Newbie: small African tank

Tim,

"Amateur Cichlids" wrote in message om...
I don't think your options are limited to the Tanganyikan shell dwellers,
but doing the Mbuna from Lake Malawi, IMO, wouldn't be good for your tank.
You may want to look into a pair of Julidochromis regani from the "Kipili"
area of Lake Tanganyika, as they can be quite colorful. You may also
consider a trio of Altolamprologus calvus or compressiceps also from Lake
Tanganyika. I'm pretty sure you'll get responses saying Labids, P. saulosi,
P. demasoni, Cynotilapia or other small Mbuna will do fine, and you'll
probably hear some testimonies to the fact. IMO, the tank is too small for
Mbuna.
The shell dwellers from Lake Tanganyika are very interesting to watch
interact and can make for a great tank. Just a thought. =)

Thanks. I understand - there's no point pushing it if I end up with
dead or stressed fish.

With the shell dwellers (and they do sound fascinating) - what sort of
stocking density should I look towards for my 36" tank? Can several
species be kept together, as is suggested by some articles on the net,
or is it better to combine a single pair/harem with other Tanganyikan
"community" fish - if they exist?

Thanks again for your help!

Toby