I need Ideas for a Tanganyika tank.

[jnorris]

I have decided that my new 75 gallon is going to be a Tanganyikan tank. I know the water requirments and all, but I want some suggestions on what to put in it. I will (once it is cycled) put in my prized Neolamprologus leleupi "Lemon Cichlid", Neolamprologus pulcher "Fairy Cichlid" and Julidochromis transcriptus "Gombi" in.

I would like to get some cool shell dwellers and score some more abalone shells from my favorite sushi chef again. I will but some moderate rock in (not out of hand like my 90 gallon). I have considered getting some more pairs of Julidochromis. But if you guys have any ideas let me know. I am all about new things. Would Tangs work for me?

[Boilermaker]

Good choice :) I've found that my 55g Tang tank is by far the most interesting to watch,theres a ton of aggression but no one gets beat up too bad, with the exception of the ones that have jumped :(

Here's a list of what I have.
3 Black Calvus
3 J. Regani (Kipili)
6 Red fin Caudopunctatus
2 Telmatochromis Vittatus
2 Chalinochromis Ndobhoi
1 Lepidiolamprologus Kendalli ( who needs to be moved)
1 small loach

Out of those listed there are 4 pairs that breed in the community, and it looks like possibly 6 before long.

Theres also this site wich gives suggestions on Tanganyikan community set ups, www.tanganyikan-cichlids.co.uk/

Hope this helps, Later

[jnorris]

I like the Calvus idea. Perhaps next weekend I will get some. What are their breeding habits like. I will do some research too.

[Boilermaker]

My female lays eggs in a shell, she's in there most of the time hardly eats when she's taking care of eggs, male stands guard.
Theres a picture of this in www.cichlidgallery.com/
Look at boilermakers cichlids, Tanganyikan album.

[jnorris]

What kind of shells do you have.? I can get Abalone shells from my local sushi resturant. I just drill or cut holes in them.

I just bought some more Julies and a Daffodil Neolamprologus pulcher for my males.

I saw your pictures and they are a great example of what I was looking for.

Thanks Boiler!

[Boilermaker]

I'm not sure where I got the shells for the 55, probaly the lfs and paid way too much. I did just pick up 4 small bags of shells at the craft shop at 1.99 a bag. I also get the terra cotta hummingbird nests at Robert's crafts.

[SGypsyMermaid]

I also get the terra cotta hummingbird nests at Robert's crafts.

:confused:

[jnorris]

I think I know what your talking about. It is in your pictures right? It looks like a tower.

So you just use small shells? The ones I am collecting from the Sushi resturante are about softball size in diameter. I get a hacksaw and cut square holes in them. They seem to like them pretty well.

[Boilermaker]

Yes, its the clay pot looking thing. I would keep using those big shells you get from the Sushi bar, but keep some smaller ones also. The small shells are also a refuge for females.
My female calvus turns her body sideways in the shell, kinda of like shuttin the door to protect herself and the fry.

If I ever get to Colorado we'll go eat some raws.

[jnorris]

I went there tonight and got a few more shells. Now I can't get any shell dwelling Cichlids. I might have to make a special order for some Dwarfs. It's hard to find even the slightly rare fish locally.

Oh well my tank will be ready by then.

[Paul]

I use a couple of teracotta strawberry planters in my 75 gal and my Tangs love them. I just turn them upside down so that the big opening at the top is buried in the gravel. I also use red and gray slate for caves.

You might also consider a Neolamprologus Buscheri or N. Tret as additions to your new tank. I have both in mine and they are wonderful additins to almost any tang tank

[jnorris]

I will have to see the compatibility with Frontosa and Comp. I know wehre I can get both species......