PlanetCatfish.com

Okay, so after debating and debating the pros and cons of pictus and synos, I've come to the conclusion it will be synos.

Also, I've narrowed it down to 2 choices, which once I check into cost will more than likely help break the tie

So they are Synodontis multipunctatus and Synodontis lucipinnis. They will be housed w/ 7 mbuna, a red fin shark, and 2 bristlenose plecs. With 3 mbuna to be added later.

So, my question is how many of each would be accecptable in a 55 gal setup?

It's hard to say, how big are the other fish? I have both but S. lucipinnis/petricola are my favorite. At least for me, they are always active and in the open. They seem to be very social catfish and do best in a shoal, the more the merrier. On the other hand, I almost never see my S. multipunctatus except when he dashes out to grab food and dashes back to his hiding spot. The S. multipunctatus is kept with other synos but no other multis so that could be a factor.

the largest in the tank is the red fin shark & bristlenose about 2 inches.

the cichlids are about 1 inch each.

it's a 55 gal tank. has 9 cichlids in it now

A lot is going to depend upon the maintenance you perform and the type of filtration on your tank. All the fish you currently have will have an adult size of app. 6". The multi will be about there and the lucipinnis about 4". If you keep all the fish you currently have to adult size, you could probably get a couple of multis or 3-4 lucipinnis in there.

Thank you, as you've been more than helpful. But please entertain my questions once more.

I was thinking of having a final number of 12 cichlids. Along w/ the shark and bristlenose.

Knowing that would you still suggest the 3-4 lucipinnis and 2 multi?

PS: Filtration is some Wal-Mart HOB for 55 gallons, I have 2 on it (a total of 4 filter pads). Maintenece will be what ever you say I should do to make it all work.

I work from home, so I could squeeze it in no prob.

Actually, I wouldn't recommend any more fish with 12 cichlids, the shark & bristlenose, especially with the HOB filtration. If the filters have only filter cartridges I don't think they can ultimately handle the total load of the adult fish. Maybe if you are willing to do daily or every-other day water changes it could work. The problem is that cichlids & synos contribute high bio-loads to aquariums and I don't feel (personal opinion) that HOB have enough biofiltration. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I don't want to set ou up for failure. Others may feel it is possible, but without knowing all the specifics of your setup & situation, I can't honestly recommend it.

jake, you're reading selectively I'm afraid.....
maybe you're already bent on getting both species?

Lornek8 wrote:

If you keep all the fish you currently have to adult size, you could probably get a couple of multis or 3-4 lucipinnis in there

you reply:

Knowing that would you still suggest the 3-4 lucipinnis and 2 multi?

this tank -when not overstocked!- is suitable for a moderate number of petricola/lucipinnis; I'd say 5 or 6 or so.

it's too small for the multipunctatus, since this is a much bigger fish (especially in girth/bioload) and also it's a shoaler and very active when kept as a group. the bare minimum of a tanksize for a group of 6 multipunctatus would be 75G and then there's not that much room for lots of cichlids either.