Keeping Malawi Cichlids

In order to keep your Malawi Cichlids successfully you will need to replicate as far as possible their natural conditions. Lake Malawi is relatively alkaline with a pH of 7.5 to 8.8, but is soft to medium hard.

One way of ensuring that you maintain a high pH is to use a material that will buffer the pH high. This can be achieved using crushed coral sand or gravel that is placed in the substrate. Alternatively it can be placed in a container to in the filter. The coral leeches minerals that raise the pH and buffer it so it maintains a stable high pH level. Other materials like crushed shell (like Oyster shell) can also be used. Another option is to use rocks such as limestone, which also act as decoration and shelter.

In their natural environment, Malawi Cichlids live in water temperatures of around 24-26C or 76-79F, therefore you will need to try and replicate this within your aquarium. In order to avoid variations in temperatures you will need to locate your aquarium away from heaters and out of direct sunlight.

When thinking about decorating a tank for Malawi Cichlids you should consider their natural habitat. Lake Malawi, being a rift lake, is generally quite rocky, although there are areas around the shore line that are quite sandy. There are generally few plants. Generally speaking, there are two groups of Malawi Cichlids. There are rock dwellers which prefer a rocky habitat and will therefore need a tank filled with rocks. Then there are the Haps and the Peacocks that live in the sandy habitat. It is better not to mix the two types as they can be aggressive towards one another.

Once you have decided on which type to keep, it is simply a matter of decorating your aquarium accordingly. The rock-dwellers (or mbuna) will require plenty of rocks to make them feel at home. The Haps and Peacocks will need a sandy substrate and prefer mostly open water to swim in.