Bowfront tank for Cichlids?

[KPhilly]

Are bowfront tanks good for Cichlids? I have about an 80G bowfront tank and wanted to look into Mbuna (If it's spelled correctly) cichlids. How many could I get and could I go planted?

 

[erikmoseley]

Planted a risk. I started with a 72 gal bow front and it worked great. Here's an old pic. U can go about 20 fish if u keep the smaller species.

 

[KPhilly]

Where did you get your rocks and how do you keep your PH up?

 

[erikmoseley]

Ha. Some I got at pet store but most was from landscape supply store/yard. Each week after water change I add a couple teaspoons of cichlid salt and cichlid buffer. Also have 40 lb or aragonite sand mixed in w pool filter sand on bottom. That keeps ph about 7.5 without even the little buffer powder.

 

[Wy Renegade]

The 80 is four feet long, so you should have no issues keeping the less aggressive species of Mbuna. I would stay away from Kenyi, Auratus, and Johanni. Using aragonite sand or shells works well to maintain pH at a constant without having to buffer your water. As mentioned, landscape supply companies or quarries are a great source for cheap rock, but sure and test it prior to placing in your aquarium. I would also recommend staying away from a planted tank with Mbuna. Mbuna are herbivores and most types of plant are viewed as a treat by them. You can occasionally get away with some, such as anubias.

 

[KPhilly]

What's the recommended PH? 8.2?

 

[bettaowner]

I believe that anubias is the only plant that can be kept with mbuna.

 

[KPhilly]

Think I'm gonna get those! Do they like driftwood too? Or do I need to just go with rocks and slabs? Know any place to order aragonite sand? Like a black color?