New to the Hobby

[mpc2f1]

Hello, this is my first post on this site. I am hoping that you can give me a little bit of information. I currently have set up a 29 gallon tank. In this tank I have one Yellow lab and one blue johanni. Is this a set up that is doomed for failure?? Is it possible to had any other cichlids? Any advice would help. Thank you

[SergeS]

Welcome Your setup is not doomed to fail, but you may want to add more of the same species.

In smaller tanks, Mbuna like the Yellow Lab and Johanni can be kept best with 1 male, plus several females. A male Johanni is a rather fierce fish, so keep an eye on him. They can get very dominant in a small tank, chasing other fish all over the place. As long as you ensure that you have plenty of hiding spots (stones/rocks) you should be OK.

However, 29 Gallon (100 liters or so) is a bit tight for Mbuna in the long run though. You'll be OK as long as they're young, but the older they become, the more agressiv/dominant they will be. You can keep some species in a smaller tank, but as a practical minimum I would recommend at least 200 liters (55 Gallon) or more.

[Jshakour]

Welcome Your setup is not doomed to fail, but you may want to add more of the same species.

In smaller tanks, Mbuna like the Yellow Lab and Johanni can be kept best with 1 male, plus several females. A male Johanni is a rather fierce fish, so keep an eye on him. They can get very dominant in a small tank, chasing other fish all over the place. As long as you ensure that you have plenty of hiding spots (stones/rocks) you should be OK.

However, 29 Gallon (100 liters or so) is a bit tight for Mbuna in the long run though. You'll be OK as long as they're young, but the older they become, the more agressiv/dominant they will be. You can keep some species in a smaller tank, but as a practical minimum I would recommend at least 200 liters (55 Gallon) or more.

SergeS,

I want to commend you on your post, I cannot tell you how many times I have read posts from people asking for advise or help, only to get a response that gave neither, but got a lecture instead. I have been on the receiving end of many lectures when I first started out in the hobby, most of which were nasty.

Thanks again!

[SergeS]

Thanks James

[Coriandre]

Ok, I might be a little late on this one but I just had to write to send my congratulations to Serge. That is a GREAT answer. In local forums, I am mostly on the ''answering'' side and your answer teaches how to encourage instead of discourage a beginner. I will use your answer as a model. Thanks !

[SergeS]

Thanks Coriandre

I suppose we're all here, either to find answers, or to help, or both. I am not (not even close) a scientific expert as some of the other frequenters here, but I do have some practical knowledge when it comes to keeping Malawi, so if I can help, I will. Also, it's too easy to slash someone - especially for mistakes that we probably all made at some point... We have all learned from experience I guess.

And, if I give advice that does not make sense, I would for sure appreciate it if someone would tell me!