First tank ideas

[blue02celi]

Well, after reading the selecting community fish for dummys article Im thinking of going with their #8 setup(novice semi aggressive malawi tank, 55 gal):
6 pseudotropheus estherae (said orange zebra but other places it says red)
6 labeotropheus trewavasae (don't know common name)
6 pseudotropheus socolofi (blue powder cichlid?)

Anyone have any suggestions, comments, etc... I haven't bought anything yet as far as equipment, just planning ahead on what I'm aiming for before I start shopping, that and getting funds situated

[Lady Hobbs]

Welcome. Please, if you are planning on setting up a new tank the Fishless Cycle is the best way to go using pure ammonia to get that tank set up before introducing any fish. This will save you tons of work and your fish will not die due to high ammonia levels while it cycles.

Good luck with that tank. This is soooo much fun to have fishies.

[jman]

Yup and then become patient and test your water out for any problems before the fish might bring in. This way you can pick out where problems come from in future. Also think about what you're going to use for your bottom substance like gravel or sand. i think ya get the point!

[f1oored]

Fishless cycle as everyone has already suggested. How to here...
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=2678

I think those fish will do well together as long as you give them many places to hide. 18 seems a bit much but many people like to overstock their mbuna tanks. I personally have 16 in a 72 gallon but that is just me. Remember that these fish are going to get between 4-5 inches. If you choose the fishless cycle you should be able to add 8 or so fish right after the cycle is complete. After that I would add things more slowly 3-4 at a time is good. Add your labs first then your socolofi and your zebras last. The only thing that concerns me a little is the color of the labs and the socolofi. The similiar color can lead to agression. You may want to look at perlmutt labs. They are cool little fish and they aren't blue.

Filtration - Lots and lots. I would do a good sized canister and a big HOB. These fish can be messy.

Rocks - Buy from a landscaping store becaue you need a lot of them. Buying from a LFS will cost you a fortune.

Welcome to the forum.

[jeffs99dime]

yeah. fishless cycle is the right way to go.