Malawi Tank

[Linchpin]

Hi guys and ladies

Here's my question, I've got a spare 300 or 350litre tank that I want to use to set up a malawi tank.

Is there anything in particular i should keep in mind when doing so, substrate, plants rocks, which "brand" malawi's get along or are aggressive etc etc.

I'm doing some research now but u people would probably speed up the process.

Your input is appreciated.

Cheers
G

[Linchpin]

Some info if anyone's interested.......
http://www.malawimayhem.com/articles_setup_01.shtml
http://www.malawimayhem.com/articles_tank_recipes.shtml

[Rowland]

Decide on whether you want an open water type set up (haps)or rock dwellers (mbuna). Don't combine the two. Have a look at what you then want to keep within that choice.
With malawis over filtration is good since you will be overstocking the aquarium to minimise aggression. Undergravels are not a good idea as they will be exposed and become ineffective.
Send through your questions and we can try to assist.

[Linchpin]

Shot a lot, I won't set it up too soon, first gotta make a decent stand for the tank and see what malawi's I'd like to get. I'm leaning towards the rock dwellers as I've got a *&@# load of rocks lying around. I'll check the LFS to see what they've got.


Thanks

G

[Rowland]

Seriously do your research before you buy bud...

[Shakes]

Just remember that when you stacking your rocks just make sure that none of them is leaning against the glass and that they stable. I've also put about a 7cm thick layer of gravel on the bottom of the tank so that the rocks can rest firmly without worrying about them rest on the bottom of the tank. I learnt this the hard way by having a tank crack because of rocks not being stable and touching the glass.

[Slojo]

Stick the rocks together with aquarium silicone,and forget about plants.

[Gareth]

Any updates on this Project or was it scrapped. I see it was from last year May so I wonder if anything came from it???

[Rookie]

My 3 foot tank that sprung a leak on Monday I would like to convert into a malawi tank - any specific advice? My fish from the 3 foot I have put into a 4 foot tank.

[fishcrazy]

Hey guys with regards to rocks in a tank,put your rocks on the glass bottom and setup.when HAPPY put your substrate in and around the base of rocks...if fish decide to burrow rock stack can move(if rocks placed on substrate) probably tumble and MAJOR problemo if it breaks glass.My 2c

[scotty]

Rule 1,never stick your rocks together! How do you remove them if needed?
Place some form of rubber matt lattice under where you will stack your rocks. This will take any pressure off the glass. I have around 80-100kgs rocks stacked in a pile in my shop show tank. One rock alone could be 30-40kgs.
Something I have come to realise over the years of keeping Malawi cichlids is that you must over stock with loads of filtration. I have a 330l, 1500x440x500, tank and have about 6-8 males, one species, together with 10-12 females. Rock pile at either end. There are 4 very dominant males and yet there is very little aggrssion. These males are continuously in full colour. STUNNING TO WATCH!
If you can take a drive to George then I would suggest you come and pay my shop a visit. Should get in 4-6 new species into the shop towards the end of next week. These will all be F1 fish.

[Rookie]

Thanks for your response - wish I was closer to George to come have a look. Are there other options than using real rocks - which would be lighter? I saw on a USA site that one could buy cichlid rocks - which were porous and had a whole in for them to swim into. Someone mentioned lava rocks.

[Duke]

in my opinion mbuna are the most beautiful, I found wood in combination to the rocks a good way to create alot of crevices, this regulates aggression.

[Rookie]

HI all
I have another question. What rock options are there for setting up a malawi tank. Looking for rocks that look like coral? Any ideas?