Equipment Stocking for My Mbuna Tank

1869 Views 13 Replies 7 Participants Last post by KTown mbunamani, Jan 19, 2016

KTown mbunamani

Discussion Starter · Jan 17, 2016 (Edited)

So, I finally got my 75 gallon tank! Of course, now I have to stock it with equipment before my mbuna.

You experts out there, feel free to critique my ideas.

First, I am think'n of using 2 ViaAqua 200 heaters. Our house is often quite cool at about 19 degrees this time of year. I'm a little worried about a heater failing and having it cook my fish, after all the ones I've been reading about lately! But I'm thinking these aren't overpowered enough to do that? Or would they have auto shut offs anyway?

Next, I'm thinking of using a big old AC 110 HOB as my main filter, with a Max #3 prefilter attached to help it. As the fish get larger, I'd maybe add a second HOB. My stand probably won't have room for a canister at only about 15" high.

I'm also thinking of installing a drip system, for water changing. Then a drain to keep the tank at a constant level, either with a drilled, bulkhead near the top of the tank. Or a overflow box to take out the extra water. Does anyone know if Top Fin tanks can be drilled?

Now for my crazy idea, don't laugh! I'm seriously thinking of setting up a reverse flow UGF! To help keep the gravel clear, not as a filter system itself. I'd maybe power it with 2 Rio 1100s with each a prefilter attached again. This way, they'll push filtered water down, under the Lee Premium UGF, up through the gravel. Hopefully, keeping the muck from settling in the gravel substrate, and allowing the three, prefilters, and the HOB filter to take care of it.

The gravel I'd use would have to be more course than usual, I'm think'n. Probably about 1/2"- 1" in diameter and spread quite evenly to keep the water coming up from going to the easy, thinner areas. But this would also keep the mbuna from digging huge holes down to the bottom, which I don't really care for. I know, you're say'n they like to and have to dig. But I've seen plenty of vids of Malawi lake and there are huge areas inhabited by mbuna that have nothing but rocks and boulders, noth'n for them to dig. So I think they'll be just fine.

So, if my theory works, this should cut down on some maintenance!

Thanks,
KTm

See less See more

Save

1 - 3 of 14 Posts

smccleme

· #8 · Jan 18, 2016

KTown mbunamani said:
So, I finally got my 75 gallon tank! Of course, now I have to stock it with equipment before my mbuna.

You experts out there, feel free to critique my ideas.

First, I am think'n of using 2 ViaAqua 200 heaters. Our house is often quite cool at about 19 degrees this time of year. I'm a little worried about a heater failing and having it cook my fish, after all the ones I've been reading about lately! But I'm thinking these aren't overpowered enough to do that? Or would they have auto shut offs anyway?

Next, I'm thinking of using a big old AC 110 HOB as my main filter, with a Max #3 prefilter attached to help it. As the fish get larger, I'd maybe add a second HOB. My stand probably won't have room for a canister at only about 15" high.

I'm also thinking of installing a drip system, for water changing. Then a drain to keep the tank at a constant level, either with a drilled, bulkhead near the top of the tank. Or a overflow box to take out the extra water. Does anyone know if Top Fin tanks can be drilled?

Now for my crazy idea, don't laugh! I'm seriously thinking of setting up a reverse flow UGF! To help keep the gravel clear, not as a filter system itself. I'd maybe power it with 2 Rio 1100s with each a prefilter attached again. This way, they'll push filtered water down, under the Lee Premium UGF, up through the gravel. Hopefully, keeping the muck from settling in the gravel substrate, and allowing the three, prefilters, and the HOB filter to take care of it.

The gravel I'd use would have to be more course than usual, I'm think'n. Probably about 1/2"- 1" in diameter and spread quite evenly to keep the water coming up from going to the easy, thinner areas. But this would also keep the mbuna from digging huge holes down to the bottom, which I don't really care for. I know, you're say'n they like to and have to dig. But I've seen plenty of vids of Malawi lake and there are huge areas inhabited by mbuna that have nothing but rocks and boulders, noth'n for them to dig. So I think they'll be just fine.

So, if my theory works, this should cut down on some maintenance!

Thanks,
KTm

2 100 watt heaters would do the job. I had a 200watt heater stick on and it almost cooked my 155g. I use two 100 watt heaters in a 120g and they maintain the temps fine.

A drip system is the best thing you can do to reduce maintenance. All of my tanks are on drip systems. Some are drilled, others use commercial overflow boxes, and some home built PVC overflows. I haven't had problems with any of the options.

If you don't mind the look of sand, it's less work than gravel. A sand or fairly fine Aragonite (good for cichlids) bottom, with a couple power heads leads to zero substrate maintenance. The waste sits on top of the sand and eventually works it way into the filter. If the sand is deep enough (2" or so), the mbuna won't be able to expose the glass bottom as it keeps raveling into the hole.

Save

smccleme

· #12 · Jan 19, 2016

cpat83 said:
I don't know how you'd set up a drip system to look decent for a show tank in a living space... all the one's i've seen (only on you tube) have a ton of eye sore piping into fish rooms.

If you have a canopy and can run the lines down behind the tank than it's easy to make it look good. If you have a sump, it's even easier.

Save

smccleme

· #13 · Jan 19, 2016

KTown mbunamani said:
Thanks, I just did the heater size calculation that I found on American Aquarium, and came up with 2, 100 watt heaters also. Good to hear that the overflows are reliable! Do you have to pull out all the rock work every few months to clean the sand under them? I've heard that if you don't...things can get real nasty!

I haven't moved the rocks for over a year and haven't had a problem. I'll stir up the sand I can easily reach from time to time (every 3-4 months).

Save

1 - 3 of 14 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month