Lake Malawi Tank Set Up

Question
QUESTION: Hi, im thinking of setting up a lake malawi cichlid tank for the first time. so i was wondering basically How?
What gallon tank should i use? what substrate do i need? what rock do i need? how do i keep the rock stable and prevent it from falling and breaking the glass? and basically anything you can tell me about setting up a lake malawi tank and maintaining it

ANSWER: Hi Kane...
You will need at least a 75 gallon tank with good filtration.
Crushed coral for gravel to keep PH up. They need at least 8.0 PH.
You will need to use cichlid lake salt also.
The best rock is anything that resembles a cave. They need to hide a lot. Just get to a pet shop and ask for cave like structures. They are built not to fall and break glass.
Here is a great web page to help you

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/lake_malawi_setup.php

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, sorry i didn't put this in my last message. what sort of fish will go together ive herad about malawi cichlids and tanganyikan can they go together how many fish would go in a 75 gallon. where can i obtain this salt.

Thanks alot

Answer
Hi Kane...
I wouldn't mix tangs and Malawis. Two different water chemistry set ups.
You can have about 16 fish in a 75 gallon as I do.
Electric Yellow Labs, Electric Blue Ahli, P. Kennyi, Powder Blue Scolofi.
3 females to a male or else all males...
You can make a cheap home recipe for cichlid lake chemistry as follows.
RIFT LAKE BUFFER RECIPE

Ingredients
Epsom Salt
Marine Salt
Baking Soda

Instructions
For every 5 US Gallons of water, add 1-tablespoon Epsom salt, 1-teaspoon baking soda, and 1-teaspoon marine salt.

Remember to pre-mix this in tap water.
Also, when you do water changes, only add back what you take out.

So, if you change out 30 gallons a week, add enough cichlid salt recipe based on 30 gallons.