fishinboots Posted September 25, 2004 Share Posted September 25, 2004 Well I went to the LFS for some rocks, but ended out coming out with 2 Hongi and 1 b.electric (they had no rocks - . -) So now I have: 2 x yellow.e 2 x blue.e 2 x Hongi 2 x mainago 4 x cabro is this too much for a 36x14x18? If you apply the 1" to a gallon rule, this is getting too stocked or am I ok? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lepperfish Posted September 25, 2004 Share Posted September 25, 2004 You could probably fit more fish in there but just remember they'll get bigger so dont get too many.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burek Posted September 25, 2004 Share Posted September 25, 2004 Nice Fish Mix There!! Umm i reckon that is enougth fish fora 3ft because they will eventually grow to a bigger size and they will start demanding space.. so i reckon you have enougth there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulochromis Posted September 25, 2004 Share Posted September 25, 2004 I seem to recall reading that the 1" per gallon rule isn't very useful for malawi cichlids, where a bit of overcrowding is "recommended" to reduce aggression (or at least ensure that it is evenly distributed). The rule I've been going with is 1" per 10 sq. inch of surface area. This implies that you can only have as many fish as the water's oxygenation supports. I'd estimate maximum body lengths (ie heads and caudal fins/tails NOT included) for your fish as follows: Labidochromis caeruleus (electric yellow) = 4" Labidochromis sp. "Hongi Island" (hongi) = 4" Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos (maingaino) = 4" Pseudotropheus crabro (bumblebee/hornet) = 6" Sciaenochromis fryeri (electric blue) = 8" Given your tank dimensions, and assuming the height of the tank is 18", your tank's surface area works out to 36x14 = 50.4". Your fish total (when the fish are fully grown) works out to 2x4 + 2x8 + 2x4 + 2x4 + 4x6 = 64 According to the rule, this is too much! Cheers, Paul. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishinboots Posted September 25, 2004 Author Share Posted September 25, 2004 well that rules out getting anymore Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulochromis Posted September 25, 2004 Share Posted September 25, 2004 For my own tank: Labidochromis caeruleus (electric yellow) = 9x4" = 36 Iodotropheus sprengerae (rusty) = 4x4" = 16 Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos (maingaino) = 5x4" = 20 Pseudotropheus socolofi (pindani) = 6x6" = 36 Total = 108 My tank = 48"x15" = 720 sq. in. => 72" worth of fish (normally). So,... I also apply the "add 50% for Malawis" rule!! 720x1.5 = 1080 ie my tank is just right! (I also have three airstones bubbling away in the tank, together with a near-surface-mounted internal powerfilter to supplement the external canister.) Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orac Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 I think the tank is too small for crabo. Chance of problems when they grow up. A male electric blue could also eventually cause problems. Malawi cichlids are polygamous mouthbrooders, they don't form pairs. 1M/3F is alot safer than 2. Manganos may only get to 4 in. but they can be a bit aggessive as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YeW Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 In short - yes, your tank is overstocked. I like your method Paul. I tend to just go by eye and I tend to understock all my tanks. The fish grow better IMHO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlakeyBoyR Posted September 27, 2004 Share Posted September 27, 2004 I think Yew got it in one. Seems like common sense to me that more fish=more stress and also, more hungry mouths competing for food, hence the fish dont grow as well. Some may not agree with me, but hey, thats just my opinion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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