Suggestions for keeping Tanganyikan Cichlids.

1. For best color and offspring quality, do some research and buy either wild caught or first generation from wild caught fish.

2. Over stocking most Tanganyikans is not as important to the Community "recipe". Try not to mix large Tanganyikans (such as Fontosa) with smaller tanganyikans (such as shell dwellers) even if their the same size when you buy them. One may end up being dinner for the other sooner than you think.

3. Species only tanks are the best Tanganyikan communities. You may also "layer" your tank by selecting bottom fish (such as shell dwellers) then Rock fish (such as Julidochromis or Chalinochromis) then upper layer schooling fish (such as cyprichromis and paracyprichromis). For a fascinating community, smaller fish in a larger aquarium is usually preferred to enhance the "natural" behaviors of the fish.

4. The fish you select should be eating greedily and active. Never buy a fish that just "sits" at the bottom of the tank. Look for fast breathing and clamped fins.

5. When you get serious about Tanganyikans, or if you just want to jump right into it, the absolute best place to buy fish is on the internet. Find a reputable dealer who imports "wild caught" cichlids. These will have the best color and are the best suited for breeding. The best place to get fish if you don't want to spend that kind of money are private breeders and hobbiests who may sell them at ACA Cichlid Clubs (check your area), and on internet classifieds such as Yahoo, keep your eyes open. You will want to be careful to watch out for hybrids.

Tanganyikan Cichlids need prestine water free of disolved matter and high nitrates. Make sure you have all three (biological, mechanical, chemical) types of filtratioin and for larger tanks even the fourth (UV sterilizer) to help keep the water healthy.

It is strongly recommended that you invest in good filtration such as Eheim cannister filters. Do not use undergravel filtration in any tank above 20 gallons because of the matter that is sucked under the plates will eventually overwhelm your filter and poison the fish. It is also a good idea to place powerheads towards the gravel to help lift and stir matter from the bottom.

Some Tanganyikan species can be kept in as small as a 10 gallon aquarium, but most require 30 gallons or more.

Tanganyikan tank lanscaping should consist of items found in their natural habitat. This includes a fine sand or substrate such as finely crushed coral, lots of rocks, some shells, and plenty of places to hide. Although there are not many plants in the lake (except for shallow/shoreline areas), most Tanganyikans certainly seem to enjoy them. Certain species of Tanganyikans require different terrains such as Rocks, Shells, or open water. Larger aquariums such as the one above can accomodate all three for smaller fish communities.

Larger Tanganyikans should be kept in a "Species Tank", such as large Frontosa or any species of Tropheus which may have different dietary needs as well as terrain requirements.

Much like Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika is a very diluted body of water. The fish have adapted to these environments and will not tolerate much disolved matter in their water. To keep the fish happy and healthy, it is necessary to change 20% of the water weekly. Never pour tap water directly into the tank as it probably contains Chlorine or Cloramines. It is best to treat the water with everything you need and let it mix before introducing it to the fish.

You will also most likely need to buffer the Ph of the water. Tanganyikans require alkaline water with a Ph of 8.3 to 9.0. You must also avoid sudden changes in Ph, as this will stress the fish.

Also it is important to make sure the water is the same temperature, as to not shock the fish.Test the old water every water change for Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrates. Ammonia and Nitrite should be 0ppm and Nitrates less than 20ppm.

A good water temperature is 76-81 degrees.

Tanganyikan Cichlids are either Carnivor, Omnivore, Herbavore, or Piscavore, and should be fed foods required for the particular mix of species you are caring for. This may include cichlid pellets, protien flakes, brine flakes, spirulina flakes, frozen brine shrimp, live brine shrimp, feeder guppies are all fine and enjoyed by the fish. If you feed your fish live foods, make sure you get them from a trusted LFS.... Many diseases can be introduced to the tank from feeders.

Stay away from live bloodworms, tubiflex worms, beef heart, or any foods not specifically recommended for "South African" Cichlids.