37 gallon stocking question--I would really appreciate some Knowledgable advice!!?
Okay, I am doing ridiculous amounts of research to try and find an interesting but manageable tank. I really like the idea of cichlids, but have realized that most are too aggressive and large for my tank size. I have read that Kribs are smaller, less aggressive , and hardy. I've decided to sort of build my tank around them. Also, I am going for a deep Africa type theme.
37 gal/ 30 inches in length
6 congo tetra
4 Upside down cats
1 bristle-nosed cat
2 kribs
Last but not least, the book I am reading suggests 3 Flying Fox for this type of set up. Supposedly they are great algae eaters and help with the cycling process. However, I have read some posts stating that they can be a nuisance in the tank.
Lastly, these fish prefer moderate or can tolerate water that is slightly on the harder side. I have well water that comes through soft/moderate once put through a softener. Wouldn't that softening process be unnatural for the fish? Is softening this way a substitute?
A 37 gallon is a nice size tank.
I like your combination. My thoughts are ti add in waves over time.
Start with 3 tetras. Cycle the tank with them.
Add the next three tetras and the Kribs. Wait 3 weeks to allow the tank to catch up.
Add 2 cats and the bristle nose.
See how things go for the next few months.
Your upside down will grow and you may not need more.
Flying fox when large can be a nuissance, but sometimes you get lucky. I would allow your other fish to be well established first, then add the flying foxes. Just as an FYI the Flying Fox is from Asia not Africa. They like a pH range that is a broad 6.0 to about 7.5 and do well in soft to moderately hard water. Your Kribs will like softer more acidic water. Also, be sure to get the smaller variety of upside down cats, some get very large.
If you are going for authenticity, sadly none of these fish would routinely see one another in the wild. But for a general African tank, the Tetras, Kribs, and cats do come from the same continent (there is an Asian upside down cat as well).
Good Luck.
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