Setting Up Malawi Tank?

[catherine896]

Enquiring about a big 5x2x2 tank, should be collecting it tomorrow morning.

Going to be having Malawis in it.

Just wondering where is the best place to get Ocean Rock?

What size filter will I need for this?

Anybody got any tips on the setup?

Thanks alot

 

[doresy]

5x2x2! how perfect

Ocean rock should not be too hard to come by. Try asking on these forum. Some LFS charge too much and you are going to need quite a lot to create the right effect in a tank of that size.

Good luck and don't forget to post photos

 

[catherine896]

OK thanks alot, is there anything else that can be used to the same effect as ocean rock?

Will update this thread tomorrow if/when I get back with the tank!

Thanks

 

[ElectricY]

For filter size have something that can filter 3 times the amount of gallons in your tank.

 

[stang1]

I have a similar size tank to that one and run 1 Fluval 405 and 1 Rena XP3. Plenty of filtration and back up if one packs up.

 

[dthoffsett]

While their still juveniles you should aim for a total tank turn over of 5 times per hour, but once adults (and depending on how heavily you stock) you'll want to aim for a turnover of 8 to 10+ times a hour. You might look into a sump at some point, but until then cannister filters are the way to go.

As for tips on the setup, be sure to add your rocks before putting in substrate so the fish can't excavate (and they will ) underneath and bring everything crashing down.

I found a great way to get your rock layout right without having to keep rearranging inside the tank, especially if you are short like me. Use string to lay out the tanks perimeter on the floor or a table, then arrange and rearrange the rocks until you like them. Then tank a few pics from different angles so you can have a reference while you tranfer them to the tank. Worked for me everytime, it's also a great way to make sure your layout is stable before it's in the tank.

Also, don't be a dipstick like me, and make sure you attach you background BEFORE you add anything to the tank.

Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. -Dawn