I'm thinking to my next tank project after my 29gal Southeast Asia tank winds down. I've always loved Tanganyikans and was wondering if it's doable in a 29gal tank. I'm not a big fan of overcrowding, and would want to keep the number of fish down to acceptable numbers. As a "centerpiece" fish I would definitely want a calvus or compressiceps. What species and numbers would go well in this tank?
29gal Tanganyika
- Thread starter wintermute
- Start date
There is actualy quite a bit you can do in a tank that size. The alto's you mention are great fish and for the most part will go with just about anything. The dwarf julies (Julidochromis dickfeldi, ornatus, transcriptus) would also make a good addition to the tank.
Or you could also do some of the smaller shell dwellers.
As for the numbers, that is going to depend on what age most of the fish are when you get them. You may start out with 6 julies for example, but once they mature and start to breed, you may find yourself with only the pair left. The alto's really aren't that much of a concern in this as it takes a very long time for them to mature. If you want the best chances of the julies breeding then I would get at least 6 fish to let them pair off on their own, just be ready to move the ones who have not paired up to either another tank or take them back to the store. It may work, but in such a small tank it would be a lot of stress IMHO to have more than one pair of julies breeding at the same time.
As far as the shell dwellers go, search around on the net some about the different species and see what strikes your fancy. They are a really neat fish and out of all the species that are available in the trade I'm sure you'll find one or more that you really like.
Or you could also do some of the smaller shell dwellers.
As for the numbers, that is going to depend on what age most of the fish are when you get them. You may start out with 6 julies for example, but once they mature and start to breed, you may find yourself with only the pair left. The alto's really aren't that much of a concern in this as it takes a very long time for them to mature. If you want the best chances of the julies breeding then I would get at least 6 fish to let them pair off on their own, just be ready to move the ones who have not paired up to either another tank or take them back to the store. It may work, but in such a small tank it would be a lot of stress IMHO to have more than one pair of julies breeding at the same time.
As far as the shell dwellers go, search around on the net some about the different species and see what strikes your fancy. They are a really neat fish and out of all the species that are available in the trade I'm sure you'll find one or more that you really like.
A couple of follow-up questions then -
If the inhabitants consist of A. compressiceps or calvus, and julies, can one do away with substrate and turn the tank into a rubble field? Will this help or hamper weekly cleanings?
I read an article that said do not put shell dwellers in w/ compressiceps or calvus, because they will be eaten. I haven't read this elsewhere. Is this true? What's the best way to vacuum the sand when you do cleanings so as not to fill up shells w/ sand, tick off the inhabitants, etc.
If the inhabitants consist of A. compressiceps or calvus, and julies, can one do away with substrate and turn the tank into a rubble field? Will this help or hamper weekly cleanings?
I read an article that said do not put shell dwellers in w/ compressiceps or calvus, because they will be eaten. I haven't read this elsewhere. Is this true? What's the best way to vacuum the sand when you do cleanings so as not to fill up shells w/ sand, tick off the inhabitants, etc.
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I wouldn't worry to much about either the calvus or comps to dine on any adult shelldweller. They do like to eat fry of any other fish, not just shelldwellers if given the chance, but they are overexagerated as fry hunters as well. To be honest I would be more worried about the julies eating fry than either of the alto's.
As far as the substrate goes, it's really up to you for the most part. If you go with just about any shelldweller you will want sand over any gravel as most like to dig around the shells and sand makes it much easier for them to do this. Sure you can use gravel, but to me it's much more rewarding to see the fish act as they would in their natural habitat. Also while the julies, calvus and comps are more cave spawners, they do enjoy moving about the sand to form it to what suites them best.
EDIT: The vacum part just takes a little practice to get it right. Really with sand all you need to do is just hover the end of the tube over the sand and it will suck up just about all of the gunk and stuff off of it..
As far as the substrate goes, it's really up to you for the most part. If you go with just about any shelldweller you will want sand over any gravel as most like to dig around the shells and sand makes it much easier for them to do this. Sure you can use gravel, but to me it's much more rewarding to see the fish act as they would in their natural habitat. Also while the julies, calvus and comps are more cave spawners, they do enjoy moving about the sand to form it to what suites them best.
EDIT: The vacum part just takes a little practice to get it right. Really with sand all you need to do is just hover the end of the tube over the sand and it will suck up just about all of the gunk and stuff off of it..
I put together my 29 with tanganyikans...but it really didn't work well the way I did it. I tried several pairs of fish, hoping that everyone would get along and I wouldn't get any m/f pairs. Everyone didnt get along, and the brichardis were a m/f pair and started breeding. MESS.
I have a comp, he's great. I also have a pair of julies (transcriptus) and they are pretty cool. No shell dwellers though. If I had to redo it in a 29 I think I'd probably get a colony of the julies and one or two comps, an apple snail and call it good
Sand substrate.
I also have brichardis...and they are super cool fish, but I would suggest doing a species only tank if thats what you're going to get, and a 29 would work great. They're ruthless little buggers...no matter how pretty they are
I have a comp, he's great. I also have a pair of julies (transcriptus) and they are pretty cool. No shell dwellers though. If I had to redo it in a 29 I think I'd probably get a colony of the julies and one or two comps, an apple snail and call it good
Sand substrate. I also have brichardis...and they are super cool fish, but I would suggest doing a species only tank if thats what you're going to get, and a 29 would work great. They're ruthless little buggers...no matter how pretty they are