That setup is almost the exact same as mine :-) Probably because all these fish are so common in stores. My Rainbow Shark definitely holds its own with the wild Mbuna!

I have never had my Yellow Labs and Red Zebra's hybridizing. The males are just too protective of their females for the other male to but in. The only time I had a hybrid spawn was my OB Zebra female (who I bought for my Red) spawned with my Ice Blue Metriaclima greshakei. It might have been because the Red Male is too intimidated by the big Blue and the Blue's females were both in a holding tank. I stripped the eggs a day later and let the fish have caviar. If it happens again she will go to the lfs for a trade.

With Acei, its very hard to tell males and females when young. You really can't tell until they hit about 4 inches. Thank goodness they all get along. I ended up with 3 females, one of whom I was positive was a male because she is very dominant and displays a lot. Discovered otherwise when I found her holding one day. All 3 females spawned with each other and hold infertile eggs. Just got one a few weeks ago and fingers crossed its a male. They also shoal, which is real cool to watch!

Red Zebra males start to develop a blue sheen to their fins and sometimes their bodies as they mature. Don't go by egg spots on any Mbuna, because females will get them too. My female Reds have just as many as the male. Look at my profile and see how a male will look. Females may have a tiny bit of blue in the anal fin, but not the others. Mostly their fins are bright orange. One of mine does, and I was unsure till they spawned. She's the mom of all my red fry.

With Yellow Labs, males tend to have more black in their fins. Females will have black in the underside fins, just not as strong and solid as males.

The best way to set up a new Mbuna tank is to get your groups as juveniles. They will grow up together and you are more likely to have them get along better.

Oh yeah, I have heard stories of Mbuna eating the eyes of common pleco. Many stories. But this seems not to be the case of the bristle nose kind. Wonder if its the bristles around the eyes? Hmm.

So, Jos, do Peacocks work in an ornery Mbuna tank? I have heard both sides and have been hesitant to get one. I hear its fine, then I read no because Mbuna are too active and will stress them out?? I really would love to get a big red one, but have hesitated.

peacocks, it depends, Mine have never had any problems, but they are in a six foot tank. Check out my new thread. I will be making an update.

Here is a little video I compiled before. It shows all the fish you have chosen as adults, just hanging out. As you can tell, my Ice Blue male is very ornery!

http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd35 ... 02e19b.pbr

I really can't afford online buying. I'm gonna start of slow. w/my chiclid tank. I'm actually getting ready to set-up the 55 gallon this weekend (waiting on some house renavations) It's really exciting! I can't wait to start!!!!!

Aceis, Zebras and Electric Yellows are about the only ones I can find that I like at the lfs. They also had (at the lfs) some jewel cichlids. would they get along with the ones mentioned above?