Just got everything up and running, temporarily using a trickle filter while I wait for a longer pipe for my external. Ammonia's still on its way, was supposed to arrive yesterday, but I'll start dosing as soon as it gets here.
Got a local guy offering me some seeded media, so that might speed up the cycling process. I've also got an API master kit and some Tetra dip tests for quick checks.
As for stocking, I'm thinking of going with:
- 5 Yellow Labs, 1 male, 4 females
- 3 Red Swedish Hongi, 1 male, 2 females
- 3 Red Zebra, 1 male, 2 females
- 3 Afra variants, 1 male, 2 females
Still learning about other options, but I'm planning for 20 fish in total, with 50% weekly water changes and regular tests. The tank's over-filtered at 2000l/ph.
I'm also toying with the idea of a Blue Hap pair, but that's a gamble. Thinking about adding 3 Golden and a Strawberry Peacock male too.
setting up a 63g mbuna tank
Re: setting up a 63g mbuna tank
Looks the business
Re: setting up a 63g mbuna tank
Lovely setup, they'll thrive in that environment. The tank itself is a real head-turner, those rounded corners are a great touch.
Re: setting up a 63g mbuna tank
If you're planning on breeding fish, I'd advise against keeping multiple species of zebras in the tank, as they can crossbreed and become more territorial. You'd be better off with just one species, and if you want to minimize aggression, having only males is the way to go.
For cycling the trickle filter, you can actually do it without the tank. Just add ammonia directly to the filter and position the return hose over the sponges, so the sump water gets pumped over the filter materials. This way, you'll use less ammonia. Alternatively, you can leave it connected to the tank and run it through, but that depends on the cost of the ammonia.
For cycling the trickle filter, you can actually do it without the tank. Just add ammonia directly to the filter and position the return hose over the sponges, so the sump water gets pumped over the filter materials. This way, you'll use less ammonia. Alternatively, you can leave it connected to the tank and run it through, but that depends on the cost of the ammonia.
Re: setting up a 63g mbuna tank
Tank is now mature, got some mature filter pieces in both filters, made a big difference.
My stocking idea for 65 gallon is a bit different now,
Have -
2 x Red Top Hongi 'Sweden'
1 x Red Zebra
1 x Blue Hap
Wanted -
8 x Yellow Labs
1 x Red Top Swedish Hongi
3 x Perlmutt
Still thinking about
Yellow Tail Acei
Rusty
Strawberry Peacock
Working on getting the rest of the fish in, should be a good mix, still learning about some of the others but excited to see how it all goes.
My stocking idea for 65 gallon is a bit different now,
Have -
2 x Red Top Hongi 'Sweden'
1 x Red Zebra
1 x Blue Hap
Wanted -
8 x Yellow Labs
1 x Red Top Swedish Hongi
3 x Perlmutt
Still thinking about
Yellow Tail Acei
Rusty
Strawberry Peacock
Working on getting the rest of the fish in, should be a good mix, still learning about some of the others but excited to see how it all goes.