Setting Up A New Tank

[dh058977]

Hi All,

Firstly let me apologise if this is in the wrong place!

Just a little bit of background, I have had a Aquaone 500 planted with guppies, platies, tetras etc for a few years now and I think I caught some sort of addiction!
Up until recently I havent had the chance to have a larger tank due to University etc but since getting a place of my own and a new job I finally could! I've spent the last few weeks checking eBay to find the right one and ended up buying a Juwel Trigon 190 with a Fluval 404 external filter.

Now one of the less exciting things to come out of uni was meeting my fiancee Danielle (joking!) and she now has her heart set on Malawi cichlids.

As its all new to me I have a few questions -

1. I now live in Coventry which I know is a hard water area but what type of substrate is best? Crushed coral, sand, gravel?
2. What type of rock can I use? ocean rock? Lava rock?
3. I have read a post on one forum about Argos play sand and lava rock from B&Q. Are either of these safe? Would you recommend them?
4. How many KG's of rock will I need/would you recommend?

Any other tips / advice or steering me well clear appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[bullit]

Personally id go with crushed coral sand though you could use the argos sand. Not sure about the bnq lava rock as ive not seen it but im sure it will be fine. Rock id go for river rocks as it looks more natural. Again personal preference. In that size tank roughly 25kg i think should do. For stocking ig go for smaller fish as the footprint of your tank isnt that large. cheers

 

[dh058977]

Personally id go with crushed coral sand though you could use the argos sand. Not sure about the bnq lava rock as ive not seen it but im sure it will be fine. Rock id go for river rocks as it looks more natural. Again personal preference. In that size tank roughly 25kg i think should do. For stocking ig go for smaller fish as the footprint of your tank isnt that large. cheers

Hi, thanks for your reply! I was starting to think nobody would reply!!

I was thinking of going for sand and then ocean rock.

When you say smaller fish, what exactly are you refering to?

Thanks again.

Regards

Dave

 

[bullit]

Just smaller mbuna, not that i know many as i keep tangs, just fish like labs. Just dont go buying from mixed malawi tanks as you dont know what your getting. A5 aquatics have a good selection if your not to far away. Do you have an idea on stocking? cheers

 

[dh058977]

Just smaller mbuna, not that i know many as i keep tangs, just fish like labs. Just dont go buying from mixed malawi tanks as you dont know what your getting. A5 aquatics have a good selection if your not to far away. Do you have an idea on stocking? cheers

A5 is in Nuneaton right? Not too far away if thats where you mean.

With regards to stocking, to be honest I have no idea. Ive checked ##151### but from what I can gather, I can take the results with a pinch of salt!

 

[bullit]

Yeah thats right. Im not sure what other shops are near you but A5 aquatics is worth a visit. Does your tank come with an internal filter aswell as its a good idea to over filter your malawi tanks. Depending how much rock you have aswell you could look into a powerheard for any deadspots in the rocks. Without sounding patronizing do you know basic requirements?, big weekly water changes, overstocking the tank? food etc. cheers