Flow vs Filtration in a Malawi tank

[mattrox]

We all know that there really isn't such a thing as "over filtration" as long as your fish are not blown all over the tank.

Once your filtration is sorted you can add a flowmaker or powerhead to increase the flow. Infact many Malwai cichlids live in the wave washed rocky habitat. They will appreciate the flow and in the aquarium they can be seen playing in the current.

Playing in the current as well as a high stocking rate may help contain agression issues. If they are distracted there is less time for fighting.

Here is a video that shows the type of current that they live in.
YouTube - Malawi Lake

 

[Lawngnome]

Interesting info and video

 

[mattrox]

I also forgot to say, the high flow helps to keep a lot of the detrius from building up. Still some settles and finds its way under rocks, but when you move rock around or catch fish etc, the disturbed waste gets blown around in the water, allowing the filter to collect it.

Ie less stuff settles on the bottom as more is collected by the filter. You can rinse this out of the filter in a bucket of tank water when you do your maintenance. I tip this murky water onto the pot plants on the patio.