Water Changes?

[cossie0]

Hi I am thinking of making my Juwel vision 260 (260 litres) into a Malawi tank

However I work away for 2 weeks every month so home for 2 week then away for 2 and so on.
I usually do a water change (around 40-50%) on my 2 tanks (the other is a Juwel rio 300 (300 litres) just after coming home and just before I go away again. This has kept my tanks pretty healthy over the last few months. My current fish are a mix of usual community fish.

I have done some research on Malawis and from what I can gather they seem to be quite messy fish and quite a few people seem to do weekly water changes up to 50%. I would obviously not be able to do this and was wondering what some people on here do?

The last thing I want is a tank full of expensive sick fish so should I give up on the idea. Would 40-50% twice a month be sufficient. Filtration is a Tetratek EX 1200 which is currently being run alongside the internal. I plan to remove the internal in a few weeks once the 1200 has matured.

thanks for any help and advice.

regards
Darren

 

[chishnfips]

it might be ok if you dont stock it too high, but then again you need a high stocking for the aggression, Also leave the internal filter in there or get two external filters, the more filtration for mbuna the better, especially in your case.

I run my rio 300 with a tetra tec 1200 and a fluval 4 internal, and I could actually do with replacing the internal filter and getting another cannister one.


Other than that I am not sure, another problem maybe the algae build up, I know if I dont clean my tank every two weeks it can get a bit green on the glass, especially in the summer.


Someone else may be able to advise you further, hope it helps a bit.

 

[Ferris]

I do 40% water changes every 2 weeks on my Mbuna tank (240 litre) and have done for years. I do run 3 filters on the tank though, which makes a difference. If you added a second similar sized external filter - i would say fine but with just the 1200, i think you would be pushing it.

 

[nukeonekitty]

My water changes are similar to that of Ferris. I do about 40% every two weeks, but I only run 2 external filters. My tank stats are always good and my water is always clean.

 

[cossie0]

Thanks guys so I know that it is possible then. I will go for another external then as I dont really like the look of the Juwel internal and would like the more space that removing it would give. I just hope the tank does not end up like a whirpool with almost 2500 litres an hour throughput

I will jsut now need to source some rocks I like the look of the ocean rock but believe it is quite expensive. Will see when I go on the spending spree

thanks again