Some of you may have read my thread on the growing pains on the tank but after a bit of research and thinking I quickly got it under control. Still doing every other day water treatments and closely monitoring the parameters but all the fish are healthy, active and their typical Mbuna turd selves...ie PITA. A blast to watch however. The tank contains 1 male Lab, 2 female labs (all juvies), 1 male Kenyii (biggest pain in the tank) and 1 female Demasoni. So far aggression is relatively in check; the labs and dem get along great, in fact the labs are like a bunch of mice as far as following each other. The kenyii has hit a recent streak of aggression, particularly at feeding, towards all of them. For the most part he leaves the labs be, but likes to chase the demasoni. There are plenty of hiding spots but the dem typically doesn't go in them for some odd reason. Usually the kenyii is hanging out in his mancave (pictured below).
Tank setup is a tad unorthodox; false driftwood and artificial plants aren't quite your typical Mbuna environment but they seem to enjoy it, particularly the demasoni and labs as they enjoy swimming in and around the plants. I will probably be adding some more rocks to the rear in the future-I found a large artificial rock setup with many hiding spots that will fit perfect however take away from some of the color in the tank. If I do add more Mbunas (undecided as of yet..they stay away from the top of the tank and I am considering experimenting with something at the top of the tank to fill it) I will probably get it. All comments are welcome; needless to say it's been a steep learning curve with these guys but it has been fun!
(click for the fullsize of each)
Tank setup is a tad unorthodox; false driftwood and artificial plants aren't quite your typical Mbuna environment but they seem to enjoy it, particularly the demasoni and labs as they enjoy swimming in and around the plants. I will probably be adding some more rocks to the rear in the future-I found a large artificial rock setup with many hiding spots that will fit perfect however take away from some of the color in the tank. If I do add more Mbunas (undecided as of yet..they stay away from the top of the tank and I am considering experimenting with something at the top of the tank to fill it) I will probably get it. All comments are welcome; needless to say it's been a steep learning curve with these guys but it has been fun!
(click for the fullsize of each)