setting up a 80 gal(us) malawi for first time.

518 Views 12 Replies 6 Participants Last post by cisc, Mar 11, 2011

cisc

Discussion Starter · Mar 10, 2011

I currently have a 30gallon with 1 male ps.saulosi in it, I am awaiting 4 females to add to it..

In the meantime i am aquireing an 80 gallon tank, I would like to set it up as a malawi tank, move my saulosi to it, and hope for breeding.. I would also want to add either another compatable species, or more saulosi to this tank.

i will use the 30 gallon for the fry if I get so lucky.

my question is, well just about everything..

I would like a sandy style substrate, very cheap.. not sure what to use?

what other malawi species would work well with hopes of breeding my saulosi's?

and what kind of Cheap rock can i use?

I also am planning on making a 3d background (insulation board and concrete) so the rocks would need to match the coloration.

thank you for your help, it is exciting preparing for a malawi tank, but I want it done correctly and carefully!

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rgr4475

· #2 · Mar 10, 2011

I'll let the stocking experts put their 2 cents in. With the substrate, I use pool filter sand. It's cheap and is pretty clean right out of the bag. (At least the kind I use is). I think I got a 50lb bag for like $12. For the rocks, you can use pretty much anything you want. Lots of people to go local landscape yards or rock quarries. I grabbed mine from the side of a local road.

For the little bit of rock you need some places will give it to you for free if not very cheap. Just be sure to clean them properly before putting them in the tank. I clean mine with a bleach water solution, scrub, rinse very well and allow them to completely dry. For your background, check the DIY section, lots of ideas and how to's. Good luck, post pics of your progress.

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cisc

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 10, 2011

excellent, thank you..yeah I plan to document the whole process..Going to pick up the tank saturday morning for $100 stand included! ill get a few HOB filters, and some sand substrate..

im also looking for more saulosi. I have 1 male in my 30 gal (as previously stated) but the lfs at the time told me they could have the females for me a few days later.. they couldnt, and now have thier breeder looking for some.. So it isnt for sure i have any coming.. I am set on Ps. Saulosi though..I love them. so im looking for at least 3-4 females.

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rgr4475

· #4 · Mar 10, 2011

One thing I forgot to mention, with the pool filter sand. Although it's clean out of the bag you may still want to rinse it. Check the library section, there is a how to video that shows you the best way to clean it. http://www.cichlid-forum.com/videos/rinsing_sand.php

Sounds like a decent price on the set up. Lights too?

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cisc

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 10, 2011

it has a light yes, but has a reptile bulb in it, I will need to replace it..no idea whats best for this either, but Ill look into it.

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rgr4475

· #6 · Mar 10, 2011

cisc said:
it has a light yes, but has a reptile bulb in it, I will need to replace it..no idea whats best for this either, but Ill look into it.

Yeah def no retile bulbs. Light options are really up to you. You can go simple with shop lights from Lowes or Home Depot or aquarium specific lighting. If you use the search feature on the site, you should fine tons of old posts with suggestions and ideas.

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rgr4475

· #7 · Mar 10, 2011

Also, if the previous owner used the tank for reptiles, make sure to fill it up with water at the persons house before you buy it. If he refuses, don't buy it.

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DJRansome

· #8 · Mar 11, 2011

Reptile tanks sometimes use thinner glass not meant to hold the weight of water.

What are the dimensions of the tank?

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dielikemoviestars

· #9 · Mar 11, 2011

I think it was only the lighting that was for reptile use... Unless I missed something about the tank?

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newforestrob

· #10 · Mar 11, 2011

be very cautious of this tank if it was a terranium,torn silicone and even thickness as previously mentioned

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rgr4475

· #11 · Mar 11, 2011

DJRansome said:
Reptile tanks sometimes use thinner glass not meant to hold the weight of water.

What are the dimensions of the tank?

Hmm, never knew that.

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Frenzy

· #12 · Mar 11, 2011

DJRansome said:
Reptile tanks sometimes use thinner glass not meant to hold the weight of water.

What are the dimensions of the tank?

Too true. I hope cisc can tell us the glass thickness as well as the L x W x H.

Would also be interested to know if the tank has braces.

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cisc

Discussion Starter · #13 · Mar 11, 2011

I believe it was a fish aquarium converted into a reptile hab

anyway, he called me last night and said he cannot find the hoods for it.. even at 100.00 for the tank i cant afford to buy the filters as well as hoods at this time. so my search goes on and my plans for an 80 gallon will likely slim down to a 55 gallon..(these are sold regularly used, for fairly cheap.. alot of times with stand and all accessories)

probably only difference is the height yes?

now im wondering if I should make a 55 gallon malawi, or keep waiting for a deal on a larger tank?

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