New Pseudotropheus Crabro (Bumblebee Cichlid) Set Up

[Bane]

I have a 55 Gallon tank I'd like to re-create to focus on the Pseudotropheus Crabro (Bumblebee/Hornet Cichlid).

This is the idea I have now. I want to use slate to create tons of caves, tunnels, and flat rocks for them. I currently have gravel, but think they would enjoy sand better. Using the slate, I want to create like a second layer.... so half of my tank (like the left half) would actually have another "bottom" with substrate about half way up. This splitting makes me think I should stick with gravel, as I believe sand would fall off.. ?

I'd like to kinda re-create their natural environment. I guess my main ques tion is.... what kind of catfish can I get that I will have the most likely success rate of spawning and living in peace with the Bumblebees? I understand in the wild the bumblebee will guard catfish and even pick off parasites. Upon catfish spawning, they change to their more aggressive black color and eat the eggs. I want to create that.

I have a feeling 55G might just be too small to accomplish this...

This is the basic basic idea of slate work. I think I want to keep the driftwood where it is and build around/on top of..

<img src="http://onfinite.com/libraries/1470037/944.jpg" />

This is the inspiration for the right side of my tank, but on a smaller scale...

<img src="http://www.aquahobby.com/tanks/img/801_Mike_1.jpg" />

[Brookfish]

Hi Bane, the links you posted don't work for me, I have never kept
the bumble bee (Hornet) cichlid but I gather that they are a very aggressive
mbuna, I just did a bit of research on them and I have to say they have
beautiful colouration. I'd love to see your tank plan if you can get a link to work.

[Wiggs]

Here is the OP's pictures. Well, the first one because the 2nd one will not link correctly with tags.


[img]http://onfinite.com/libraries/1470037/944.jpg

[Bane]

http://www.aquahobby.com/tanks/img/801_Mike_1.jpg

Copy/Paste that into your browser.

The more I mull this idea over in my head, I've pretty much convinced myself that 55G is simply not enough space to keep the Hornets and Catfish together with the relationship I'd like to see. I think I'll drop the catfish and just stick with the bumblebees.

[Brookfish]

Link still dosn't work bud, but like you say maybe sticking
with the bumblebees will work out best.

[Dixie]

I have mbuna which the bumblebee or crabro is but have never kept the bumblebees. From what I understand about them, they are a very aggressive mbuna and get to be pretty big 8". I'm not sure a 55g. is really big enough for them once they are full grown. How many do you have?

I think I'd trade them in for another species or get a bigger tank. The bristlenose pleco does ok with mbuna if you add the pleco and mbuna at the same time when the mbuna are young. If you try to add a pleco to adult mbuna that aren't use to them in the tank, it usually doesn't go to well. I've read of alot people saying their mbuna ate the eyes out of their plecos.