nd aquatics mbuna aquarium build

[harvestor]

Hi everyone,

I've decided to keep a record of my new tank setup as it comes together. This is my first foray into a mbuna tank, but I've been keeping fish for a while now, so I'm expecting a learning curve.

My tank's a custom ND aquatics model, 46 x 18 x 22, with black silicone and an Optiwhite front panel. I've got an FX6 for filtration and two Fluval E200 heaters for temperature control. An APS WM-3000 will also be added to provide extra water movement.

[harvestor]

Next I sorted the scape, got a couple of egg crate pieces from a mate which was a nice bonus, and it fitted in the tank nice.

Filled the holes with coflake sand up to the top of the egg crate, then added the rock scape. Sorry for the rubbish pics, will get some proper ones up soon.

Spread more coflake sand around, added the filter, heaters and wavemaker.

Next on the hardware side, I'll sort the lights once I get some metal to make a rack, so I can slide the lights back and forth for maintenance and whatnot.

[harvestor]

Afternoon was spent sourcing some ali u bar, which I managed to get my hands on, to build a simple sliding light rack. Took just over an hour from start to finish, cutting it to length and building the thing.

The two main lights are made up of an iquatics marine white t5 tube and an arcadia standard tropical bulb, both with arcadia reflectors doing the job. I've also got a third iquatics marine blue bulb for a moonlight effect, which I'll be running for a couple of hours every evening - this one's still waiting for a reflector.

While I was at it, I also fitted a 50n gas strut to keep the lid open.

[lentoa]

Looks like you're making great progress on your tank setup.

[harvestor]

Managed to get a couple of the nighttime blue pics

[harvestor]

Cycle finished earlier this week, so that's a relief. Now I'm just waiting on my fish, but that's been delayed due to work commitments - no days off means no delivery. Looks like I'll be maintenance feeding for a week or so, which isn't ideal. In terms of the fish, I think I'll be getting them from Tony African Chilids as my local fish shop doesn't have a great selection.

[daxel]

Lovely setup, I've had the pleasure of keeping and breeding Mbuna in the past - they're truly captivating creatures and I must admit, I still have a soft spot for them. I regularly check in on this sub forum and I'm looking forward to following your journey with this tank.

[harvestor]

so a slight change of plan, i took the chance of being off work today and ordered my stock from tony's african cichlids yesterday, knowing my partner would be at home to take delivery if i was at work. i also did a large water change, around 75%, and rehomed my bristlenose that's been in a qt tank for a month. after a late night at work, i got the day off and the delivery arrived just before 10am. had a long chat with the delivery driver, who was pretty amazed at what he was delivering, and then got the fish ready to go in. temp check showed only 1dec c difference between the bags and the tank, so i floated the bags while i had a cuppa to calm my nerves more than anything. half hour later, the fish were free in their new home. all of them were in excellent condition and had a fair amount of colour, which was a nice surprise considering their journey. i've got to say, i highly recommend tony for mbuna - his fish are a real credit to him. for now, they're all happy swimming in the dark, and i'll add some pics when i switch the lights on later.