New Malawi Tank

[CluelessScot]

Hi all,

I just got a new 4 ft tank and have decided to go with malawi's. The dimentions are 48L x 12W x 18H inches. I will be using 2 x fluval 4 filters at each end of the tank and a 250w heater. to boost my P i was thinking about using baking soda every week. I plan on using a very fine black gravle for my substrate.

Things i need help with:

1. What kind of rocks would you suggest? im looking for something that looks nice and would boost my ph a bit.

2. Stocking suggestions? I have looked online and there are a few fish i like but im unsure how many of which and what goes with what ect...

Thanks for reading and i hope you can help,

Kev

 

[Ferris]

What is your current Ph, i wouldn't mess with it unless you absolutely have to. Most Mbuna are tank bred so a Ph of 7 or higher should be fine, you don't have to have 8-8.5, mine is 7.5.

Filtration should be good, 2 Fluval +4's is well overfiltered for a 4ft tank, which is exactly what you want.

Commonly used rocks are ocean/tuffa rock and lava rock. I have a mixture of rainbow rock and rose quartz, which looks stunning.

As for species, research what you fancy and post your suggestions here for advice/opinions.

 

[Ginge]

Here is a pic of ocean rock in a 4ft.

 

[mamafish68]

http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/quic...erence_list.php



snoop around there for some ideas

 

[rixy]

excellant site terry.it's my favourite.anything you need to know about malawi's etc clueless scot,and you'll find it on this site.

 

[CluelessScot]

Thanks all for posting. The PH of the water up here is around 7 so thats why i was going to go with the baking soda unless you can suggest a better way? I was thinking that the rocks would bring the hardness of the water up... The reason i chose 2 Flval +4 filters was because over filtration and i think i read somewhere that malawis like a strong current but i mite be wrong there?

Been looking about and there are a few fish i really like and that seems to be rather hardie. Yellow Lab, Pseudotropheus Pindani and Msobo Magunga. They all have stunning colours and wow they are something else. Ill keep looking tho.

Another question i have is when stocking normally i only go with a few fish at a time for build up bacteria ect, but if i do that with malawis will the aggresion be to much untill i finally overstock the tank?

Thanks.

Kev

 

[mamafish68]

your in Scotland right, I'm sure you can get your hands on some LIMESTONE, all those castles etc gotta be made of it! lol

it's great fo rhelping w/ ph

as for cycling, I use giant danios, this way if they make it thru the process their a great dither fish later.

also nice to have something living in top layer of water.

 

[CluelessScot]

Can i use filter media from my old tank? Limestone... shouldnt be to hard to get some

 

[freddyk]

Can i use filter media from my old tank?

There is no better way to boost the cycle then to use filter media from an established tank in the filter of the new tank. Use enough of it and the tank will be instantly cycled.