In article , rmc
writes
snip
There are numerous color variants of the Altolamprologus Calvus and
Compressiceps.
snip

OK, thanx for that. I guess it's down to finding a shop with some and
seeing what takes my fancy.

What mix would you recommend ?
snip
The four species I mentioned and the ratio should co-exist without too
much trouble and offer some interesting entertainment.
snip

Pardon my stupidity, but all of these names are new to me, so I want to
make sure I got you. Are the four species ...

Altolamprologus Calvus
Neolamprologus Occelatus Gold
Compressiceps
Julidochromis

or did I miss something ?

If these are right, then I like the first two best. You said the last
could be a problem with other fish, so I'd probably avoid them. I must
have missed the Compressiceps in the thread 'cos I didn't go looking for
them (will do now though !!).

So, assuming I stick with the first two listed above, what mix do you
recommend ? Sorry to keep asking this, but being a complete newbie with
these I want to get it right. Just an indication of how many males and
females of each would be excellent.

Bear in mind I'm looking at a 24" cube tank 'cos I don't have space
for
a bigger one !!

Your fluctuations in water parameters would be less drastic with more
volume. At almost 2.5 gallons per 1-inch of height, an 18-inch high
tank will give you a 40-gallon tank which I think would suffice.

The 24" cube would give me about 57 US gallons, 24x24x18" would give me
about 43 US gallons. Surely the extra 14 gallons would help ? Or would
the fish not use the extra space ?

Choose a light-colored substrate and the Leleupi will show much better
color. I like to use sandblasting sand but many people don't. It
costs approx $5 at the local lumber mart, won't cloud the water, and
these fish can do their landscaping much easier.

Will that affect the pH or hardness ? Remember I have soft neutral
water. I had heard that crushed coral was a good substrate for cichlids
as it hardens the water. Would sand do the same ?

The shell dwellers
will utilize snail shells for their homes and protection, Calvus like
conch shells, and the other two like caves.

When I get that far, I'll be back to ask how to decorate the tank !! Our
LFS sells shells, so I would get some of those.

Thanx very much for the excellent help. I really appreciate it. I feel
quite close to a major event here !! If you can help me sort out a good
mix then I would feel more confident in going out and looking for some
of these fish.

Thanx again.

--
Alan Silver