Input wanted

[Briggadane]

I have a 75G setup that I am converting to African Cichlids. I am starting with juvies to minimize attitude problems. I am looking to have 3 groups in the tanks.
I currently have Yellow Labs. I have 3 electric Blues that can stay or go, depending on what the other species I choose can do.

Would Acei be an option and still live with the Haps and Labs? Would any of the Rainbows? I'm planning on overstocking the Juvies to allow for culling. So, double my numbers,and when they are sexable, go with the comfortable ratio of m/f.

Tank is set to correct african temps/pH etc.

I've had FW fish for over 30 years, just never the african cichlids. As long as they are easier and more forgiving than my discus were, I'll do well. Discus did not die off, they were placed so as to move on to a less docile species... I want something just as colorful, but with more movement in the tank. Hence, the LAbs and hopefully the Haps.

I have set up a large rock jumble on one end of the tank, a wood tangle for the other. There is a 3rd, smaller rock jumble as well. Down the center of the tank is a line of non-rooting plants to break up the territories.

I plan on attending the OCA auction as well.

Thanks any advice.
Oh, and is anyone answering e-mails about the auction? I'm waiting to find out if live foods(not a dry good), are allowed, and if Cherry Shrimp(not a catfish, but still a scavenger)can be brought....

[Dan Woodland]

Pam,

You've posted this in the General Cichlids Section of the CRC, next time you should post the OCA portion of your question in the OCA forums area.

Live foods are fine but we need to limit the livestock to Cichlids and Catfish. We do this in an effort to keep the number of auction items down which benefits both buyer s and sellers. We also have a bag limit per species/color morph of 5 bags and 60 bags total per family.

Regarding your set up, generally its 1 inch of fish per gallon but with Cichlids you'll need more gallons per inch. If you choose Tanganyikan fishes you can have more than if you choose African Mbuna. If your rock work has larger holes and crevasses Mbuna would like it better as Tanganyikan fishes like small cracks and holes.

I hope this helps, see you at the auction.