Btt's Malawi Tank

[backtotropical]

Hi,

I've recently acquired a Fluval Venezia 350 and after much deliberation, I have decided it is going to be a Malawi tank. I'm swaying towards Haps rather than Mbuna, but I've not decided finally yet.

It is complete with the 405 external canister, lights and heater.

Pic of tank

The tank is now filled with water, and I have cut some reef rack (egg crate) for the rock to lie on. Anyone done this before? Seems like a good way to avoid the rock being in contact with the bottom glass.

I have 2 bags of playsand (which will only be at the front of the tank), and have ordered 25 x Black Limestone Cobbles from B&Q for the rockwork. I picked limestone deliberately because my water is fairly soft with a pH of somewhere around 7 - 7.5. Also it looks great!!

I'm also going to add a Hydor Koralia 2 for extra flow around the rockwork, to prevent a build up of detritus around the base.

I also plan to add a plant or 2, probably Java Ferns as they aren't likely to get eaten, and should survive without specialist light, nutrients, CO2 etc.

More pics to follow once some progress is made, and any comments are more than welcome as always.

Cheers

BTT

 

[lana]

Hi,

I've recently acquired a Fluval Venezia 350 and after much deliberation, I have decided it is going to be a Malawi tank. I'm swaying towards Haps rather than Mbuna, but I've not decided finally yet.

It is complete with the 405 external canister, lights and heater.

Pic of tank

The tank is now filled with water, and I have cut some reef rack (egg crate) for the rock to lie on. Anyone done this before? Seems like a good way to avoid the rock being in contact with the bottom glass.

I have 2 bags of playsand (which will only be at the front of the tank), and have ordered 25 x Black Limestone Cobbles from B&Q for the rockwork. I picked limestone deliberately because my water is fairly soft with a pH of somewhere around 7 - 7.5. Also it looks great!!

I'm also going to add a Hydor Koralia 2 for extra flow around the rockwork, to prevent a build up of detritus around the base.

I also plan to add a plant or 2, probably Java Ferns as they aren't likely to get eaten, and should survive without specialist light, nutrients, CO2 etc.

More pics to follow once some progress is made, and any comments are more than welcome as always.

Cheers

BTT

very nice keep us updated

 

[dthoffsett]

Looks good so far.

The tank is now filled with water, and I have cut some reef rack (egg crate) for the rock to lie on. Anyone done this before?
Eggcrate isn't too uncommon in mbuna tanks, IMO it's more peace of mind than anything I had 130lbs of rock in my 75gal for 2 years with no problems, but it certainly can't hurt.

Have you decided what species you want yet?

 

[backtotropical]

I have a soft spot for Venustus, I've always liked them, so they will be a must. The mature males are stunning!

Also, I like Copadichromis, probably Borleyi.

Other than that, I'm not sure, some Aulonocara, Haplochromis etc etc

I got the Limestone yesterday and arranged it in the tank last night, so I'll get some updated pics up tonight. It looks fab!!

Cheers

BTT

 

[backtotropical]

Update as promised.

I got the egg crate cut and slotted into place.

....and the limestone cobbles arrived.

Several hours of washing and arranging stones later....

As you'll see, I also added the Koralia.

I wasn't very happy with having to build the rockwork around the filter pipes, but theres not much I can do about that. I'm very happy with how the rock looks in the tank though. Very dark and mysterious....

I do think it needs more rock though. I'd like to build it right up around the filter pipes so I can hide them completely. I'm also not sure about the plants anymore. It may just spoil the effect.

Sand will hopefully go in tomorrow.

Comments and suggestions welcome as always.

Cheers

BTT

 

[lana]

it is Looking GREAT

 

[dthoffsett]

It's looking great. Just don't add too many rocks, since you're wanting haps you'll need plenty of swimming space.

 

[youngfisher]

Wow, that limestone gives it a nice dark misterious look, it looks brilliant! Carnt wait to see some fish in it im sure they'll love it

 

[backtotropical]

The sand is now in. Only used 1 bag. I'll post up more pics once it clears (its really cloudy just now).

Cheers

BTT

 

[degsod]

The sand is now in. Only used 1 bag. I'll post up more pics once it clears (its really cloudy just now).

Cheers

BTT

it's weird, 1 bag of sand seems to go a lot further than the same size bag of gravel!!! I can not explain it

Carnt wait to see the pics, get some up of it now while cloudy, it will add to the mystery.

 

[Ferris]

Looking good btt and nice to see someone looking into Haps for a change!

A few more rocks wouldn't go amiss but as already said - don't go too mad as the likes of Venustus etc can get to 10" and will need plenty of room.

 

[backtotropical]

Thanks guys. Ferris, good to see you back on the boards, mate!

The tank is still a bit cloudy, but I couldn't wait to get the next pics up, so here goes.....

I think if I add more rockwork, it will be added to the height of the stack, so it covers (at least as much as possible) the filter pipes, and yet still leaves plenty swimming space.

BTT

 

[dthoffsett]

Looking good, can't wait to see it with fish!

 

[doktor doris]

I really like those 'limestone cobbles' you have used.

Where did you get them, please?

 

[backtotropical]

B&Q. £1.28 per piece.