Help: new tank for Julidochromous sp.

[Zz Yzx]

Hello all;

Inspired by NetMax's recent post (re: DIY styrofoam sculpture [hat-tip
to NetMAx]), I've conceived a plan for a tank and "sculpture" that I
want to fabricate.

I've got a 55 gal show tank (36"L X 12" D X 24" H) that I'll use, and
plan to stock it w/ Julidichromous sp (regani, marlieri, or other
similar), plus the usual plecos, cory's, and dither fish. I plan to
start with several juvinile Julies.

Questions (assuming adequate filtration, similar to NetMax's setup):

1. How many individuals/pairs of Julies are optimum for the tank? How
many "caves" should I provide?

2. How many dither fish (aside from the Plecos and Cory's) should I
stock? What are good matches for the Julies?

3. The "sculpture" I've conceived will amuse you all, I think. But
the materials I've chosen limit the size of the "cave" openings to
either 1" X 1", or 2" X 2". Given these constraints, which size
opening would be optimum over the long haul?

Thanks a heap.
-Zz

[Amateur Cichlids]

In a 55 gallon, I would stock a single pair of Julies. I'd add to that a
pair of Chalinochromis brichardi or Chalinochromis sp "ndohboi".
I'd get a school of Cyprichromis untinta to occupy the top half of the tank.
I'd avoid the plecos and cories, as the water parameters this fish require
to stay happy are completely different. I know of course, there'll be a
thousand responses saying, "I do it all the time. They'll be fine." Call me
crazy, but I like to keep fish with species that will thrive in the same
environment. That's just me though. *shrug*
For the julies, there should be at least two separate rock areas that allow
the male and female to have their own territories. Slate, raised slightly at
one end makes good areas for the pair to breed under.
I'd have to say the J. regani "Kipili" are my personal favorite of the
Julidochromis species.
Tim

http://www.fishaholics.org



"Zz Yzx" > wrote in message
...
> Hello all;
>
> Inspired by NetMax's recent post (re: DIY styrofoam sculpture [hat-tip
> to NetMAx]), I've conceived a plan for a tank and "sculpture" that I
> want to fabricate.
>
> I've got a 55 gal show tank (36"L X 12" D X 24" H) that I'll use, and
> plan to stock it w/ Julidichromous sp (regani, marlieri, or other
> similar), plus the usual plecos, cory's, and dither fish. I plan to
> start with several juvinile Julies.
>
> Questions (assuming adequate filtration, similar to NetMax's setup):
>
> 1. How many individuals/pairs of Julies are optimum for the tank? How
> many "caves" should I provide?
>
> 2. How many dither fish (aside from the Plecos and Cory's) should I
> stock? What are good matches for the Julies?
>
> 3. The "sculpture" I've conceived will amuse you all, I think. But
> the materials I've chosen limit the size of the "cave" openings to
> either 1" X 1", or 2" X 2". Given these constraints, which size
> opening would be optimum over the long haul?
>
> Thanks a heap.
> -Zz
>