Moving tanks...should I redo them?

[shawmutt]

Well, I'm finally moving out of this hole, and I have to move my tanks soon. I really like my little 10 gallon setup, with the big fake rock (the pics on the bottom cause stupid angelfire won't let me link pics anymore).

My 30 gallon pic is in my gallery.

My question is, with my mbuna, how important is it to make as many nooks and crannies as I can? If I just buy a few fake rock setups, or use a few of the rocks from my old setup to make a few caves, or something along those lines, will my tank explode with violence?

I'm not looking forward to moving 50+ pounds of rocks, stacking them, and refilling the tank in a hurry (I'll have to do it before anything dries out anyway). A lot of mbuna setups I see have only a few outcroppings of rocks, and I'm wondering if it's just because the tank is bigger and the tank owner has just as many rocks and hiding places.

Anyway, here's the pic of my 10 gallon (there's only one mbuna in there).

[Maillis]

why redo it if you like it?

[poppab02]

I would add a silk plant or something.

[Menagerie]

I like your setup. I know moving all that rock is a PITA, but I think you're worrying too much. Just make sure the filter media doesn't dry out. Rocks can dry and just leave a touch of water on the substrate. I have moved my tanks more than I would like to admit and I know we will be moving in 6 months to a year--and all 6 tanks will make the move and all the rock is coming My back hurts already.

The question you need to answer is: Is the tank doing well right now?? If there has been no fighting outbreaks, why change it??

[shawmutt]

Is the tank doing well right now?? If there has been no fighting outbreaks, why change it??

Two reasons. First, yes there has been fighting. That's why I had to make the new tank for the one kenyi (which I don't mind cause he's pretty). Here's the thread on that drama: http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewto...019&highlight= Now another is starting to show a bit of tattered fins, and is getting skinny while the others are fine--without the male kenyii! I want to nip this in the bud--it seems the older they get the more violent they get.
Second, the sole kenyii in the 10 is awesome--responsive, curious, not afraid. My 30 gallon is full of scaredy-fish, I hardly ever see them. I don't understand that, they used to be active. The only thing I can think of is that one of them has become super-territorial and will not let any others out.