Lake Malawi Tank

[fish wrangler]

Hi everyone. I have a 29gal tank with 3 rosy barbs, a pleco, and a electric yellow lab. I want to buy a 75 gallon tank and dedicate it to Lake Malawi cichlids. Is that size tank going to be to small? I think I am on the right track but don't know. Also my dad thinks that with a 75 gal going salt would be better. My fear is that if the tank dies I will loose a lot of $$$. Please help.

 

[Plecos4596]

Yes it's big enough for mbuna the minimum is 55 gallon.

 

[Andrew McFadden]

This should help with a Malawi tank, research is the key
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/lake-malawi-mbuna-stocking-dcor-hardware/

With saltwater it takes some getting use to. I'm sure with the good help of people of the site will make it easier on you. The cost is way more then keeping any type of freshwater tank.

 

[KreativJustin]

I do love the look of saltwater tanks, but do not love the price that they take to start up. 75 gallons is more than enough for those fish, I would even add about 10 more fish of the same size

If your going to add more fish in the future, don't add 1 at a time, add a few + make sure they are the same size or a tiny bit bigger, that will help with any fin nipping (and potential death)

When stocking my tanks, I add the fish all within a month or two, buying 3-4 at a time. I wanted a male Aruatus, but had to really look around (for a few weeks at different shops) until I could find the right size. Well worth it though

 

[fish wrangler]

Thank you all for your help. I am taking it all into consideration. Where can I find driftwood and rock to build caves for the cichlids? Thanks again.