setting up a 30 gallon aquarium

[universitykid]

Hey everyone,

I just upgraded my mixed African Cichlids to a 55 gallon tank since they're hitting 3 inches and their hormones are in full swing. This freed up my 30 gallon tank (30x12x18) and I'm not sure what to do with it. I already have a 15 gallon hospital tank, so keeping this one for quarantine isn't necessary.

I'm looking for some stocking ideas for the 30 gallon. I thought maybe some dwarf mbuna like Pseudotropheus saulosi could work. I know turning a 30 gallon into an African Cichlid tank isn't the best idea, but I figured I'd ask for opinions.

Any thoughts or experiences with similar setups? I'd appreciate your input.

Thanks,
universitykid

[zenrow]

My first tank had the same footprint as this one, albeit only 15" high, a 20-gallon setup. I think a Tanganyikan tank could work well here, perhaps with some shell dwellers, julidochromis, or even a nice setup for punctatus. You've got a few options to consider, like a multifasciatus conliny paired with some julidochromis on the rocks.

[dawnride]

I'd say Tanganyikan cichlids are indeed more suitable for a 30-gallon tank compared to Malawi. A combination of multis and a pair of J. transcriptus or N. buescheri could work well, and you could even consider adding a single Calvus if you wanted to mix things up a bit.