my african cichlid aquarium setup

[photobug]

I've got about 15 African cichlids, all around 2 inches each, and I'm wondering what to do when they grow bigger. They're in a 65-gallon tank, which seems like it'll be really crowded.

[jakarta]

I'm curious, what kind of African cichlids do you have? 15 smaller ones in a 65-gallon tank seems like a good fit, but I gotta say, you're gonna need a lot of rock work to give 'em space.

[dakora]

I think 15 is fine depending on the species and their adult size. Overstocking a malawi tank is actually recommended to reduce aggression but 15 doesn't seem excessive to me.

[photobug]

I've got 3 yellow finned malawi cichlids, 3 yellow labs, 3 red zebras, a kenyi cichlid, 2 paratilapia bleekeri (gonna get rid of 'em when they grow), and a blue melanchromis something.

[jakarta]

I've got about 15 African cichlids, all around 2 inches each, and I'm wondering what to do when they grow bigger. They're in a 65-gallon tank, which seems like it'll be really crowded.

Need some pics of those yellow finned malawis, would help verify the ID. The melanochromis, probably a Johanii but pics would be best to confirm.

You've got a good number in that 65 gallon, 15's not too bad. Might be better to stick with 2 or 3 main species but it's not the end of the world if you don't. Just make sure you've got plenty of rock work and visual breaks, that way they can all claim their own territories.

[photobug]

Just a sec, gotta get my camera charged, then I'll post some pics. Here's my official stock:

I've got 3 yellow labs, 3 red zebras, 1 large pleco, 2 paratilapia bleekeri, 3 yellow finned ones, 2 melochromis with horizontal stripes, 3 giraffe patterned ones, 1 melochromis that I think is Tangazos - it's the blue one with horizontal stripes, and 2 mbunas with yellow fins, but the yellow is at the bottom.