help with circulation in mbuna tank

[axiom]

I'm having some trouble with water flow in my 200L tank, specifically trying to replicate the conditions found in Lake Malawi. I've got 2 filters running, one return is for surface agitation and the other is directed at the sand. I also have a Hydor Koralia circulation/wave pump that pumps out 900 L/h. Problem is, fish waste keeps collecting on the sand - from what I've read, good flow and circulation should prevent this by sucking it up into the filter.

Considering upgrading my circulation/wave maker, maybe to a dual one, but I don't want to overdo it and stress my fish. Currently got 10 Saulosi, with 4 more on the way - they're still small.

Would love to know more about Lake Malawi's water flow, or any advice on improving my tank's circulation.

[kalevi]

You could definitely consider upping the power of your wave makers or power heads, I mean the mbuna do love a good flow, right. In the lake, some species tend to hang around the shores where the waves are crashing against the rocks, so they're pretty used to it. As long as the flow isn't blowing your fish around like crazy, they'll be fine, they can always dive into the rocks to get out of the way if needed.

[axiom]

Spent the day browsing online for a suitable upgrade, need something that allows me to direct the flow. Found a few options, one on Ebay that caught my eye, another on All Pond Solutions. The second one is quite pricey and seems geared towards marine, but I like the control it offers.

[kalevi]

£99 does seem a bit steep for what you get, but I think the extra power would be fine with your Saulosi.

[axiom]

£99 does seem steep for what it is. That being said, the extra power will be fine with your Saulosi.

[lentoa]

I've got a similar setup in my 4ft tank, I use a Koflakeia 4000l/h powerhead at one end and a Juwel internal with a 1000l/h powerhead at the other end. This creates an anti-clockwise current of water.

Looking at Lake Malawi, you can see how close the cichlids are to the shoreline - they're almost hugging the rocks. And if you check out an underwater view, you'll see the same thing.

The thing is, no matter how much flow you've got, you'll always have a dead spot somewhere in the tank where waste collects. It's just something you've got to deal with - I just siphon it out as needed.

[axiom]

i use a koflakeia 4000l/h powerhead in my 4ft tank, and at the other end of the tank with the juwel internal it has a 1000l/h powerhead giving me a anti- cloclodense current of water.

lake malawi - look how close the cichlids are to the shore line.

you will always have a dead spot in the tank were the waste collects just have to sypLion it out