Tropheus and friends?

[aggrofishkeeper]

I am going to start a Tropheus project out of a 5ft tank and was wondering what are some tank mates that will go well with Tropheus sp. ???

I saw some small crabs for sell at my local Wal-Mart for 2.99 and are about 3'', would they make good tank mates?

Suggestions and advice are very appreciated.


Thanks.

[cichlid1409]

i have some eretmodus cyanostictus in with my trophs. petros of course. i don't like crabs as they are oppotunistic and will grab fish if given a chance.

[stevenallenbarnard]

didn't you say before that you hated tropheus?

try synos, clown loaches, I think there's even a spiny eel that come out of tangynika

[myjohnson]

plecos.

A perfect colony needs no tank mates.

Most will interfere with breeding in some way.

[aggrofishkeeper]

didn't you say before that you hated tropheus?

try synos, clown loaches, I think there's even a spiny eel that come out of tangynika

I don't think so? If I did I retract my statement...

Where can you get Gombes?

[Nickintex]

I think he said they were overrated on a different thread.

[aggrofishkeeper]

I think he said they were overrated on a different thread.

My last Tropheus thread started in May, someone mentioned that Red Rainbows were "overrated", I don't recall knocking Tropheus SP. although I don't remember, but if I did I retract my statement, after much reading and watching videos of species of Lake Tanganika I am very curious about Trophs. Now that I have a SA/CA the way I want it, I am looking for a new project.

Care to share some light on the subject of the thread?

Thanks.

[newb]

i have gobies in with one of my colonies, I also have a single male Trew petro in with another, a single LARGE male petro in with another colony, and large male neolamprologus Tretomodus with my dubs...I may have just butchered that name.

[geoff_tropheus]

It all depends on what your really wanting from your colony.

What I have experienced so far, is that the absolute best in color and breeding occurs when one colony of 25-30 fishes exists in a 125 gallon tank, with nothing but snails or plecos as tankmates.

IF your looking for diversity the breeding will be reduced somewhat to A LOT depeding on what and how many "others" or even another Tropheus colony you add.

In your 5ft tank, I would not put more than about 20-25 fish. I have 26 in 115 gallon same as your tank, and it is crowded. I think about 5 less fish would be perfect, but you need to consider agression.

Certain variants are a lot more agressive than others so your going to want to keep the numbers up.

Which variant are you considering?

[aggrofishkeeper]

It all depends on what your really wanting from your colony.

What I have experienced so far, is that the absolute best in color and breeding occurs when one colony of 25-30 fishes exists in a 125 gallon tank, with nothing but snails or plecos as tankmates.

IF your looking for diversity the breeding will be reduced somewhat to A LOT depeding on what and how many "others" or even another Tropheus colony you add.

In your 5ft tank, I would not put more than about 20-25 fish. I have 26 in 115 gallon same as your tank, and it is crowded. I think about 5 less fish would be perfect, but you need to consider agression.

Certain variants are a lot more agressive than others so your going to want to keep the numbers up.

Which variant are you considering?

I haven't decided yet but I'm thinking; Blue rainbows or Lufubu.

I was going to get 30 at first to let nature cull out males, or in case some die from bloat due to stress from the move.

[Zulaab]

Please understand bloat is something you DONT want EVER.
Bloat is a disease that can wipe the whole colony out over night.

[aggrofishkeeper]

Please understand bloat is something you DONT want EVER.
Bloat is a disease that can wipe the whole colony out over night.

I see, did not know this. I thought it was something an individual fish gets. How should you prepare a tank for a colony? After the cycling process and what not. I plan to order some Clout before I get the colony, and dose my tank with it.

[Zulaab]

Setting up a tank for Tropheus is quite simple.
In a 5ft tank you do not have space for more than two rock piles.
Setup a rock pile on one end and a second one the other end.
If you like plants you can put some in.. but just know there is a 99% chance that Tropheus will eat them all away for you.

Clean water... and water changes.. Every week they need a water change. 50%+

Do not "pre-dose" a tank just because you are getting new fish.
Clean water and check them all the time.

[cichlid1409]

you can use epsom salt as a preventative in the beginning, helps keep their digestive tracts clear and flowing. the dosing suggested varies but i use 1 tablespoon per 10-15g

[Mzungu]

Do not "pre-dose" a tank just because you are getting new fish.

+1. :)