Lake Malawi cichlids are good-looking fish and I admire your resolve to set up a Malawi cichlid tank. Before you make a start I wish to ease just how by discussing several aspects you might not have allowed for. It is a big job and it is most difficult to rectify afterwards as once the tropical tank is filled with water will probably be near impracticable to move.
The first consideration would be the spot. Is your considered position big enough to match your size of tropical aquarium and include adequate space to permit filter tubes as well as lighting cables to run down behind the tank plinth? Sometimes you should have access to these items and if you can't get hold of it, it will make life difficult. You must set aside plenty of working room.
Direct sunny daylight is the next major point. If the tank is in the shine of direct sunny daylight, algae will spread like wildfire on the inside of the glass, on rocks, driftwood in addition to plants. This can be minimised by means of a choice of water treatment plans but it is not idyllic. It would in addition make cleaning your tropical aquarium much more labor than it must be as well as spoiling the overall display of your African cichlids.
If at all feasible you should steer clear of placing your tropical tank against a cold outer wall. A cichlid freshwater aquarium by characterization is filled with warm water. If you have something cooling the water temperature down, your heaters will have to work excessively to keep the acceptable temperature for your fish. This will additionally increase your electricity statement enormously.
Family speeding past your aquarium will startle your cichlids and cause them unjustifiable strain. Accidental knocks and bangs on the aquarium will also upset your Lake Malawi cichlids in addition to the likelihood of damage caused to the glass which might be a major tragedy. Hence a quieter location would be favored by every one, especially your Lake Malawi cichlids.
Lastly, please grant some attention to cleaning time. You will require to transport substantial quantities of waste water away from the aquarium. Do you have a clear way to the garden? The water can be used to irrigate flower beds and potted plants as opposed to being flushed into the open drain system. You do not want trip hazards whilst you are moving a bucket of old cichlids water. It’s not beneficial for the carpet, believe me. Been there - done that.
I trust that I have opened your eyes to a handful of other concerns other than ‘It’ll look nice there’ when it comes to setting up a Malawi cichlid tropical tank. Of course you would like it to come across pleasant, but without added issues down the line. I also fully appreciate that you might not have the capacity to fulfill every part of the points listed above therefore you will have to consider every tip on your own situation and make your own personal decision.
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If I were to prefer just one detail above all others it would be to keep away from the sunny daylight. Not only is it bad for your tank, you won’t see a thing with the sunlight reflecting off the glass and that’s not why you set up a Cichlid Aquarium in the first place.