Mbuna Tank Size
Since I have chosen to do a blog about the tropical fish species called Mbuna Malawian cichlids I will be giving tips, guidelines, and requirements for this freshwater fish only. These are the smaller of the cichlid species and so they can thrive in a smaller aquarium of approximately 20 to 30 gallons. You most certainly can go bigger if you want, but it's nice to know that you can have these beautiful colorful creatures in a normal sized tank as well, especially if you have limited space.
Malawi Cichlids Natural Habitat
How to create a lake Malawi atomosphere: Malawian cichlids have three general living preferences: rocky, sandy, or mid-water. The Mbuna's mostly prefer rocks. Use smooth rocks and pile them up to form caves and hideaways for them to take refuge in. Use just enough sand to cover the bottom of your tank because these type of cichlids like to dig and they will make piles of sand and gravel all along the bottom of the tank. And if you have too much sand they will use it to make all kinds of unsightly heaps. And even though this would be normal in an African cichlids natural habitat in Lake Malawi, it can make your tank look terrible. So adjust accordingly.
Lake Malawi Cichlid Temperature
Cichlids are very hardy fish but all fish do not do well if there are great fluctuations in temperature. Lake Malawi has water temperatures that vary from 70 to 80 degrees so a heater is probably a good idea. Smaller tanks can go with a single heater, whereas larger tanks should use two. Metal heaters are recommended