Author Topic: 270 litre Tanganyikan Cichlid Tank (Read 14518 times) 28 replies

daveyng · « **on:** September 16, 2019, 11:16:34 PM »

In the process of setting up my original planted 270 litre tank for Tanganyikan Cichlids.
I replaced the Fluval 306 external with a JBL e1502 (1400 l/h) which is partnered by the original JBL e1501 (1400 l/h).
This will provide the flow and aeration required for the species I'm interested in.
The picture shows the initial setup. I have used a light sand for the substrate with dark rocks hiding a couple of rigid cave structures to the rear left of the tank. I have sparsely planted some small areas with Vallisneria, Pygmy Chain Sword and Small Crypts (The fish should ignore these).
Large shells are scattered to the right in the foreground (for Shell Dwellers).
I have removed the original background and intend to replace it with one displaying a rock formation.
I have not used any hardscape for buffering purposes as the water is very hard in my area.
Tank has been running for about a fortnight and I intend to purchase the stock in mid to late October.
I have selected 3 species of Cichlid ( Neolamprologus Brichardi [Rock Dweller], Neolamprologus Similis [Shell Dweller] and Cyprichromis Leptosoma [Mouth Brooder]). I am also considering adding a few Synodontis Petricola [Tanganyikan Catfish]. Stocking levels are yet to be decided, but I'm thinking pairs initially.
I am hoping with this mix that territorial squabbles will be minimised.

Hampalong · « **Reply #1 on:** September 17, 2019, 01:30:05 AM »

I’d forget about the Brichardi.
They don’t usually make good community fish since they’re very aggressively territorial. They’re also unusual in that the young will all chip in to help protect future broods. You’ll probably end up with a tank full of brichardi and nothing else.

daveyng · « **Reply #2 on:** September 17, 2019, 07:24:40 AM »

I did consider that the Brichardi may be a problem. As an alternative I would probably go for Neolamprologus Leleupi (Lemon Cichlid).
I was thinking that the Brichardi would probably stay away from the Shell Dwellers as they are quite feisty. The Tank is quite deep so I assumed that the Cyprichromis would be far enough away as not to pose a threat.

daveyng · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2019, 04:13:11 PM »

Just obtained the first occupants of the tank. I currently have 4 neolamprologus similis (Shell Dwellers) pictured and also 2 synodontis petricola.
I am currently awaiting 6 cyprichromis leptosoma (Sardine Cichlids) and a pair of neolamprologus leleupi (Lemon Cichlids).
I will probably add a few more cyprichromis leptosoma and a couple more synodontis petricola at a later date.

fcmf · « **Reply #4 on:** October 24, 2019, 05:39:30 PM »

Oooh - an exciting development. The tank and its inhabitants look lovely.

Matt · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2019, 06:29:19 PM »

I'm very jealous of your shell dwellers... something I'll no doubt get round to giving a go myself in time!! They look great, as do the shells..

Littlefish · « **Reply #6 on:** October 25, 2019, 09:23:26 AM »

Beautiful.

daveyng · « **Reply #7 on:** October 31, 2019, 05:30:50 PM »

Few more new juvenile arrivals 3 x neolamprologus leleupi , 2 x julidochromis transcriptus and 6 x cyprichromis leptosoma. Pictures are a tad blurry.
Also added 2 more synodontis petricola taking the total to 4 individuals.
I have ordered a few more cyprichromis leptosoma to take the number to 10 which completes the stocking of the tank.
Having trouble with Hair Algae at the moment and I have reduced the lighting intensity drastically in a hope to combat the outbreak.
I have put some Vallis at the rear of the tank and there are a few pygmy chain swords in the foreground. I am going to remove the foreground planting and increase the amount of rockery in the tank.

Matt · « **Reply #8 on:** November 01, 2019, 04:42:27 AM »

I've personally found pond blanketweed treatments very effective against hair algae. Nice shots

the vallis will look ace!

daveyng · « **Reply #9 on:** November 01, 2019, 08:15:39 AM »

Thanks @Matt I’ll look into the blanketweed treatment. I have a few nerites in the tank for general algae removal. I’ll see how the reduction of light output goes. I have been running the lighting with a 1 hour siesta period thought that might have kept the algae at bay. The Vallisneria is growing OK so that will obviously help once it’s more established.

daveyng · « **Reply #10 on:** November 06, 2019, 01:59:52 PM »

It appears the Shell Dwellers are breeding. I have spotted individual fry hovering around a shell and darting in once I approach the tank. Don’t know are many there are they are tiny (2-3 mm). Might be able to get some pics when they become a bit more adventurous.

fcmf · « **Reply #11 on:** November 06, 2019, 02:41:53 PM »

This is certainly an exciting development. Keep us posted.

Matt · « **Reply #12 on:** November 07, 2019, 03:57:31 AM »

I knew they were quite prolific breeders, but this is great news, you are obviously providing them with all that they need

congrats! Are you feeding the little ones anything special?

daveyng · « **Reply #13 on:** November 07, 2019, 09:21:43 AM »

Hi @Matt I’m not feeding anything special to the fry. I feed the Tanganyikan’s “Fluval Bug Bites” (Insect Larva & Salmon Recipe) micro granules and a frozen Tanganyikan mix. I have seen the fry dart out and take tiny remnants.
I tried a tiny bit of flake but the fish seemed to ignore it.

Littlefish · « **Reply #14 on:** November 09, 2019, 06:02:34 AM »

Congratulations on your little ones.

daveyng · « **Reply #15 on:** March 09, 2021, 05:09:47 PM »

Latest on my Tanganyikan inhabitants. Unfortunately I lost all but 1 of the Shell Dwellers after my initial breeding success.
Julidochromis Transcriptus are doing well and I have had a few fry reach maturity ( see pic).
The Lemon Cichlids are fine as well.
Synodontis Petricola of which I have 4 are all growing well. They tend to be out a lot as well when the lighting is subdued.
I have now decided to add ‘dither’ fish in the form of Platys and Swordtails. These seem to work well with the Cichlids as they tend to stay at the top half of the tank and are ignored.
I did not take this step lightly however as I had the option of relocating the livebearers quickly if I needed to.

daveyng · « **Reply #16 on:** March 09, 2021, 05:11:33 PM »

For some reason the pics are upside down, bizarre!!!

Matt · « **Reply #17 on:** March 09, 2021, 10:59:59 PM »

Nice snaps (once I turned me screen upside down

)

fcmf · « **Reply #18 on:** March 10, 2021, 01:34:40 PM »

Thanks for the update and photos, @daveyng

Sorry to read about your shelldwellers but good to read of the others' progress, and that sounds like you thought through the implications of livebearers sensibly with the relocation strategy if required.
Keep us posted - we all enjoy updates and photos like these.

daveyng · « **Reply #19 on:** March 10, 2021, 05:25:19 PM »

Here's my second attempt at posting pictures of the tank. Hopefully they'll be the right way up this time.
Just wondered if anyone knows what the "red" patches are on the stones are ? I am assuming its some form of algae.

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270 Litre Tanganyikan Cichlid Tank

270 Litre Tanganyikan Cichlid Tank

Author Topic: 270 litre Tanganyikan Cichlid Tank (Read 14518 times) 28 replies

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