Elmer’s Aquarium Community Tank Ideas Tank Size- 55 gal or more

L ake Malawi African Cichlid Community

Why Keep Them? Lake Malawi in Africa contains a wealth of colorful freshwater cichlids. Many of the fish in this lake are found nowhere else in the world, and today they have become very popular aquarium fish. They are hardy, active, and very colorful. Today most of the cichlids offered for sale have been bred in domestic aquariums. A well stocked African cichlid tank will rival many saltwater aquariums in brilliant colors.

Housing: Most of these fish grow to an adult size of 5 to 8”. To keep these active and colorful fish we advise at least 55 gallons. A 60 to 100 gallon is even better to allow for future growth. Small specimens can be housed in a smaller tank such as a 30 gallon temporarily until they grow bigger. Maintain good filtration with one or two power filters or canister filters. Supplement the filters with an air pump and airstone. Do regular partial water changes of 20% about every 2 weeks. Provide plenty of caves and hiding spots. You can create natural looking settings by piling up lava rock or coral rock (tufa rock). The fish may disrupt live plants so plastic plants are the most practical. Large cichlids may rearrange your decorations by digging and tunneling. Maintain a temperature of 70-80 degrees. pH: Best results are obtained if you keep the pH alkaline (7.6-8.4). Purchase a pH high test kit such as "Aquarium Pharmaceuticals High Range Test Kit " and check 1-2 times a month. We recommend Seachem "Malawi Buffer" to help maintain the proper pH. Add some with each partial water change.

Aquarium Salt: Some aquarium salt is beneficial. For best results use salt designed for African cichlid tanks. We recommend Seachem- "Cichlid Lake Salt." Follow label directions.

Substrate: You can use standard aquarium gravel, or you could use one of the specially designed gravels for African Cichlids. Specialty gravels look natural, and help maintain the alkaline pH. Keep about a 1-2” layer.

Tank Mates : These fish are lively and aggressive fish and are not suitable for a traditional community aquarium. You should purchase only other African Rift Lake Cichlids of similar size. Here are some tips to help create a compatible tank.

Stocking: Keeping a tank of African cichlids is different than a traditional community tank. 1. Keep them crowded so they will not fight- If the tank is populated properly they do not defend territories. 2. Add them in groups of 4 to 6 and stock the tank fully by 8 weeks. 3. Be sure to have plenty of rocks and hiding spots in the tank. 4. Use a biological starter such as Tetra Safestart to assure that the biological filter is ready for the fish.

1 Stocking Guidelines: 55 Gallon Tank- Keep 15- 20 Small Fish ( 2-4”) buy in groups of 6 or 8, over an 8 week period. 90 Gallon Tank- Keep 25-35 Small Fish ( 2-4”) 125 Gallon Tank- Keep 30-40 Small Fish ( 2-4”) or 20-25 Medium/Large Fish (5-8’)

Tips for keeping fish compatible : These fish live in great numbers on the rocky shores of Lake Malawi when they must compete fiercely for food and territories. They maintain very small territories but will attack other fish that come in their territory. To maintain harmony keep plenty of rocks with hiding holes. A well stocked (and crowded looking) tank will reduce fighting because the fish will lose their tendency to defend specific territories. Tanks that are only sparsely populated have more compatibility problems because one or two fish will come to dominate the tank and all others will be harassed and kept hiding. Because of the high bio-load in plants will provide a diet supplement.

Elmer’s Aquarium 4005 William Penn Hwy. Monroeville, Pa. 15146 412-372-6535 www.elmersaquarium.com Established 1969

2