Lake Malawi Cichlids Aquarium

Question
Hi, I purchased a 4 foot 55 gallon aquarium with a built in sump filter (in the tank) in which I intend to stock around a total of 12 or 16 Lake Malawi cichlids from the Mbuna species.  The tank is on a wooden cabinet.

I intend placing around 20 Kilograms (total) of sandstone in the tank for rock work.  The base glass of the tank is 10mm thick.  What is the safest way to do this?  

Can you also please confirm whether it is advisable to place the rocks before the gravel or the gravel before the rocks.

Any other suggestions are most welcome.

Answer
Hi Munaaf

When I set up my African Cichlid tanks and my South American tanks, I put small towels under the aquarium between the glass and the stand. The towels are carefully folded and tucked under the tanks and cannot be seen. Then I used about 1/2 inch thick styrofoam on top of the base glass inside the aquarium. I put the rocks on top of the styrofoam. Doing it this way will prevent the rocks from shifting when the Cichlids dig. But, you have to make sure the Cichlids are not disturbing the styrofoam when they dig. You'll see styrofoam particles floating in the tank if they are digging in the styrofoam. My tanks have been set up for years and I've never seen my Cichlids chewing on the styrofoam.

I used Cichlid sand in my tanks and put the sand on top of the styrofoam about 3 inches deep around the rocks. All of my Cichlids dig in the substrate and a few of them even toss small rocks around the tank. They are constantly redesigning the aquascape in the bottom of the tank. And don't bother redoing it, they'll just put it back the way it was within a couple of hours after you do. After all, it is their home and should be decorated the way the want it :-) None of my tanks have ever cracked or leaked.

Before you set up your tank, you should know the weight limits of your stand. The rocks of course are very heavy. Make sure you know the weight of your tank with the rocks inside. There are many rock substitutes sold at all fish stores that have the look of real rocks without the weight. A filled 55 gallon aquarium without the rocks will weigh 625 lbs when filled with water.

Take all necessary precautions and you should be ok. I hope this is helpful to you, good luck!

Richard