Substrate for Malawi tank

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by Rookie, Aug 12, 2011.

  1. Rookie

    Rookie

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2010
    Messages:
    193
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Tygervalley, Cape Town
    Hi, I am going to upgrade my existing 900cm malawi tank to a 1440cm tank. They seem all to be mbuna. I have lots of rocks to go into the bigger tank but am thinking of using a new substrate. I have seen various pics on the forum showing sand and pebbles/small stones. Which is the best relating to their natural environment?
    I do not want to make it a planted tank, so will probably put in fake plants for the colour.
    Any ideas?
    Also where in Northern Suburbs (CT) would I be able to source where it is not too expensive?

    Just want to say that I really appreciate people that have helped me when I have posted previously.

    This really is a great place to get tons of info

    :bigsmile:
     
  2. Guest




  3. wsteene

    wsteene

    Joined:
    May 11, 2011
    Messages:
    727
    Likes Received:
    9
    Location:
    Dunedin, New Zealand
    Hi @Rookie, sand is a good choice as these rascals like to dig especially if they start mating. Pebbles are for a nice effect and you can place large rocks in as they dig underneath them for nesting. It provides nice hide aways for them and the fry as well. Can opt for a silica substrate as well if you want to keep cost in mind. HTH!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  4. OP
    Rookie

    Rookie

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2010
    Messages:
    193
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Tygervalley, Cape Town
    Hi @wsteene, I know these buggers dig like mad. Give it a day or two and I end up with huge mounds of sand in one or two spots. Worry that they will make the rocks tumble. Luckily the new rocks are more flat so they should be easier to stack. Do you know if I can get the silica anywhere?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  5. OP
    Rookie

    Rookie

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2010
    Messages:
    193
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Tygervalley, Cape Town
    Hi all, sorry another question. My tank is a 1440 x 450 x 500 tank - what heaters should I use and how many?
     
  6. disco

    disco

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2011
    Messages:
    149
    Likes Received:
    3
    Location:
    a house
    one 300w or two 150w for even heat distribution and as a safety if one fails. Jager, sicce scuba, elite, are some of the better quality brands. Sand best for cichlids. Childrens play sand cheapest can get at toys r us or reggies. Better more expensive option is coral sand which also helps keep ph up for malawis. Sams aquarium and panorama pets and pet adventure usually have better variety and price.
     
  7. OP
    Rookie

    Rookie

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2010
    Messages:
    193
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Tygervalley, Cape Town
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  8. LunaTic

    LunaTic

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2011
    Messages:
    325
    Likes Received:
    28
    Location:
    Centurion
    I used to use coral sand for my malawian tank, it buffered the water so that it was hard and alkaline
     
  9. tracyp

    tracyp Lotus

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2010
    Messages:
    1,619
    Likes Received:
    31
    Location:
    Stanford, Western Cape
    You can put polystyrene in the tank, then the stones on the polystyrene to prevent damage to the glass. Add your substrate after placing rocks to prevent the fishy bulldozers from trashing their home!
     

Recent Posts

Loading...
Similar Threads - Substrate Malawi tank Forum Date
Sand substrate for malawis General Discussions Jan 25, 2015
NEW Natural Planted Aquarium Substrate, Gravels, Sand Jungle Aquatics Oct 7, 2023
where to buy bulk substrate Planted Tanks Nov 9, 2022
Nylon mesh zip bags to hold capped substrate together Beginner Discussions Sep 10, 2022
Sea sand for substrate General Discussions Nov 30, 2021
Planted Tank: Substrate requirements Planted Tanks Jun 7, 2021
Substrate - Buoyant plants ? Beginner Discussions Mar 12, 2021

Share This Page