What cichlids to go for

[gazat]

Hi Guys / Girls,

As the topic says, i'm thinking of adding another tank to my collection, a cichlid tank to be precise.

At the moment i am considering a marlawri setup (adeyc i know its spelt wrong i just couldn't be bothered to return back a page). i am looking for advice on tank setup, size, feeding etc. The tank in mind is either a 3 or 4ft.

Another consideration is having a tank for kribs, firemouths.

I am only looking for info at the moment, and are proberbly look to set the tank up in the autum.

Any help would be appreciated.

Gaza T

 

[pete]

Go for the 4 foot instead of the 3 foot as most Malawi's can get to a respectable size

As for the set-up :what: ............well here is how my Malawi's are housed

5 foot tank with Ehiem ecco external filters, gravel substrate and a Tuffa rock reef all along the back of the tank from substrate to just out of the water they love this set up as it is remenisent of the wild conditions that they are naturally found in 8) , make lots of caves, tunnels etc for the fish to hide in and another tip......place a large piece of rock from front to back of the tank to act almost as a seperator about 5 inches tall as this will help to break up the territories even further as Malawi's are VERY territorial indeed!!!!

I will try to get some photo's scanned soon to show you my set up and maybe give you a few ideas :laugh:

 

[gazat]

Hi Pete,

Some pictures would be nice, it will give me a idea on how to set the tank up.

Also is there a good web site i can go to to get some information about the malawi's i.e. fish, habitat, water conditions etc.

Cheers Gaza T

 

[Macquatic]

Hi gazat, another tip, cover the rear and sides of the tank with a background (I tape a black bin liner on mine) , it makes the fish more secure by not having see through caves. Mac.

 

[Duncan]

cover the rear and sides of the tank with a background (I tape a black bin liner on mine)

nice tip Mac,

I'm thinking of another tank, probably be a two footer again, and thinking of having cichlids, and doing aquascaping - if I can  <!--emo& I would like to go bigger but space is an issue, and trying to figure out which kind to get too.

I was wondering what to use as a background, your tip sounds a neat idea, if I were going to do a malawi scene, it would be no use in buying them printed backgrounds as it wouldn't fit.

Duncan

 

[pete]

Hey Mac thats my "cheap skate" tank backing idea and im afraid ive patented it , its an idea ive used since starting fishkeeping and is much cheaper than buying tank backing

Good sites to look on are......http/www.aquazoo.co.uk/page.cfm/Type=AllFish/Action=List

http/www.mongabay.com/fish/cichlids.htm


http/malawicichlids.com/index.htm

These should give you some ideas