Stocking And Filtration

[ripil]

hello. i really like and appreciate peoples opinions and advice on here and never really trust people that are actually going to be doing the selling of fish or equipment so with this in mind here's where i need a bit of advice.
i'm in the process of changing my tank set up from a communtity tank to a malawi cichlid tank. i'm wanting to get some trewavas and lemon cichlids. my tank has coral sand for the alkaline they like. got loads of rocks and a few caves. the tank is 42 inches long, 24 inches deep and 15 inches wide. i'm guessing from peoples opinions on filtration for these fish that my fluval filter 4 won't all i'll need so i'll be getting an external filter but don't know what one. so my two questions are
1) how many litres is my tank and what external filter do i get?
2) how many of each fish do i need to get?
thanks

 

[ctsv510]

Your tank is about 250l or 55 US gallons. I use a Rena XP4 in my 75 US gallon tank and would highly recommend the brand. For your size tank an XP3 would work well. I can't know anything about those particular fish so I can't help there.

 

[ripil]

nice one thanks mate. if i got a 1000 lph external and use the fluval 4 in it too that should be ok yeah? thanks again.

 

[mark34]

i would say you be fine with a 1000lph and the fluval 4

but on the other hand i will have a 1000lph APS filter and 2000lph ASP with UV light

so mint be the best to say lol


but yes you will be fine with a 1000lph and the fluval 4

Just put the inlet to the external at the other end to the fluval think that would be best !!!
to get the tank water moving around.

 

[ripil]

thanks mate. i'm going to get a wave maker to help the flow of water as well.

 

[Malawi MaD]

What fish do you plan on keeping ?

 

[ripil]

i'm thinking of getting labeo trewavassae, blue zebra and the lemon cichlid. i'm not even sure the malawi and tanganyika cichlids mix well together?
thanks again
rich.

 

[Nova 8]

The lakes will mix fine, Look at Sunsun canister filters on ebay, I recently got one and im impressed with it. 1400lph, uv light and for only $70 shipped!