How to Set Up an Mbuna Cichlid Tank

Hello Everyone,
In this video we look at how we've been successful keeping mbuna cichlids.
If you like mbuna cichlids check out these species profiles to learn more!
Pseudotropheus saulosi: • Pseudotropheus saulosi...
Pseudotropheus acei: • Pseudotropheus acei Ca...
Red Zebra Cichlid: • Red Zebra Cichlid Bree...
If you want to see more behind the scenes stuff, exclusive videos and support the channel consider becoming a member! / @primetimeaquatics
Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimea...
For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
Thanks for watching!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If you like mbuna cichlids check out these species profiles to learn more! Pseudotropheus saulosi: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKiTYaR7hZdmi7c Pseudotropheus acei: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2LIaJJmrtF7rNk Red Zebra Cichlid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKrWn2tnqt-artk If you want to see more behind the scenes stuff, exclusive videos and support the channel consider becoming a member! kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics

[@jonmi28]

Do you think a 50 gallon lowboy 2ft by 4ft 10in tall would work for mbuna

[@kevinhoy8646]

I have a 250 gallon cichlid tank and a 500 gallon saltwater

[@cameronfortenberry174]

Nice video! I’ve learned over the years to over stock, rearrange decor frequently to confuse territory, feed often in small portions. You will also have one or two that are a pain to the community! I have had to put them in time out! Mbunas are a fun species!

[@PUSSYMEOW]

What food you fed them?

[@BrianRoosa]

@@PUSSYMEOW 9:35

[@austinVloggs390]

Dude, this is the first “older” video I’ve watched of yours… looks like you’ve been making some gainz over the years man 💪😎

[@chesterfield9682]

I started my mbuna tank 8 or 9 months ago, I wanted pretty fish that weren't aggressive (had problems with that before), and I didn't want them to grow too large for the tank. So I picked Yellow Lab, Rusty Cichlids and C.Afra Jalo Reef. That's a combo I don't hear much about (although you guys at P.T.Aquatics talked about pairing rusties and labs), but it seems to be working great. They should all stay under 4", and right now I have the tank over stocked, but they're breeding like crazy, and some of the fry always seem to survive. I service the tank a couple times a week, but I am willing to do the work so long as the fish are doing well. Thanks for all the great info from this channel, I feel like one of the reasons I am seeing success is all the info you guys give. :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Very cool!

[@joseCalderon1976]

I add at least 5 Mbunas at a the same time 👍. All 1.5 to 2 inches small

[@nathanhoveyaquatics]

So far these videos in this playlist is very informative. I to love the Mbuna Cichlids. I %100 agree Mbuna keeping isn't for everyone. Also I myself have had great success with them. I do have a smaller tank than the 1 you keep them in however they are thriving great. I even got LUCKY and have some other types people say don't really fit in. I would say for me its all about how I add new fish. Sometimes I take out the more aggressive fish and add any new one's then add back the others fish 30 mins or so after..

[@locopayasa2484]

Thanks setting up a tank today been cycling this for weeks . Been working on getting water perfect id like for them to breed but also variety fibally found some in my area im excited thanks for all the info very helpful i tried to find pics of the more aggresive ones you stated to not accidently mix those in 😂 wish me luck

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Have fun!

[@jakearts7962]

Just started a 55g Mbuna tank. Thanks for these videos. They are a big help. God Bless.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@phillymanpete]

Lovely Mbuna aquarium, Jason. You have managed the aggression very well. I think the key with these fish is overcrowding for the reasons you describe. High levels of filtration are part and parcel with that strategy. Curious to know your favorite Mbuna out of the ones you are keeping?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Even though they’re not the highest quality, I think the Johanni’s are my favorite. 😀

[@rufflesandfalcor199]

I keep vastly more decorations in the tank for hiding. Also dither fish and crayfish help round out the tank.

[@dan_e]

3 years later I'm still watching this and getting ready to set up my first mbuna tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Have fun!

[@angiebear8727]

Lol. Better to be over prepared than underprepared. Hope it goes well. Just starting my research 👍

[@ontarioaquatics9643]

How did it go and do you still have the tank?

[@dan_e]

@@ontarioaquatics9643 I do and it is doing well. I had a few issues with too many males at first but it's settled down now and doing good!

[@ontarioaquatics9643]

@@dan_e how big was the tank?

[@donnacosta6633]

I have been keeping Mbuna's for many years. I have a yellow lab only tank now, just seems easier with one species, less aggresion. They have all grown up together from fry. They had been breeding and a few fry surviving. Just last week not sure what happened. I think the male dominance is shifting and a young male was singled out and didn't survive so sad. All seems calm now with an older male seeming to be OK with taking a less dominant role. I also do change around the landscape to stop agression. It seems to work. They are too busy finding new homes to get aggresive. For the most part my tank has been peacful for years. I am going to try and get some areas for fry to hide so maybe I can get a few more fish. Right now I have a 90 gallon with 9 adult fish. One hang on back and one sponge filter a few Anubias plants and water lettuce floaters. Oh yes and my pleco and nerite snails. Thanks for the video really informative.

[@erikhummel4]

Awesome video full of Information. We have a 75 gallon mbuna tank of red zebras,demasoni, yellow labs, socolofi, rusty, and yellow tail acai. 30 er so mbuna with a sailfin pleco and synodontis catfish. Run a fluval fx4, emperor 400 hob and a green machine internal filtration. There's chasing here n there but when we notice we move around the rocks and plants and this seems to curb their behavior. 8.2 ph 78 degrees hard water with salt additive. Mechanical and biological in fx4, chemical in hob for easy maintenance.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sounds like a great setup!

[@aquariumhacksbymarcus5653]

I've 100% this time agree with your video I have kept mbuna for years at present I don't keep any more I just keep shell dwellers now but I agree you one setup never works for another set up all these fish have different attitudes but you know what's funny I have found peacocks to be just as aggressive as mbuna at times in all peacock tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I feel the same. The peacocks really give me fits sometimes!

[@aquaballs]

Hi u got some baby's frome my black and blue i got 20 of them love this fish

[@aquaballs]

I got a nice albino Carrot Top I love to find a female for him

[@sschario60]

Thanks for the helpful advice re: auratus and demasoni.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for watching! I've seen auratus destroy more than one tank. :-)

[@gusaveldano7290]

Thank you for the info Jason

[@dariangregory6182]

I had a peaceful tank and introduced two blue dolphins. It was all good till one of them got bigger and then he became a bully. He bullied my peaceful acei (favorite mbuna) so bad that I wanted to squeeze him to death so I traded him (the dolphin) to my friend for two yellow labs. I Quarantined the labs but suddenly my Acei was bullying everything in site as bad as the dolphin was so I crossed my fingers even though my buddies tank and fish are well kept and put the labs in the community tank and the Acei in the 55 gallon Q tank. It worked out so well that I decided to buy another Q tank and let the Acei keep the 55 gallon, got two females for him and Im sure he thinks Life's never been so good. Thanks for the inspiring and informational videos.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Nice story - it's all about finding balance. Sounds like you were able to do that!

[@austinnhuynh]

Such a great video. Awesome information brother

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

Just thinking about getting a mbuna Cichlid tank going and I didn’t know that that was the red zebra. Do you have a video where you identify mbunas by sight? I looked but there’s so many videos. Where I buy cichlids, they sell them as assorted.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I have a species profile on Acei, Red Zebra and Saulosi - I can't remember if I have done others?

[@ruturaj47]

Can you please make one for Malawi peacocks as well? I watched many videos featuring your 75 and 125 housing same and the Livestream, it would be great to have a short version that goes over important things.

[@AQUAFUNK]

Love that rock. I have always wanted to get some but I can't wrap my head around spending that kinda money on rocks. DIG THE VID. STAY FUNKY

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, the rocks were more than the fish! Haha

[@kimpossible1187]

Great video, thank you. I went ahead and purchased all of my Mbundu as babies even 1 demasoni and they have been together a few months now now doing well. I’m not sure what the future holds however at this moment I’m very happy they are doing well. Thanks for the info.

[@vacrawlers5436]

Will 3 yellow labs, and 3 electric blue johannis do for a 30 gallon?

[@PULAG]

Had 2 3-inch Mbuna with my 6inch Dempsey+ 5 bluegill (wild) and 1 baby LM Bass. Lasted 2 months then the bass tried to eat my cichlids.

[@alfredodeeric]

Also just curious if you have a recommendation on a good source for mbuna types and info.

[@dog-gonedogs6939]

I am pretty sure I have mbunas. Got themreally young from the local Petland store. Yellow ones ,orange, blue w/blk strips, blk/yello/brown horizontal strips, purple w/yellow fins, and one albino(not sure if it's mubuna as he is smaller and a loner) Anyway, I have them in a small 250 gal. back yard pond and kept them alive through a very cold winter this past year here in NW Fl. ($$$$$ on electric bill -but I done it!) Started off with 10, now have like 50! Now they are producing so many fry I don't know what I am gonna do! But all the babies are blue ones and the yel/blk/bro/striped ones. Just for those that might like to know this, I raised 5 gold fish along with them! They got along with them great, but did recently give them away. QUESTION: So how can I figure out if I have female or males in the yellow, orange, purple, and albino/white ones? They are between 4-5". Any help here will be greatly appreciated! GREAT VIDEO! SUBBED!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yep, sounds like you probably got a mix of yellow labs, red zebra, and kenyi at least. Yellow labs and red zebra males and females look very similar - my males for both just have a little better color and are bigger. If you have Kenyi, the males turn bright yellow and the females stay blue. Those are the most common. The brown may be bumble bee cichlids. The babies could very well be hybrids though and it's hard to be certain the parents were pure breed too since they usually just sell them as "mixed Africans". Congrats on the babies. O, and the females are usually the ones with a mouth full of fry!

[@StarTexaspets]

That fish wasnt playing about his corner 😆😆

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I know! :-)

[@denisdespot9527]

love the info Question would i be wasting my time doing a waterfall in a Mbuna tank 220 gallon

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Possibly - they love to dig things up!

[@fishywishes8150]

Those are really cool rock structures! I'm very impressed with how peaceful your tanks are. Thank you for sharing your great video!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! It's been an enjoyable tank.

[@fishywishes8150]

Prime Time Aquatics you're welcome.

[@vanschermerhorn7167]

Watched your video on the setup of mbuna tank . It was very informative . My problem is I bought a 150 gallon tank with everything included . Now I know I'm way over my head . I have sand and holey honeycomb rock in the tank . I also have FX6 canister filter and a Seachem 110 filter . I have watched many videos that say put only males in the tank to keep down aggression . I am elderly and a novice . I would appreciate your thoughts and recommendations . Thank You .

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

A male only tank can be more difficult with mbuna because males and females can look so similar in some cases. I tend not to worry about it with mbuna. Our mbuna cichlid tanks are all mixed.

[@seanootd3406]

Another great informative video mate

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@AaronGale85]

Hi, great video. I'm moving to a African chiclid setup. I want to do mbuna. I have a 4 ft roughly 180 litres. I love the look of this tank. The colours are great. Can you help me out with a list of the fish you have in this tank and a rough stocking capacity. Thanks in advance 🤙

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I might go with 6 pseudotropheus saulosi and maybe 6 rusty cichlids?

[@rohoaqualuna6356]

I've watched this video like 6 times now lol. I wanted to get your thoughts on the best temperature to keep my mbunas at. 79-80 is where mine are at currently and I had them at 78 and they did seem a bit more aggressive but they seem to be a bit more skiddish at 80 if that makes any sense lol. Appreciate the other tips on this video they have really helped. I now have a 125gal with mbunas and a 75gal with about 25 white lab fry and more to come. Of course if I can catch the females holding lol.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I run them between 78-80.

[@rohoaqualuna6356]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics. Ok so good to hear reinforcement on range. It's all over the place when you Google search it. Thank you very much and I hope we can make it to Aquashella to see you guys again!

[@abdullahali2727]

Have you ever tried keeping them with peacocks? I think I will add a ob peacock to my mbuna tank.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

OBs have worked well with mbuna. They tend to be fairly aggressive. Less aggressive mbuna like yellow labs, rusty cichlids and saulosi have also worked for me as well. It doesn't always work, and I always recommend a back up plan. :-)

[@Fishingwithandrew28]

Question how can you get Kennyi with electric yellow unfortunately I tried and my Kennyi killed my electric yellow cichlid

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I started them together when they were young. That may have helped.

[@mitch9509]

Hello, i just subscribed. Great video... at around the 5 minute mark in the tank you moved one of the mbuna to because he was having a hard time in the other aquarium... what type of rocks are you stacking in that tank? I hope you didnt mention that in the video and i missed it.

[@kivancic4051]

What about yellow labs in a 75 gallon? I have heard they have a bit of aggression but are more on the peaceful side? I have a good bit of experience on dither fish and catfish aswell as shrimps. I’d love to get into the world of cichlids and I dosent seem to hard as long as I do my homework.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They do well in a 75.

[@metledsabbsthica]

Thanks for great advice.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for watching!

[@outliersoutside9043]

I am new in this fish hobby. I have a 15 gallon tank with a dozen 1 inch juvenile auratus

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Jesse Jaway Those are some of the meanest mbuna out there! You’ll probably want to move them out quick before you wind up with one! 😀

[@Matthew_Does_To_Many_Things]

I tried putting a small cichlid in my tank i rearranged the rocks plants and everything and he got beat up so I gotta get full grown ones but I can’t seem to find 3 female 3 inch yellow labs but I’ll keep looking and ask my LFS to order some

[@hmerchant3349]

Hi Jason. Beautiful fish and a lovely hardscape. Off topic but I have a question for you. What should be the ideal gap between the top of a tank and the tank above it? Is 6 inches good enough for regular maintenance or should it be 9 inches? In the process of planning a fish room and super inspired by your videos

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

For me it depends on the size of the tank because larger tanks require larger decorations. I shoot for 10 - 12" generally. Great question!

[@hmerchant3349]

Prime Time Aquatics thanks Jason. Very thoughtful about the decorations. But 12 inches is a luxury I cannot afford. Planning to stack 3 tanks vertically. Don’t want the topmost tank to be too high, would defeat the purpose. I want to enjoy the fishes

[@markcopley7366]

1. Over stock 2 filter well 3 low protein diet 4 lots of rock 5 dont nee a deep tank as they often stay in the rock area lower down 6 when quarantining your fish dont put any rocks or decor in (this gives them a territory to fight over )

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Jezza_One]

Build up your rocks so they go up to at least half the depth of the tank. You can keep more because they will spread out. Make sure there are loads of caves.

[@PULAG]

​@@Jezza_One true I went from just a bottom layer rocks with some crevices, now have them stacked multi-layered halfway up and the fish are far more active

[@ChrissyWilson-n3q]

How can you tell male or female in the bright orange one?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Makes take on an almost iridescent orange.

[@gameroftheyear1000]

Both my father and I on top of our 55 gallon African and our 55 gallon South American tank each have kept a 29 gallon Mbuna tank with great success. We’ve kept strictly Zebras and Labidochromis in those tanks with a 3:1 male-female ratio and they’ve both done very well with only 1 fatality in my tank which happened while I was on a business trip and my father has had none. We’ve kept 5-7 cichlids in there at a time and have had no territory or aggression issues with mating. A lot of people said we got extremely lucky but I beg to differ as it’s hard to get the same lighting to strike twice. A lot of people in the last 5 years have said I’m “abusing those poor fish” and not giving them enough space to swim. They’ve been quite happy with plenty of hiding spots for them and they’ve bred well. Maybe too well so I’ve had to make donations as the fry have grown but at maximum my largest fish is my blue zebra at 4 inches and it’s a male. It’s very possible to keep mbuna’s in a 29G tank, you just can’t be stupid about it and it does require some extra work to make it possible. But it’s far from impossible. I would only recommend it to experienced hobbyist who have had experience with Mbuna cichlids but it’s been a real joy.

[@PaulC.494]

Hi Jason, what is the reasoning behind using sponge filters in combination with a HOB filter?

[@michaelberardo4614]

Prob more filtration

[@distortedfox6561]

Hello Jason I NEED HELP my Mbuna cichlids have red at the base of pectoral fins I don’t know why and I don’t know what to do I just know that it wasn’t always like that

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Could be due to fighting or possibly fin rot? If it gets worse you could try something like Erythromycin?

[@distortedfox6561]

@@PrimeTimeAquaticsthank you for taking the time to answer my question. Is there any way I can send you a photo of my fish? Just want to get to the bottom of it. Thank you, again

[@dtechvinnie]

Can you list the types of food you use? Much appreciated

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

This may help:kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2ndfayqac1gd5o

[@jsags8290]

The long light blue fish with horizontal lines. What's the name of fish

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That is a Johanni cichlid.

[@KC_FlightChief]

Need advice - getting back into the hobby, how many should I add for the very first time? All of them? Little by little? I have a 75g, currently cycling. I want to get them small, just not sure how many right off the bat. Thanks for any help!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Starting with a group of 1-2" mbuna usually works out best. Once the tank is well-cycled with a decent amount of beneficial bacteria, I generally start with at least 15 and wait a couple weeks to make sure the microbes are taking care of the bio-load and add another 10 or so. Keep in mind I always start with cycled media, so this is easy for me to do.

[@KC_FlightChief]

Prime Time Aquatics Perfect thanks, that’s what I was kind of thinking but this gives me a good base to work with. Thank you so much for your response!

[@ADHDAquatics]

Amazing ❤️

[@banksj54]

i have a 20g tank with a blue maingano only gets 3" calm down, think i could get away with another mbuna that gets 3" or smaller?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I usually can't get mbuna to work in anything less than a 40 breeder or 4ft tank long term.

[@banksj54]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics okay figured adding another would be pushing it. Any suggestions? Was thinking a African catfish

[@thatsmolbirb2519]

Keep em in a pond with rocks and you're golden. It works for me. Just make sure you have appropriate filtration

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That would be cool!

[@thatsmolbirb2519]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics inspired by kamp Kenan's recreation pond. Although mine isn't nearly as big or well designed as his

[@manuelfabara3916]

At the bigining of the video there is a yellow fish with black spots in it, what is the name?? Someone gave me a few but I have not found the name and I think it's not an OB, please advise on the mane

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That may be the OB Red Zebra?

[@decharle4088]

I got into !African cichlids based on their beauty. I will only have a 38gallon tank. How long before they are too big?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If they are mbuna it doesn't take long before a few of the alpha fish start dominating.

[@Omar-hl6yg]

I have one Mbundu cichlid that I’ve had for 4 years, in those 4 years I’ve tried my best to add another fish into the tank with him but he is extremely aggressive to anything I put in there. He is in a 55 gallon tank and a few days ago I tried adding in another circled the same size as him and he would fight it non stop and bully it into the top corner of the tank all day. Do you think I would be able to add another fish inside with him? I was thinking I should get a larger cichlid and that would fix the issue, but I’m not sure. Anyone have a recommendations?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Usually they don't respond well to adding just one cichlid. You would most likely need to add 6-8 to increase the likelihood of it working out (usually mbuna tanks are over stocked).

[@Omar-hl6yg]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you

[@raphaelknoops750]

As adding to the tank could be bad, does that mean that i have to buy every single fish at the same time?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Not necesarily. When I add fish to my mbuna tank I usually find that if they are a little smaller and I add a number of them it works out a little better.

[@83mgroux]

I have found all your videos so helpful. Im limited due to space but what would be better for yellow labs and maingano's... A 40 breeder or a 55? I know the 40 actually has more surface space while the 55 is taller. Which one do you think would be better? And how many can I stock in it? And last question... If they're juveniles, how long can I keep them in the tank before having to upgrade them to a larger tank? Thank you so much!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think either one is a solid option for the fish you want to stock. Just depends on how much you want to spend and how much wall space you want to dedicate. You could probably go with a total of 10-12 fish.

[@83mgroux]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics well wall space.... We could easily fit a 55 or a 40. The problem was 75g is too heavy. So 10-12 yellow labs and maingano's... All females would be safe? Or would there be aggression between them?

[@83mgroux]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics are those two types of fish more bottom or top swimmers? I think with the 40... I'll have more ability to aqua scape. The 55 seems tight and narrow. But visually looks nice because it's longer. What do you think? Thank you again for always being an inspiration with this hobby.

[@83mgroux]

Okay so I have a choice now of a 55g or 65g.... To stock with yellow labs and maingano's. The 40 breeder is out. 55 is narrow and 4ft long... Or the 3 foot 65g with 18 inches of depth? What's your opinion? Thank you so much and I'm sorry for all the questions.

[@cwdl2004]

Hey guys im a newby to mbunas & really like them & other cichlids. But I have a 40g br & wonder how many of the smaller mbunas can i add to the 40g brdr... tyvm

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

10-12 would probably work.

[@victorlozano6749]

Hi there how many mbuna cichlid can go in 40 breeder tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I usually do 12-15

[@ladonniscelestine5719]

Hi, I love your work. I have a 55 gal, what would be your recommend amount of mbunas to put in it. I want to overstock. And should I put them in all at once or every week

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It might be better to add them over the courses of weeks if the tank is new and just recently cycled. In a 55 gallon you could probably get to a max of 14-18?

[@ladonniscelestine5719]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you for the guide. I had fish in it but decided to make some changes I replaced the rocks with a cichlid substrate and I took out about 80% of the water. Again thank you

[@RUQWKR69]

Great job on your tanks. I have a 55 mbuna and peacock tank a 45 tank I use for small fry from my breading pairs. Going to add a 200 and a 150 tank soon for more mbuna and peacocks. Since I've gotten back into it I have been very lucky getting breading pairs established now I am consistent with getting on average 30 fry from each female which now creates it's own problem of trying to sell the fry or trade them for store credit. Any pointers or tips are welcome.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We’re lucky that we have local clubs that hold auctions and swaps. That’s how we move our fish

[@leppycon]

What breed of cichlids are in this tank?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

All kinds - acei, johanni, yellow labs, kenyi, red zebra, metriaclima elongatus and possibly saulosi at the time?

[@leppycon]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you for replying! I know this videos is years old but I am setting up a 125g cichlids tank so looking for stocking options. Also I love your videos

[@kristenwinter8157]

So I am doing a lot of research on cichlids what ones would you suggest to start out as a beginner since these are the more aggressive and tricky?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Depends on the size tank. Some of the easier ones are Apistos, Bolivian Rams, Kribensis, Keyhole Cichlids, and Curviceps provided you have the right size tank and average water parameters. They can be so much fun!

[@kristenwinter8157]

Thank you 😊

[@brett_Thorpe]

Hi Jason. I have 5 yellow labs ( young ones 2" avg ) in a 44 gal. I am hoping they will breed at some point when they get bigger. I also like the yellow tail acei. Would be ok to add a few of them ? 4-6 ? Thanks.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I probably wouldn’t add the Acei - they are one of the larger mbuna and can reach 6-7”.

[@brett_Thorpe]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Ok good to know. I won’t add them. Maybe I’ll just go with the Yellow Labs. Or if there are a few other types you can recommend? Thanks for taking the time to get back to me. 👍👍

[@nwfun8304]

What type are the larger fish with the yellow tails

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Paeudotropheus acei

[@vineethantony3167]

I have a 60cm*30cm*35cm and it holds 60ltrs of water how many mbuna cichlids can I keep

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I wouldn't put any in that size tank.

[@tatesreptileworld8654]

Why do you choose to have two filters ??

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

More for water movement in larger tanks.

[@tatesreptileworld8654]

Thank you I was wondering I’m setting up a 40 gallon breeder so wanted to see if I needed a second filter

[@jordantate_]

So I made the mistake of buying 18 fish all at once. They’re 6 rustiest, 6 yellow labs, and 6 blue dolphins. My tank is fully cycled and has a canister filter and hang on the back. It’s a 75. What can I do to add them without the ammonia spike killing them. I currently have 7 small sized tetras in there that I used to cycle (ofc removing them once the cichlids arrive, I ordered them online already). I don’t have another tank to put them in. I treat the tank with seachem prime and seachem stability

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I would get some Fritzyme 7 or turbo start. It has nitrifying bacteria and we've used it probably close to 20 times without issues!

[@Pentagram666mar]

I have 2+2 protomelas mara rock, 1 male of copadichromis borleyi, female of livingstoni (i adopted her, know she doesnt fit, she won’t be fully grown, as she spent 3 years in 30 gallon), two males cynotipalia zebroides and afra hara, female of zebroides and melanochromis auratus male. In 55 gallon, fish are healthy, all of them grown good and colourfull. I don’t know why people are afraid of melanochromis auratus- in my tank he is deffinitly a king, but afra hara and zebroides keep his aggression under control.

[@serbestialbrynn]

I have a full grown zebra male I am adamant about keeping thats getting lonely. Can I add juveniles? That’s all that’s sold hardly anywhere. If so how do I go about it?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

As long as they are not too small to be eaten I have done that many times without any issues. I have found it easier to add smaller mbuna to an established tank than adding adults. I works best if you can add at least 3-6.

[@serbestialbrynn]

Prime Time Aquatics I’ll try that! What kind of mbuna do you recommend? ik zebras tend to be more aggressive. I have a 55 gal ik it’s a little smaller than recommended but will it do?

[@pkrange1326]

I got rid of them due to aggression reasons. I've tried all the possible strategies but still had no luck, sadly.

[@lakemalawifishkeeping2599]

Do male an female color up or just the males

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Both do!

[@manjuladeekshaV]

How many can I put for 20 gallons? I don’t want to over stock the tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven't had any luck keeping them in a 20 gallon - they tend to need a little more space to keep the aggression down.

[@azychals]

I have always had the most success buying juveniles as well. When ive added adult fish even in groups they have had more aggression. If they grow up together they seem to do better, especially if i add the whole community at the same time.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They seem to establish the hierarchy more peacefully when young.

[@mikesmith4764]

Can u add live plants with these fish?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They usually eat them

[@tayson1222]

Is it okay to feed them northfin cichlid formula? Or better to feed them northfin vegies formula?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I have been feeding them both without any issues.

[@tayson1222]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks for the info. The only reason I was asking is because the cichlid formula is high in protein

[@jakub8525]

Where are the rocks from?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I got them for an LFS when I set up the tank years ago - Texas Holey Rock

[@DLau95]

What’s the name of that gray with yellowtail/fins fish ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think you are talking about the Pseudotropheus acei. They actually have a nice deep purple. Very cool fish!

[@SeanBainbridge-ky1mw]

Is it safe to keep 1 male and 5 females in a 30 Gallon tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Probably not - they usually need more space.

[@raphaelknoops750]

You say couples but there are so many males and females in the tank, i dont understand it, does it all have to be only 1 gender or can there be different ones

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ideally it works best when a male has lots of females for each species of mbuna. That can be hard to achieve sometimes. My mix has worked because they were all relatively small when I added them, but even then some of my dominant males can be hard on each other, which is why I overstock.

[@supriyopaul4663]

What do u feed them

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

A combo of foods - right now mostly Northfin foods - cichlid flake, cichlid pellet, kelp flake, kelp wafers, frozen brine shrimp.

[@benjaminschuler3386]

How many fish do you actually have in that 75g tank? Way more than my 100g fo sho!!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Maybe 25 or so?

[@galapagos6186]

Despite being specialised in a herbivorous diet,the mbuna can be kept in a planted tank.I had success with plants like anubias,amazon swords and valisneria.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's interesting. Mine had eaten every plant in the tank with the exception of hornwort.

[@erisspada3597]

for me ... you hawe many to learn

[@lowlife9966]

They know their feeding time

[@electronicatutorial]

You need a lot more hiding places.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

This tank worked out perfectly for 8 years before I took it down. That’s actually a point of debate. Many people have a much better experience with this fish when they aren’t finding over territory (hiding spots(.

[@OgDj2024]

👍🏾

[@j.r.hinaut9748]

do you comb your beard bro?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It just does what it does. : -)

[@phantomlakdude]

1:28 I thought that was a string but that was a nasty poop

[@Jezza_One]

My Mbuna are all zebras (lots of different colours) and they have loads of rocks and caves in a 100 gallon tank. After several years peace seems to have broken out its uncanny.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's always a good thing!

[@seehearspeaknoevil5090]

No Demasoni 👋 goodbye

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Haha, ya - I can do without that headache, especially when I have saulosi, which look similar without the major attitude. 😀

[@seehearspeaknoevil5090]

If petsmart can handle them im sure you can

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Haha. Had a guy in one of the clubs I belong to buy a bag of 10-15. Was down to just a few after a couple weeks.

[@seehearspeaknoevil5090]

Prime Time Aquatics yeah i guess that does happen often butt just to any breed alot has todo with the water conditions they were bred uo in and their after i lost a few also they are hit and miss fish health wise😬

[@LeslieF0330]

Excellent info! I’ve watched this video over and over so I can be ready for my own Mbuna tank. After waiting a year to set up my 75 gal, I’m finally adding the fish now and they are amazing!!! Thank you Jason for all the great info! !!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That is so cool! Hope you enjoy them!

[@ungahaayah9565]

I had success untill they started fighting amoung themselves and die

[@Chris29909]

YES,my mature community mbuna tank has great suscess adding new tankmates of 1/1.5 "

[@AquaApprentice]

Cichlids, will definitely give them a shot in the future but they seem like they can be stressful at first. Thanks for the tips.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They can be at first. They get easier the longer you keep them. : -)

[@barrebabyugk4life]

Very nice Mbunas. I know it's wrong but I went ahead a crammed a dozen or so in a 29 gallon (mostly Zebras) w no problems. Lotsa slate and rockwork

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I have a group growing out in a 23 bow front without any issues. Curious what they will do when full grown.

[@2ssrs950]

Setting mine up over the next 3 days going 40gal breeder I always wanted one and thanks to Jason and Prime Time Aquatics I have the know how. Thank you guys for doing what you do.

[@paulone65]

I have a lot of mbuna too ,every think is ok until they get bigger and then all hell breaks out