OK, help me with stocking ideas PLEASE

[HFBfounder]

ok guys, my tank has been up and running for a good bit of time and the water has cycled. I currently have 3 Telmatochromis brichardi, which are shell dwellers. I'm considering more shell dwellers, but I want some larger fish as well and I'm not sure what will and won't have them for lunch. I like  Julidochromis and Chalinochromis brichardi and Neolamprologus brevis, but I need more ideas. Please help me

[Zulaab]

Re: OK, help me with stocking ideas PLEASE

Go see Charles once he has his fish stock come in :)

I would look at his Lamprologus falcicula.
Take a look at a good hardy yellow fish the Neolamprologus Leleupi.  I have 7 of them in my 58 and they rock :)  I love how they swim in and out of the rocks and make their little territories.  (see my tanks on the weblink below)

Other fish I would look for if you can find it : Neolamprologus caudopunctatus if you can find them :)  I think they look very cool :)
If you wanted more shell dwellers Brevis is a good choice or your Lamprologus multifasciatus is another.
Then you have the whole Juli group which you could add without a problem.
Another favorite of mine to look for is the Xenotilapia flavipinnis Nyanza-Lac sand dweller... they are just beautiful to look at I think :)

Lastly while I am thinking about it...  look at getting some Calvus or compressiceps, they always seems to liven up the life in the tank..

Just my 2c worth... hopefully giving you some ideas :)

Jesper

[CichlidFan]

Re: OK, help me with stocking ideas PLEASE

I like the chalinochromis brichardi as well.

CF

[J-WS6]

Re: OK, help me with stocking ideas PLEASE

I say throw a colony of tropheus in there!!   maybe some petros..

[HFBfounder]

Re: OK, help me with stocking ideas PLEASE

I say throw a colony of tropheus in there!!   maybe some petros..

I love the tropheus' look, but I want something that is more forgiving with an unpredictable maintenance schedule. :)

[J-WS6]

Re: OK, help me with stocking ideas PLEASE

that's understandable. calvus would look good, although they can be pricey for adults. have you decided tanganyikan or malawi theme? or mixed?

[HFBfounder]

Re: OK, help me with stocking ideas PLEASE

probably a mixture. I love calvus, but are they a good fit with shell dwellers?

[Zulaab]

Re: OK, help me with stocking ideas PLEASE

They will work well... just make sure that calvus has a ton of small narrow openings in rock formations that they can go in and out of.   This is their natural enviroment.  They will go in and almost make themselves stuck in a place because this is how they are.  Once they are happy with their home they will come out and investigate.   Shell dwellers are almost the same way, except they use shells for their homes.  The only time you have to worry about calvus and shell dwellers is when they are breeding.  Then Calvus / compressis could potential go digging with their long mouths in shells for young.  But then again any fish that can have fry for lunch is going to attempt this.

Having a 150 you have a lot of options here to make them move around in.

Just make sure that there are plenty of shells around.