I've got a 180l Juwel tank that I've had for a while now and I'm thinking of shaking things up a bit. I've been doing some research and I've come across mixed opinions - is a tank of this size suitable for average-sized Malawi Cichlids? It's worth noting that my tank is quite long, but not particularly tall.
I'm completely new to keeping cichlids, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
p.s. please disregard the odd mix of fish in the tank in the photo.
setting up a 180l tank for malawi cichlids
Re: setting up a 180l tank for malawi cichlids
I think a 180l tank might be a bit of a squeeze for average-sized Malawi cichlids, to be honest.
If your water's on the softer side, you might want to look into dwarf cichlids - they could be a good fit. On the other hand, if you're working with harder water, you could consider some shell dwellers from Lake Tanganyika.
If your water's on the softer side, you might want to look into dwarf cichlids - they could be a good fit. On the other hand, if you're working with harder water, you could consider some shell dwellers from Lake Tanganyika.
Re: setting up a 180l tank for malawi cichlids
Thanks for the advice. Hard water it is, so shell dwellers might be the way to go, then. Deciding on the right fish is proving to be a tough one, though.
Re: setting up a 180l tank for malawi cichlids
I totally feel you, choosing the right fish can be a real challenge. Seriouslyfish is an amazing resource, I've found it super helpful in the past when deciding on new additions for my tank.
Re: setting up a 180l tank for malawi cichlids
I'll give it a look, thanks.
Re: setting up a 180l tank for malawi cichlids
Tank dimensions are crucial, particularly the footprint. It's not just about the volume.
Tanganyikan cichlids might be a good fit, considering the gallon range. Shell-dwellers and small rock dwellers like Juliochromis could work well in your tank. Sardine cichlids (Cyprichromis sp.) and sand dwellers are also an option - they're quite colorful, but can be hard to find.
One thing to keep in mind with Tanganyikan cichlids is that they can be confusing. A single species can have different morphs from different parts of the lake, with varying max sizes and appearances. For example, Altolamprologus compressiceps has a shell-dweller morph that's smaller than the standard A. compressiceps. It's actually pretty interesting.
Tanganyikan cichlids might be a good fit, considering the gallon range. Shell-dwellers and small rock dwellers like Juliochromis could work well in your tank. Sardine cichlids (Cyprichromis sp.) and sand dwellers are also an option - they're quite colorful, but can be hard to find.
One thing to keep in mind with Tanganyikan cichlids is that they can be confusing. A single species can have different morphs from different parts of the lake, with varying max sizes and appearances. For example, Altolamprologus compressiceps has a shell-dweller morph that's smaller than the standard A. compressiceps. It's actually pretty interesting.
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aquascaper - Posts: 10
- Joined: Fri Apr 28, 2023 10:36 am
Re: setting up a 180l tank for malawi cichlids
I recall having a 50-gallon Mbuna setup, with a footprint of 36 inches by 18 inches and a height of 19 inches. It's been a while, but I remember constructing a rock slope using PVC pipe, where the entire base was covered in rocks ranging from 4 to 8 inches in size. The Mbuna seemed to thrive, each finding a home among the rocks.
Re: setting up a 180l tank for malawi cichlids
What are the tank's vital stats - length, width, and height?
To get a better understanding of your water parameters, could you please check with your water supply company for the GH, KH, and pH levels? This info is usually readily available on their website or just a phone call away. If they're unable to help, pop into your local pet shop with a glass of tap water and ask them to run some tests. Be sure to jot down the results - in numbers, please - and find out what the units are (ppm, dGH, etc.).
It's worth noting that cichlids aren't particularly finicky to keep. The key is simply to choose compatible species that'll get along. The main challenge arises when there's not enough space for them to claim their own territory - many cichlids can be quite territorial and will fight it out if they feel cramped.
To get a better understanding of your water parameters, could you please check with your water supply company for the GH, KH, and pH levels? This info is usually readily available on their website or just a phone call away. If they're unable to help, pop into your local pet shop with a glass of tap water and ask them to run some tests. Be sure to jot down the results - in numbers, please - and find out what the units are (ppm, dGH, etc.).
It's worth noting that cichlids aren't particularly finicky to keep. The key is simply to choose compatible species that'll get along. The main challenge arises when there's not enough space for them to claim their own territory - many cichlids can be quite territorial and will fight it out if they feel cramped.