20-gallon Long

[Mermaiden]

Hi,

I'm new to cichlids but certainly not to fish. I decided that I'd like to start a Tanganyika tank, probably shelldwellers but not necessarily just those. I've been researching species and am going to find out what my LFS can order in for me. In a time like this all the opinions I can find are valuable so I'm wondering what any of you might recommend.

My tank is a 20-gallon long and has a sand bottom. I want only to have small/dwarf fish because I don't want to have to move them or get rid of them, and I'd like to be able to keep as many as possible in the tank (i.e., no way would I choose to have just a pair of something bigger and/or aggressive, if I can at all help it). Rocks, shells.... decor will of course depend upon the fish selection. I would also very much enjoy *colorful* fish. I am thinking perhaps some Multis along with something else....

So what combination would YOU recommend? Thanks in advance for any suggestions. :)

[aharris]

Well, a 20-long is the right way to go. Always go for more bottom space over height when looking at cichlids. If you want color, you may be able to get away with a pair of Altolamprologus compressiceps or calvus in that set-up although I wouldn't get shellies if you do that.

Altocomps have a variety of color morphs from some stunning black and white varieties to a whole range of yellows, coppers, oranges, and even a reddish orange (called "firefin").

If you went with a trio of those and got your hands on a small group of S. petricola catfish (silvery with dark spots and dark browninsh fins with white edges), I think you would have a very attractive tank.

[SGypsyMermaid]

welcome, mersister!:) even with dwarf cichlids, you are kind of limited in what you can put in a 20 long...but for color, you can't beat leleupis.

[Mermaiden]

Thanks for the input. Maybe some day I'll get those great sounding colorful ones. :) I ended up going a different route than planned and got some Neolamprologus Brichardis (darned impulse shopping!). O_O I now have 3 of them that seem to get along quite well and I am even pretty sure I have a pair. The third stays hidden in its own little territory on one side of the tank.

By the way, any thoughts on what would make good bottom feeders/cleanup fish to add with these 3?

For variety I'm trying to get my hands on a few Neolamprologus multis for another (smaller) tank! :D Maybe those will help satisfy my original craving a bit better, LOL.

[aharris]

If you can get Synodontis petricola catfish, they're great. They'll hoover up sunken food (not fish poo) and be especially pleased with you if you give them an occasional shrimp pellet or two after lights out. They don't get much larger than 3", but in a tank with a pair of brichardi, you will need some good rock work for them to hide in. If you've been researching, you'll know that a pair of brichardi and their fry will take over a tank and become the brichardi death squad to anything that can't get away.

[SGypsyMermaid]

Originally posted by aharris
If you've been researching, you'll know that a pair of brichardi and their fry will take over a tank and become the brichardi death squad to anything that can't get away.

:rofl: