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CICHLIDS By: Gatekeeper |
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The majority of Lake Malawi cichlids are robust and adaptable pets. Only a few basic factors must be considered in order to be able to permanently keep these beautiful cichlids and to breed them. The water of Lake Malawi
is alkaline, meaning that the pH lies above the neutral point of 7.0.
Mainly pH values of between 7.5 to 8.8 have been measured. Some
aquarists are of the opinion that one can keep Lake Malawi cichlids best
of all in hard water ń this is not true. In Lake Malawi, the total
water hardness is between 4-6° dGH, so that the water is definitely
soft. The carbonate hardness lies between 6-8°. It is certainly true
that hard water often has an alkaline pH, which explains the e rroneous
assumption. Lake Malawi cichlids can be kept well in most supplies of
tap A coarse sand that is not too light in colour is to be recommended for the decoration of the tank. Fine sand has the disadvantage that during the cleaning of the glass panes, the grains are easily taken up by the sponge and scratch the glass. Gravel with a grain size of 3-5 mm, as preferred in the 1970s and the 1980s is not so suitable as on the one hand, the smaller species are not able to search through the bottom for food and on the other hand the building of spawning hollows and sand nests is made more difficult. Basically all those materials which do not have an adverse effect on the water quality and fit the aesthetic sensitivities of the keeper can be used for the interior decoration of the tank. Normally, different types of stones are used to form hiding places for subdominant individuals and brooding females. So that the territorial males do not have to always see each other, it is recommended to place sight barriers and other constructions in the tank. Plants do not play an important role in the natural habitat of these fish. In the aquarium robust plants can be planted without any problems. The Giant vallisneria, Cryptocorynia (C. usteriana), Java fern and Anubias have proven to be suitable. The latter two species root on stones or other rough surfaces and are therefore suitable for planting on a rocky back wall. A general compulsory rule for the setting up of a Lake Malawi cichlid aquarium is (thankfully) not available. Everyone can achieve the desired success with a greater or smaller number of rock formations and/or plants. Of great importance is the diet fed to these cichlids. The majority of aquarists make the mistake that they give too much and too îheavy” a diet. Especially the aufwuchs-feeding Mbunas are used to a îlight” or roughage-rich diet (fish from the wild naturally more than captive-bred fish). Pure meat (e.g. beef heart, fish) should therefore never be given to Mbunas or only rarely in small amounts. It is advantageous to feed Mbunas often with green flakes (Spirulina) or other vegetable foods. Otherwise, the other flaked feeds or frozen foods (adult Artemia, red gnat larvae, Mysis, Water fleas, Cyclops) may be given. The Non-Mbunas are in comparison less sensitive. They can now and again cope with a large chunk of meat, especially the larger predatory species. With the aforementioned diet, the Non-Mbunas can also be adequately nourished. Also it is not so necessary to be so careful about the amount of food fed to these species. Site designed by Gatekeeper. Best viewed under Internet Explorer 5.0 or above. All
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water. A high total hardness in the usual range found in normal tap
water is not detrimental to the health of the fish. If the pH lies below
the neutral point then it should be corrected (suitable preparations are
commercially available). The water temperature should be between 24-26°
C in order to mimic the conditions in the lake.