New 55 Gallon Tank - Stocking Question

[cknights]

I have a brand new 55 gallon tank. I've found mixed information as to how many fish I can add until it is fully cycled.

I currently have 3 pseudotropheus saulosi and 3 electric blue johanni, all about 2". Can I add a few more or should I wait?

Also, can anyone suggest the age of these fish based on the size?

[Dan Woodland]

How long has the tank been running? Did you use a brand new filter and media or did you use an old seasoned filter cartridge etc? If the tank is all new including filters and such it will be over four weeks before you can add a heavy bio load to the tank.

The standard answer to how many fish is 1" per gallon. This can very based on the amount of filtration and how frequently water changes are done.

Dan

[Lisachromis]

The standard answer to how many fish is 1" per gallon. This can very based on the amount of filtration and how frequently water changes are done.

Dan

DAN! I can't believe you just said that. 1" per gallon? That only works on little fish (like neons!).... you ought to know better! I need to beat you with that giant bocourti!

Yes you can stock heavier for mbuna, but you definitely need good filtration for that. I'd wait to add more until your test readings show 0 ammonia.

[Bas Pels]

Frankly, I do not mind the ammonia.

When dealing with American cichlids (I know nothing about African ones, but would bet the river cichlids differ not to much) the problem lies not in the amopunt of fish a liter / gallon, but in the distance they can keep from each other - that is unless raising fry, of course.

300 l in a 125 * 50 * 50 cm tank makes much more possible than the same 200 l in a 80 * 75 * 50 cm tank - just because it is longer

Bas

[Dan Woodland]

The standard answer to how many fish is 1" per gallon. This can very based on the amount of filtration and how frequently water changes are done.

Dan

DAN! I can't believe you just said that. 1" per gallon? That only works on little fish (like neons!).... you ought to know better! I need to beat you with that giant bocourti!

Ah yes, Lisa but I did say the "standard answer" leaving plenty of wiggle room for us monster tamers.

Seriously, when starting a new tank it's always safer and smarter to err on the side of caution. You can always add fish easier than subtracting!

Dan

[cknights]

Thanks to all for the help.

The filter is all brand new - it's a Fluval 305 - supposed to be good up to 70 gal. So I'll wait until it has time to cycle.

Another question though. I found a local store that has what appear to be full grown mbunas. When I'm ready can I mix those with these younger ones?

[Dan Woodland]

What are the sizes? They should be close in size and you'll need to rearrange your tank decorations and rocks to destroy all the current territories. Then you can add new fish, after the tank cycles, and let them all find new territories. Dan