Who Gives A Fish Forums

Glad someone was able to fill in the gaps for me.

I'm thinking it's something to do with carbon stuff affecting the pH. I'm not entirely sure, but I've heard you gotta leave it in a glass for a bit to let it disperse. The key is to leave it for a decent amount of time, like 24 hours, and then test it. That way, you get a more accurate reading.

When you tested the pH, did you let it sit in a glass overnight before taking a reading? I've found that results can be quite different after a bit of time has passed.

Wait, I think I misread the situation.
You're planning on getting the Malawi Cichlids alone, right?
That seems like a much better plan, considering your pH and water hardness.
I was worried you were gonna put them with angels, but it seems like you're on the right track.
No need for alarm, I ...

Is that 3 gallons or 30? I'm really hoping it's the latter. Assuming it's indeed 3 gallons, I'd recommend some hardy plants that should thrive in your tank. Anubias and java fern are great options, as they're relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of conditions. For a more delicate look ...

Angels are indeed a type of Cichlid, but that doesn't necessarily make them compatible with other Cichlids. I'd advise against mixing them with other species, except perhaps Discus, and even then it's crucial to have a good understanding of what you're getting into.