mbuna questions

Question
Hello Ron,

I am really interested in setting up a mbuna tank, but unfortunately my house lacks space and the most I can afford to get is a 3 ft tank. I've researched the ideal mbuna community would be at least 4 ft, but is there anything I can do to make this work? How many fish am can I have in the tank? I have LOTS of caves, and the tank is full of rockwork. and what type of fish would be best to have? and I went to a LFS and I saw little 1" assorted africans for sale and I fell in love with them. Would they be alright, or will they be too unpredictable?

Lastly, I heard I need to introduce the fish all at the same time. Is that true? Wouldn't it be too much for the bio-load if I put several fish at once?

Sorry for the long questions. Thanks so much in advance!

Answer
Hi Pat,
 A 3 foot tank is fine.  The more caves and rock the better.  When we say "lots of rock", we mean that basically the whole bottom of the tank should be covered in piles of it, not a couple of pieces here and there.  The mbuna live around and under the rocks so you need tons of spaces for them to get into and poke out of.  

 I would NEVER buy "assorted" Africans.  That label means that the store does not know what they are, and odds are, they are mixed up hybrids.  You are much, much, much better to buy fish that you know what they are -- you cannot "figure it out" later just by looking at them.  

 Do not introduce all the fish at the same time.  Start with a few (say 4) and add another 4 later.   

-- Ron C.
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>