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As we're getting into the specifics of the species, I think it's time to move this discussion to the Old World cichlids section, seems like a better fit.

Your plan seems like a decent approach. With Malawi cichlids, overstocking is often necessary to minimize aggression. However, considering the pH requirements for Malawi cichlids are quite high compared to the previous inhabitants of your tank, you might want to think about making some adjustments ...

To ensure the health of your cichlids and tank, a few key points need consideration.

What is the adult size of the cichlids you plan to add? Their full-grown size will significantly impact the tank's bioload.
You also mentioned you had fish in the tank till yesterday - what was the bioload like ...

Cichlids and plants, it's a tough mix. Depending on the type of cichlids you're dealing with, you might not find any plants that can withstand them. I've found that thicker-leaved Anubias can work with some species, but it's not a guarantee.

My experience with Rams has been pretty positive - they ...

T5 lighting is generally more intense than T8 lighting, which in turn is more intense than T12 - it's a bit counterintuitive that the smaller diameter bulbs produce more light than the larger ones.

If you want to get a better understanding of the differences between these bulbs, this link gives a ...

55g's a decent size, but for the cats I mentioned, it's a bit of a stretch. They can work, but just barely.

Bristlenose might not be the best fit for your Malawi tank due to the differing water chemistry. Considering your tank is home to Malawi cichlids, I'd recommend the Cookoo Catfish or Featherfin Catfish. Both are African catfish that should thrive in your setup. They do grow a bit larger, reaching ...

Hi everyone,
I stumbled upon this thread while searching about betta belly issues.
I know it's an old thread, but I'm hoping someone might have some new info to share.
My betta has a huge belly, it's like a balloon, but no scales issues.
I'm worried he'll exlodge, and it's not just ...

Hi everyone,
I stumbled upon this thread while searching about betta belly issues.
I know it's an old thread, but I'm hoping someone might have some new info to share.
My betta has a huge belly, it's like a balloon, but no scales issues.
I'm worried he'll exlodge, and it's not just ...

I'm in uncharted territory with this one too. Fasting for multiple days might be worth a shot, and I'd also suggest trying to feed your betta with peas to see if that helps alleviate some of the bloating.

Adding a salt bath with epsom salt could also provide some relief. As for medication, it's ...