considering a malawi setup

[lintel]

Getting some overtime at the end of the month and I'm thinking of picking up another second-hand tank, maybe a rio 180/200/220.
I'd like to set it up for some of my smaller malawi, so any advice on setup and guiding would be great, all ears here.
I've read they need higher ph, so any tips on that would be appreciated, all advice welcome really.

[lintel]

no one posts lately

[kalevi]

Long time mate.

A rio 180's gonna be a bit restrictive for malawis, but it's still doable. You're on the right track with the higher pH, but don't forget the water hardness needs to be higher and, more importantly, stable. If you're just starting out, some dwarf species would be a great place to begin. Pseudotropheus saulosi are a popular choice, and for good reason - the males and females have amazing colour, and they're great characters. What's your thinking on the fish front, got any ideas in mind?

[lintel]

Update on the tank, going ahead with the rio 180, it's arriving Monday. Comes with a Tetratec EX1200 filter which is a bonus. Now thinking about the setup, looking at river cobbles and sand for the substrate.

A few things I'd love some advice on:
Getting the right ph, I've read malawi's need higher ph but not sure how to achieve it.
What substrate to use, is there a specific type that's recommended?
Lifting the kh, what's the best way to do this?

Also, what type of cichlids can I keep in this tank? Is it just malawi's or are there other options?

[kalevi]

Getting some overtime at the end of the month and I'm thinking of picking up another second-hand tank, maybe a rio 180/200/220.
I'd like to set it up for some of my smaller malawi, so any advice on setup and guiding would be great, all ears here.
I've read they need higher ph, so any tips on that would be appreciated, all advice welcome really.

To give you more tailored advice, I'd love to know your tap water parameters. That way, I can guide you on the best approach to buffering your water and achieving a stable pH. You see, messing around with your water too much is not ideal, especially when keeping Malawis. They thrive in stable conditions with a relatively high pH.

In terms of substrate, it's largely a matter of personal preference. A classic Malawi setup often includes crushed coral, which acts as a natural buffer and keeps the water stable – a crucial factor when keeping these fish. However, you could also opt for play sand, fine gravels, or silica sand. I've also heard great things about Carib Sea Eco-Complete African Cichlid substrate.

As I mentioned earlier, a Rio 180 can work for dwarf Malawi mbuna, like Pseudo saulosi, Iodotropheus sprengerae, or pseudotropheus minutus. Alternatively, you could explore the Tanganyikan route, which offers smaller cichlid species with unique body shapes and characters.

[lintel]

Thanks, I'll get the stats up tonight after work, got a late one again 12am finish

[kalevi]

Thanks, I'll get those stats up tonight when I get back from work, another late one, 12am finish again.

[lintel]

Just got back home, my tap water stats are:

Ammonia's 0, Nitrite's 0, Nitrate's 0, PH is 7.6 on my API test kit, but it's 7.2 with the Nutrafin one, KH is 3.

Considering the substrate, I'm not too keen on the crushed coflake, I've seen it and it looks a bit messy. I'm thinking more along the lines of dark or black sand, and some river cobbles to mix it up.

Cheers

[bolt9x]

Just a heads up, I'm washing my hands of this setup.

[lintel]

Just a heads up, not my problem if it all goes wrong.