learning about malawi

[Aquaboss]

I'm looking for some stocking ideas for a 4x3x2 tank and I'm having trouble narrowing it down. I'm really drawn to yellow labs, and I also love frontosas and buttikoferis. The thing is, I don't really know the names of many other malawis, so I was hoping someone could give me a list of some good options that would do well in this tank.

[Aquaboss]

Morning bump, just thought I'd bring this back up for you Aquaboss.

[flyer9]

Indeed, very broad question. To help narrow it down, do you envision a 4x3x2 tank with a few show-stopping specimens or a bustling community of smaller fish? Are you after a kaleidoscope of colors or a tank teeming with interesting behaviors?

I'm assuming the tank dimensions are in feet, correct?

Also, what's your tap water like at home - hard or soft, and what's the pH? Depending on this, either African or American cichlids might be a better fit.

[Aquaboss]

I'm after fish with lots of color, and those that are interesting to watch. Yes, the tank measurements are in feet. I'm based in London, so my tap water's naturally quite high in pH, around 8.5, and it's very hard. I've found peat works well in my filters for my other fish, so I've been using that in most of them.

[kalevi]

A species or locale only set-up would be a great idea, they always look top-notch in my opinion.

[Aquaboss]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'm intrigued by the idea of a species-only setup - What species would you recommend for a single-species tank, considering my tank dimensions and water parameters?

[kalevi]

I'd do a locale set-up, mate, with a 4x3x2, and go for some species from Likoma area or Jalo Reef, Nkhata Bay, Lions Cove, that kind of thing. There's loads to choose from, so it really depends on what you can get your hands on. Got any particular species in mind, or are you open to suggestions?

[Aquaboss]

Honestly, I'm still pretty clueless about what I like, but I do know I love yellow labs, frontosas and buttikoferis - those are the only ones I'm familiar with, but the ones you mentioned are really stunning.

[sharpfin12]

To be honest, I wouldn't keep frontosas with malawis, they're from tanganyika and they do get a bit big for a 4ft tank. If you're set on a species-only tank and want lots of colour, I'd go for one that displays sexual dimorphism - pseudotropheus saulosi is a great example. I'd also have to agree with the locale-only aquarium idea, they're true to life and make for brilliant show tanks. Jalo reef is my personal favourite, just look at cynotilapia afra to see the diversity. As you're new to malawis, I want to stress how important it is to find quality fish - there are a lot of hybrids out there, so I'd advise against buying anything unless you're 100% sure what it is. If you need any more help or advice on your tank, just post on this thread and I'll do my best to help. Glad you've chosen africans, they're very rewarding fish to keep!