21, 2008 10:50:22 GMT -5
I did John, wild day here, still doing a few things. Carl indicates Thursday is a good day to get him so I think I'm aiming for that as a day to do touchdowns. I'm doing some transfers and water changes, have to renew the lease and take care of the health insurance, so I'm going nuts ha ha. Found my female TR holding again, and her last group is close to like 50, like mid 40's in size, and now another group comming. I just MIGHT have something I can sell soon!! Apparently, the Albino version of the TR's are quite uncommon.
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Post by 8 in the Corner on Oct 21, 2008 16:28:43 GMT -5
what do you cichlid people think of mixing electric yellows and blue johannis in the same tank? am going to set up my last 20+ gallon tank this weekend so it'll be a few weeks before it is ready - can I put males and females of both species in the same tank or all males in one and all females in another except for the 4 yellows I'm getting soon that will all go in one tank by themselves - it's a deep hex tank, probably closer to 29 gallons - thanks - murdock
A 29 hex has a fairly small footprint, this type of tall tank is meant for more like angels or discus that use the upper portions of the water column. Africans will want to stake out their territories on the bottom and you will have a battle royale for territory on that small bottom. I do agree with the choice of fish, though. The blue and the yellow would look great together..... in a larger, longer tank.
I would advise against more than one species in that one. You will also need lots and lots of hiding places for the females to avoid the male. Lots of tall rockwork might do the trick to keep the females from getting harrassed too much.
I try to avoid using anything for large cichlids smaller than a 29g standard tank, and then I only have one species in it. My hap ahli's (1m/5f) were in a 29 and the females even started fighting with each other. Had to split them up and eventually sold the group at the auction (they just couldn't get along).
John |
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Post by jonv on Oct 22, 2008 0:08:55 GMT -5
Thank you very much for bringing up those points too John(8). I've got to say, if it wasn't for you, I would have made so many mistakes by now. I have benefitted so much from you sharing your experiences I thank you very much for that.
I really should have mentioned the longer footprint. Longer's are ideally suited for almost any Mbuna types. As John(8) also mentioned, consider height when you are looking at Haps or Peacocks since they wouldn't spend nearly as much time in the lower levels. I do have a 15 and 20 but I only use those tanks if I have to do an emergency treatment on a fish or isolate a holding female. Otherwise, those tanks are really not active nor needed. That leaves me with a 75, 100, and 180 which are my primary tanks and at those sizes, why I mix all three types really because I have the space to support it.
John (murdock) if I might make a suggestion here. Look to get one nice large sized tank. I know you have your pond, but being in MI unless you like paying a fat heating bill, I wouldn't consider using that for any Africans really. Would be sweet if the temps didn't come into play because you really could go for something rather extravagant too. Like maybe an Emperor cichlid or something you just don't see in tanks.
Another possible option you have here and would have plenty of room in a 20, shell dwellers. Some don't find those as attractive as popular bred Mbuna, but, they can thrive even in a tank as small as a 10. Just something to consider. I will always take back the Yellows from you if they don't work out well, and I'm pretty confident I can get you 1 male and three females. I really wouldn't try for a second species in that footprint, even if you cover the whole area with rocks. Males will see each other too much. Believe it or not, that's why I had to take my second male Flavus out of my 180. Even in a 180, the dominant one harassed the other male in there after almost a year of living togeather. Just goes to show you, even in larger footprints, more then one male can sometimes become an issue. Really depends on the temperment indicitive of whatever species you keep.
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Post by murdock6701 on Oct 22, 2008 8:50:46 GMT -5
Jon, I plan on keeping the yellows all by themselves - "remodeled" the tank last night - 6 caves and the most awesome piece of mopani friftwood that really compliments the tank am going to find some plant cover today to finish it off - am ready anytime you are - also wanted to say thanks to all of you for all your input and combined shared knowledge - I'm a very lucky guy to be in such great company!
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