keeping tanganyikan multies

[vedant_7]

Hey all. I've got a 20g long tank with 5 multie cichlids, and I'm looking to breed them. I was thinking of adding some scavenger or bottom feeder fish to the mix. Since they use shells to lay eggs, the eggs should be okay, but I don't want anything that'll get picked off by the multies. I considered snails, but they're shell dwellers, so I figured they'd just become a snack... not exactly what I'm looking for. Are there any other options out there that might work, something that'll pick food off the bottom without becoming a meal itself?

[vedant_7]

Quick update on my tank - added a couple more multies and a group of mystery snails. The snails seem to be thriving, so now I'm thinking about adding some top-dwelling fish to the mix. Would hatches, danios, or rainbows work well, or should I look elsewhere?

[onetask]

I'd advise against hatchets, they just don't thrive in hard, alkaline water. Danios might be a bit more tolerant, but I wouldn't say they're the best fit either. Most rainbows need more space than your tank can offer.

If you're serious about breeding, it's probably best to stick with just the multies - that way you can focus on their needs. Adding other fish seems like you're leaning more towards a display tank, which might not be ideal for breeding.

[vedant_7]

Thanks for the input, I appreciate the honesty. Guess I'll just stick with the multies and snails for now, don't wanna overcomplicate things.

[duskite]

I'd keep it as is, personally. The multis can get pretty aggressive, especially in a smaller tank like yours. They'll be too busy guarding their territory and protecting their young from each other to coexist peacefully with other species.

[floriks]

I had a breeding colony of these multies in a 50 gallon and they were notorious for attacking anything that crossed their path. Compressiceps cichlids, which usually get left alone due to their sharp scales, didn't stand a chance. They were fearless. I'd advise against adding any bottom feeders - they'll either eat the fry or get attacked by the multies.