African cichlids (Malawi): step-by-step setup

7 steps from choosing the spot to adding the first fish.

1. A long 200 L+ tank

   Length matters more than height (120 cm+). A strong filter at 8–10× turnover (canister or sump).

2. Lots of rock, aragonite sand

   Many caves of holey or ocean rock; aragonite or crushed coral keeps pH 7.8–8.6. Rocks sit on the glass, not on the sand (they dig).

3. Cycle the tank (the key step)

   Fill with dechlorinated water, run filter and heater, add an ammonia source (a pinch of food daily or 2 ppm ammonia) plus bottled bacteria. Test every two days: ammonia rises, then nitrite, then nitrate. Ready when ammonia and nitrite read zero three times in a row and nitrate shows (2–6 weeks). Log the tests and Zajel shows the stage.

4. Overstocking

   Mbuna are kept crowded to spread aggression: one male per 3–4 females, no two similar-looking males, all added on the same day.

5. Plant-based diet

   Mbuna graze algae: spirulina-based foods. Rich protein (bloodworm) causes Malawi bloat.

6. Mouthbrooding

   The female holds eggs 21–28 days; isolate her or strip after day 14. Log the holding date.

7. Maintenance routine

   Feed once or twice a day what is eaten in 2–3 min, one fast day a week. Change 20–30% weekly with matched, treated water. Rinse filter sponges in old tank water, never tap water. Test weekly. Zajel reminds you.