Filtering A Mbuna Aquarium

[Matty]

I currently have a 90g tank and I would really like to stock it with many, many mbuna cichlids. I've heard that I can get possibly 20-25 cichlids in there, but I was thinking more like 30. I realize that a simple eheim canister probably wont meet my needs, so I am thinking of running the eheim filter and a wet/dry filter as well. Is this a good idea? Thanks for the input.

 

[Ferris]

Yep thats a nice size tank for Mbuna, really nice and are your stocking level suggestion should be fine. Definately over filter, using an external and internal filter is always a good combination.

Any ideas on what species you fancy yet?

 

[modernhamlet]

I currently have a 90g tank and I would really like to stock it with many, many mbuna cichlids. I've heard that I can get possibly 20-25 cichlids in there, but I was thinking more like 30. I realize that a simple eheim canister probably wont meet my needs, so I am thinking of running the eheim filter and a wet/dry filter as well. Is this a good idea? Thanks for the input.

I use a canister for biofiltration and a HOB for mechanical on my 75g. Works very well.

 

[freddyk]

I've never gone with the wet/dry system since the wet systems have never failed me, but as mentioned more filtration is always a bonus. Having something with high water flow is useful to help with all the waste they generate.

 

[Matty]

Thanks guys. To be more specific, I was thinking to use thed wet/dry for bio filtraton, and to connect the canister (eheim) in the wet/dry holding tank for mechanical filtration (i would also put the heater in there)do you think that this is a good idea? Also, how many mbuna do you think could be held in an aquarium with a setup like this? Any ideas on what I should stock it with?

 

[Matty]

another quick question: What should I expect to pay in order to stock my tank nicely?

 

[freddyk]

Filtering from the holding tank won't do anything except add more biological filtration. For mechanical it's good to have something strong, and it needs to filter from the tank itself. Hanging filters are good because they move a lot of water.

As far as the number of fish go you're on the right track. Technically you can fit 30 with certain species, but just keep in mind that more fish means more maintenance. Filters need cleaning more often, the tank needs vacuuming and water changes more. Either way, the species you choose can make a difference in stocking levels, so decide numbers last.

For ideas to stock with check what's available to you and look into the different types and find out what species would work well together.

 

[Matty]

a HOB is stronger than a canister? thanks for the advice..wow there are so many to choose from!

 

[BabySealClubber]

I currently have a 90g tank and I would really like to stock it with many, many mbuna cichlids. I've heard that I can get possibly 20-25 cichlids in there, but I was thinking more like 30. I realize that a simple eheim canister probably wont meet my needs, so I am thinking of running the eheim filter and a wet/dry filter as well. Is this a good idea? Thanks for the input.

How about an Eheim wet/dry canister in conjunction with a HOB for mechanical filtration? I have had a great experience with these so far:

http/www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_filter...nal.asp?CartId=

 

[Matty]

because i already have an eheim classic canister (2217)..but im thinking of going the HOB direction