Who Gives A Fish Forums

hi folks, the malawi bug's got me hooked. i've got a 120l tank, initially for my 50" tank, but it's too good to waste. i'm thinking of adding some river boulders and stocking it with malawis. given the tank's dimensions - 800mm long, 300 deep, and 500 high - are there any suitable species for this size? i've taken a liking to Pseudotropheus Demansoni, they're pretty cute, but everyone says they need a tank of 900+ litres and a group of 12 or more. would it be too small for 3 yellow labs and 3 white labs? any suggestions would be great, thanks.

I think the labs might outgrow a 120L tank, especially if they're going to be kept in small groups. I'm guessing your main tank isn't fully stocked yet? For a tank that size, Pseudotropheus Saulosi or some cynotilapia species might be a better fit.

I think the labs would outgrow a 120L, is your main tank fully stocked or is there room to spare? I'd recommend Pseudotropheus Saulosi or cynotilapia species for a tank of that size, they'd be a better fit.

dougmac wrote: ↑Wed May 21, 2025 3:10 am hi folks, the malawi bug's got me hooked. i've got a 120l tank, initially for my 50" tank, but it's too good to waste. i'm thinking of adding some river boulders and stocking it with malawis. given the tank's dimensions - 800mm long, 300 deep, and 500 high - are there any suitable species for this size? i've taken a liking to Pseudotropheus Demansoni, they're pretty cute, but everyone says they need a tank of 900+ litres and a group of 12 or more. would it be too small for 3 yellow labs and 3 white labs? any suggestions would be great, thanks.

Yeah, you're pretty much at capacity, I'd say you could squeeze in a few more labs to your current 2 though. What else catches your eye for the 120, mate?

dougmac wrote: ↑Wed May 21, 2025 3:10 am hi folks, the malawi bug's got me hooked. i've got a 120l tank, initially for my 50" tank, but it's too good to waste. i'm thinking of adding some river boulders and stocking it with malawis. given the tank's dimensions - 800mm long, 300 deep, and 500 high - are there any suitable species for this size? i've taken a liking to Pseudotropheus Demansoni, they're pretty cute, but everyone says they need a tank of 900+ litres and a group of 12 or more. would it be too small for 3 yellow labs and 3 white labs? any suggestions would be great, thanks.

I'm a big fan of the Pseudotropheus Saulosi, the females are really nice colours too. I'd be happy with a few of them in my 120l, if they'll be happy in there that is. Got a few other species in mind, but they grow too large for my tank. I'm thinking maybe 8 fish max, some black gravel, a few nice rocks and maybe a few plants if they don't destroy them, lol. Planning on ordering a couple more yellow labs for the big tank soon, had 4 but lost 2 when I first stocked the tank, think they got a bit of a fright with the others being so big. On the plus side, I found a spot in my living room for a bigger tank, 6-8 feet, just need to find the right one.

mate, 6-8ft is a great size for a tank, i've got a 225G 6ft myself and it's been a game changer. personally, i think some Pseudotropheus Saulosi would be the perfect choice for your 120L, then when you do upgrade to that bigger tank, you can have all the other larger species you're keen on keeping.

I think a tanganyikan set up would be perfect for a tank that size, neolamprologus leleupi would be a great choice, you could get a nice group of them.

sharpfin12 wrote: ↑Wed May 21, 2025 8:07 am I think a tanganyikan set up would be perfect for a tank that size, neolamprologus leleupi would be a great choice, you could get a nice group of them.

Those Tanganyikans are a pretty penny in my area - the ones I've seen are going for £25 each, ouch. I've got the Saulosi and they're doing great, about 1.5" at the moment. They seem like proper shoaling fish, the females all bunch together at the front of the tank, completely fearless of anything outside - I've got a 2 and 5-year-old running around and they don't bat an eyelid. The male's changing colour, hiding amongst the rocks and occasionally chasing the female out - seems like he's getting into the whole guarding thing.

That's a pretty steep price tag for the leleupi, shame they're so pricey. They're lovely fish though.

kalevi wrote: ↑Wed May 21, 2025 3:36 am I think the labs might outgrow a 120L tank, especially if they're going to be kept in small groups. I'm guessing your main tank isn't fully stocked yet? For a tank that size, Pseudotropheus Saulosi or some cynotilapia species might be a better fit.

I'm a bit out of my depth here, but I've got some Saulosi and they're doing great. Mine are about 1.5" long, and they seem to be shoaling fish - the females all bunch up together at the front of the tank, and they're not fazed by anything outside. The male is changing colour and likes to hide amongst the rocks, occasionally chasing the female out.

In terms of stocking, I'm not sure what the limit would be for a 120l tank. I've got a few and they're doing fine, but I'm not sure if you could fit 6-8 in there.