Tank mates for Red Zebra, Elongatus, Yellow Lab, and Jewel Cichlids

[Vobs56]

I have a Mbuna Lake Malawi 29 gallon tank that is planted with 2 anubias plants and 6 amazon swordtail plants. It is currently holding (1) 4" red zebra, (1) 2" yellow lab, (1) 2" elongatus, and (1) 2" Jewel cichlid. What tank mates would you recommend for this set-up? The tank has a higher pH, around 8.0-8.1, so I am looking for something that is hardy and can tolerate more alkaline water parameters (higher pH). Preferably something that has A LOT OF COLOR and will stand out against my charchoal/dark slate background and my black gravel...

The tank (NOTE: The goldfish were temporary and have already been disposed of by my Jag):

 

[Blue2Fyre]

Are you planning on getting a larger tank? The tank is already overstocked IMO. Mbuna need space. There isn't enough space for them to escape each other in a 29 gallon.

 

[Vobs56]

Are you planning on getting a larger tank? The tank is already overstocked IMO. Mbuna need space. There isn't enough space for them to escape each other in a 29 gallon.

yes, in about 8 months I will move them to a 55.

 

[Otherone]

29 gal really is not alot of water for raising fish, also it's not a good idea to have schoals of goldfish with any other type of fish - they emitt a high amount of an ammonia enzyne to kill of any type of competition - in other words they purposely fowl the water. Another FYI some of my amazon swords are 2' tall and just as wide - 6 is a lil' overkill for just about any tank. Good thing tho the mbunas will probably eat them long before they become obnoxious.

With that being said when you get your 55 gal you can add just about any type of Mbuna you like and even a peacock. I would suggest googling Malawi Cichlids and research the species you like because ultimately you have to live with the fish you choose.

 

[Andrewtfw]

Not sure if you are aware or not, but Jewel cichlids (hemichromis sp) are from west africa, not East Africa where your other fish are from. They do better with a lower Ph, but will adjust to a higher Ph. They are also often more territorial than most mbuna.

 

[Mague]

Jewel get extremely territorial wen breeding but if not they are not that agressive at least my Jewel lifalili is. Here is a picture of mine. But if I where you I would stick with mbunas. If you plan on making an African mixed tank (like I have) you must get the more passive cichlids (like peacocks) bigger so they dont get killed by the mbunas. Good luck.