Feedback on my new setup

[Fable8]

I'm back with a new setup, after the previous mbuna plans fell through due to a house move. Living on the Isle of Man makes shipping from Colin at natuflake world a pricey affair, so I had to rethink.

Here's what I've got:

Equipment-wise, I've got a 5ft 450ltr tank and cabinet, 4x 54w freshwater Daylight/Plant growth lights, a Jumbo internal filter (black) hidden by a coloured background, an Eheim pro 3 external filter, a 2000lph APS external filter, a 300watt juwel heater inside the internal filter, and a 300w fluval digital heater. I've also got a Digital PH reader in the tank.

For decoration, I've gone for a black background - the back of the tank's been painted, black sand (thoughts on this would be great), and 25kg of ocean rock (it's almost white). I want to keep plenty of open swimming space.

Now, the tricky part - stocking. Our limited LFS here on the Isle of Man make it tough to get the right fish. I've been to the one LFS that uses the correct water params, and they've got a 'mixed malawi' tank with Yellow labs, Peacocks, and Haps. That's about it for mbuna.

I was thinking of cycling the tank with ammonia, then buying the stock all at once. Given the limited options, I was planning on taking the Haps and Peacocks that catch my eye, and mixing in a few Yellow labs - I've heard they're pretty laid back.

What do you guys think of this plan?

[flarix]

I'd suggest having a word with the LFS and see if they can get the specific stock you're after, rather than settling for what they've got in store.

[Fable8]

Hi mate, it's indeed Pets at Home, and as you can probably guess, their stock is quite limited. I've actually asked them to provide me with a list of available fish, so fingers crossed something suitable comes through.

Regarding the decoration, I was thinking, do you think the black sand and ocean rock would make the fish stand out or just darken the whole tank? I'm hoping it'll highlight their colours, but I'm not entirely sure.

[Fable8]

Living on the Isle of Man does pose its challenges when it comes to getting large items delivered, and the cost of shipping can be quite steep.

I've come across a local fish store that sells Silver Sand for a reasonable £12 per 25kg, which seems like a more viable option. Considering my tank's dimensions - 60 x 20 x 1.5depth - I'm thinking of aiming for a depth of around 1.5 inches of sand. Would this be a better choice, do you think, or would it still affect the overall lighting and colours of my tank?

[flarix]

Consider giving Mike at riftvalleycichlids a shout - might be worth the extra cost for decent stock rather than settling for what your local big-name stores have to offer. Worth a phone call, at least. Alternatively, you could always try rowing to the mainland, see if you can find something better there.

[Fable8]

Thanks for the suggestion, I appreciate it. The fish at Pets at Home look really healthy, to be honest. I was planning on getting them straight from the delivery van, so the only acclimatisation they'd need is to my tank.

I think you're underestimating the postage costs to the Isle of Man - it's a real challenge. Couriers charge a fortune, and next-day delivery is never guaranteed due to our ferry issues and weather cancellations. It's just not feasible, to be honest. Coming over on the boat with a car is a pricey option, and the ticket fee alone could fill my tank.

I'll get some photos of their stock tank so you can see the fish for yourself.

[Fable8]

I managed to get a look at the fish from Pets at Home. To be honest, the selection's not as great as I'd hoped, but I've asked them and the other LFS if they can get a list of what they can order in for me.

[Fable8]

Can anyone take a look and see if you can ID these for me?

[sorcia]

I think you should talk to your LFS and ask them to ship in the stock you want, not plum for the stock that's readily available