Matt E

I agree with upgrading to a larger tank. I've always wanted a 125 or 150 but my lease rules don't allow big tanks. So, I'd keep my 20 gallon hexagon. My lager tank, a 75, is at my friend's place. So, he can claim that as his tank (loophole). 🤪

Just like with the flex 15, the lower intake needs to allow flow. I recommend you move the plant away from it. It will only cause problems later. I had the same problem with difference in water level and had to move things around to ensure nothing was blocking flow. I ended up putting a rock in front so it wasn't going to get blocked. I also bought the mini pre-sponge filter for both intakes so that no debris gets through. These filters fit perfectly in the rounded intake grate and it makes it shrimp friendly. https://www.aquariumcoop.com/collections/sponge-filters/products/mini-pre-filter-sponge

@Leo2o915 I've keep various types of Loaches (Kuhli, Zebra, and Angelicus) in with Mabuna Cichlids and never had a problem. Just give them hiding spots like a rock pile and they will be happy!

@madmark285 I would not go the aggressive route, it will just cause more headaches with undue stress (possibly diseases and death), fin nipping, and etc. This is why you always see the center island in tanks when stocked with various types. That way they do not claim territory and become aggressive. When I first started with Mabuna I ran into the problems above because I liked the rocky look over the center island and I stocked too many at once. I've always kept my tank temperature around 75F when I had various types and lowering never effectively helped with aggression. Someone was always picked on and it was a consistent hassle of well that guy needs to get moved. Most Mabuna owners know this happens and the challenge is finding the ones that get along with each other at an adult age. Juvenile can be misleading and when they grow up, they can start being more bossy! I don't have to worry about aggression because I only have one type of Mabuna and they have colonized. I use to have a breeding pair of Convicts until the unfortunate AIR PUMP TRADEGY about a year ago. Where I lost one Convict (The Male) overnight, along with my Electric Yellow tank Daddy. 😱😢 The worst part was the Convicts had just laid eggs for the first time a month prior. I didn't have any problems adding two Convicts because they were out numbered and just kept to themselves. The Yellow's seemed to respect them and their area of the tank. Even today no one will go after the Female and she is very welcomed in the colony. If you want various Mabuna I'd recommend starting with your breeding pair (preferably at an adult age) and slowly add a different type here and there over longer periods of time. This way you can monitor the behavior and determine if they will get along or not. I do not recommend the "buy all at once" strategy, this will only increase the probability of aggression over territory.

@Fish Folk No, not yet. I've been intimidated by that process and don't know where to start. I know ACO doesn't sell Mabuna for various practical reasons and it is an amazing store without them. The closest LSF is a big box store, again intimidated.

@Jason A. I'm assuming that you're asking because of the jaggedness in Dragonstone. I've always wanted to use Dragonstone but never have. I have seiryu stone in all my tanks just because it's not as jagged and I personally like the neutral Grey color. So, I don't know, but I'm sure they will figure it out. I use to have my loaches in my mabuna tank years ago. They would wiggle into the rock pile cracks all the time to hide and not get hurt.

Wow that's a cool idea! I went the expensive route but I like the look. Now I've got more Electric Yellow Cichlids than I know what to do with! Aaaaah! Sorry for the glare, the tank gets alot of natural light so I don't need a light for it.

I had the same problem with my Flex 15. I gave up and neglected it for like 6 months. I didn't have any livestock so it wasn't an issue to do so. It's probably new tank syndrome. If you have cycled media or know someone. I'd recommend to go that route. I was obstinate and didn't do this even though I had the ability to do so. Sometimes patience pays off and you can learn alot from the challenge it provides. But if you want something fast, cycled filter media (sponge, ceramics, bio-balls, etc) from an established tank is the way to go. I don't know about the Flex 9, but the 15 has tons of space in the filter compartment for extra media.

I've used Caribbean Eco-Complete with Kuhli Loaches and never have had a problem. My new setup is using Fluval Stratum and I love it, but it is expensive! Just give your loaches places to hide. I'm currently using Catappa leaves like a tent and they love hiding underneath the leaves, just like the leaf litter in their natural environment. Rock piles work well too.

@Robert How much are the Dwarf Anchor Catfish?