Setting up for A. compressiceps

[Nolapete]

A. compressiceps have long been my favorite Tanganyikan cichlids. I'm planning to setup several 55 gallon tanks with one color strain in each. I have a few questions:

Is it better to use coral sand or something like Eco-Complete Cichlid as a substrate?

If going with a harem, should their only be one male? How many females would be appropriate with one male in a 55?

What's the best artificial caves to use for breeding them?

[cocoa_pleco]

sorry for a late response.

i have a lamp. brichardi that ive raised from a fry. he's currently with africans. they dont mind eachother.

sand is great for them, it looks natural and is soft. for caves, flower pots are fine. when my lamp. brichardi was a fry in my 2.5g he had a pagoda statue that he loved

[Fishguy2727]

They breed in VERY narrow crevices, so narrow only the female can fit in them.

Try a specialized cichlid forum. I do not have any experience with these species, seems no one else does either.