Aquascape Tutorial: EPIC 4ft African Cichlid Aquarium - Lake Tanganyika (How To Step By Step Guide)

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I've wanted to build an African Cichlid tank for a year but was always worried because it's quite different from my usual setups. I decided to bite the bullet and go for it and I'm so pleased I did. These fish are fascinating and I think the whole setup brings a huge new dynamic to the studios.
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[@MDFishTanks]

NEW MERCH CLICK HERE: teespring.com/en-GB/stores/md-fish-tanks I've wanted to build an African Cichlid tank for a year but was always worried because it's quite different from my usual setups. I decided to bite the bullet and go for it and I'm so pleased I did. These fish are fascinating and I think the whole setup brings a huge new dynamic to the studios. Equipment (all links affiliate): LED FLOODLIGHTS: US amzn.to/3j1jqVo UK amzn.to/3orIdRv CANISTER FILTER: US amzn.to/3iNeVtW UK amzn.to/2Fo774a BUDGET CANISTER FILTER: US amzn.to/3wKbvzX UK amzn.to/3gRbBPu STAINLESS LILY PIPES: US amzn.to/2FqHpvR UK amzn.to/2RlfrnC GOOD BUDGET LIGHT:: US amzn.to/2MDfjk1 UK amzn.to/3iYlfQQ SMALL HANG ON BACK FILTER: US amzn.to/2Mw63OO UK amzn.to/39rx3b5 NANO INTERNAL FILTER: US amzn.to/3oxGBWm UK GOOSENECK CLIP ON LAMP: (similar as product is now discontinued) US amzn.to/2IlwLVA UK amzn.to/2LNat13 MINI WATER PUMP: US amzn.to/2oAmf5y UK amzn.to/2mjHDez TANKS: US amzn.to/2SOocHG UK amzn.to/2SPA24i STRIP LED LIGHT: US (similar) amzn.to/2SNgbm7 UK amzn.to/2Fn9aW1 ASTA LED LIGHT: US amzn.to/3k9EmpY UK amzn.to/3p5XUPY AQUARIUM RACKING: Shelving: US amzn.to/2SrYZ5k UK amzn.to/2GFWKJ2 AIRPUMP (FILTER SYSTEM): US amzn.to/31z8FA9 UK amzn.to/37GIoUa FILTER SPONGES: US amzn.to/3dQLUfM UK amzn.to/3dS2k7K MEDIA BAGS: US amzn.to/34Kaf2N UK amzn.to/3lAj3z1 BOWL AQUARIUMS: US amzn.to/2M4FwFO UK: amzn.to/2Vx73CL HARDSCAPE AND PLANTS: www.aquariumgardens.co.uk/

[@MDFishTanks]

@Abdullah Makki Mohammed I don't think he made it. But I did find a wood shrimp.

[@TheYorkBlue]

Love this but having kept cichlids for around 10 years initially I thought otherwise but I eventually loved having loads of cichlids in the tank makes it much more enjoyable honestly and overtime it looks even better particularly from a distance and if you get lots of diversity with around 60 more fish whit 10 each of a certain variety it makes it so much funner and better looking honestly

[@kaleo_wong6590]

HELLO

[@graffic13]

You should find sailfish mollies !!! Also ... jack dempsey and Jaguar cichlids were 2 of the most rewarding cichlids I've had!! Much personality and parrot cichlids are a riot!!!!

[@Pravinkumar-zv7ww]

@Alex R. they take over the entire tank Sagittaria will have a decent height in this tank But they won't last I guess

[@michaelrasmussen9630]

One of the only fishtubers that actually delivers when they put epic in the title.

[@danielmadsen439]

Hes the only one i watch regularly. Every vid is awesome, entertaining, AND educational

[@danielmadsen439]

Hes the only one i watch regularly. Every vid is awesome, entertaining, AND educational

[@newwarleans]

No lies told here

[@emiliaroman8631]

That's why I love his videos

[@pauldeacon8764]

Great video matey!😀👍

[@sankarshdv]

It's so amazing how the fish keeping hobby turns a person to be a carpenter, painter, plumber, chemist, nutritionist and everything else that I can think of :D

[@shesellsfish]

That’s the truth, keeping fish truly does turn you into a jack of all trades.

[@rockfella27]

These days I'm toying with silicone. Can't agree more man.

[@Zer-db1bp]

That’s what I love about it. Especially with MD and SerpaDesign. Both of them are MASTERS of the hobby.

[@germanyball6827]

Yeah true when I first started fish keeping I turned into a doctor, dietitian, nutritionist and a pornstar

[@bones1026]

@@Zer-db1bp tanner is so many levels above md imo

[@hammadjahangir1404]

He didn’t use pearl weed! That’s it, that’s the comment!

[@MDFishTanks]

...there's still time 😜

[@divyan.guruapekshith2825]

Hahaha 😂😂😂😂 the cichlids will start to munch on the pearl weed .

[@Dxtuhmc]

What's the 'real' name of pearlweed

[@freddothefrog6750]

@@Dxtuhmc Hemianthus callirtrocides, I think

[@rara5212]

@@freddothefrog6750 no it is hemianthus glomeratus!

[@DP-ym8zf]

7:57 Whenever MD says "locally sourced", he means he stole it from his mother-in-law's driveway. Same as the "locally sourced" pebbles he got 😂

[@MDFishTanks]

You know it 🤣

[@Zer-db1bp]

I’ve done this so many times lmao. There is a drainage ditch next to my driveway that is made up of big round river stones.

[@dollin9515]

You need a lot more shells for the mutlies!

[@MDFishTanks]

On their way...

[@AmandaComeauCreates]

And more sand! They move it all over, you're gonna have uncovered foam really soon!

[@UrbanHafner]

I was going to say. More substrate so that they don't dig down to the glass.

[@traviscowley4780]

@@AmandaComeauCreates I had a Midas cichlid that would build a mound of sand in the middle of the tank. He would also tip over this decorative pot. I tried for a long time to fix the pot, but every morning I would come down and he'd have turned it upside down again. I hope MD realizes you cant beat cichlids, they will just keep moving stuff the way they like it, very hard to have a "perfect" looking tank

[@rodneywalat8956]

It's going to be fun watching MD go through his learning curve with these fish and their antics. I hope he keeps us posted with frequent updates.

[@katywi4534]

Because of MD i got my first tank for Christmas . 29 Gal, planted, then I saw his shrimp tank. I thought Oh sweet, I can do that and 5 months later I got a 20 Gal shrimp tank. 3 week ago I got my 20 gal planted tank. If I keep going like this I will have my house full of tank and the Husband camping in the yard since there won't be room for him inside. Thanks MD for the inspiration.

[@kurokii7596]

OMG!!! 40min video! A full build, we don't have to wait more days to just see its complete! Thanks MD love the vids as always. Thanks for a Wonderful Content!

[@ckid8957]

Was hoping the camera would pan round to MD playing the piano and thanking everyone for watching

[@brydieduve4517]

The fact that there isn’t an obnoxious running water sound in the background of your videos is simply amazing.

[@alexyerrell4642]

Oh yes been look forward to this for the passed couple of days, honestly md is the reason I got in to planted tanks and aquascaping. Keep up the good work my man

[@MDFishTanks]

Thanks for the kind words Alex. Means a lot :)

[@alexyerrell4642]

@@MDFishTanks no worrys mate 👍. I'm thinking about to doing a dwarf frog aquarium any advice you could give would be very much appreciated :)

[@MDFishTanks]

@@alexyerrell4642 No Idea mate. Someone else will chime in and it's something I want to do at some point in the future...

[@iden4371]

Same and I love my planted tanks

[@dazzac2708]

@@alexyerrell4642 i have 4 ADFs and they are super fun characters, definitely get at least 4 if you have the space. Some really good groups on facebook with plenty of good advice.

[@kevinmeldrum1]

Cichlids love to dig and make holes. Good luck keeping the styrofoam covered.

[@feralon9570]

This could be solved easily by adding a few pebbles around the base of the rocks.

[@lourdesgallegos7508]

That’s exactly what I was thinking, I was always raking to keep up with my little diggers! Although, it is fun to watch them interact with the substrate.

[@astro5777]

Watching while doing the dishes! ❣️

[@aarpy8694]

That's what KZbin is for

[@ajiarofah7633]

Drink cofee♥️😁👆

[@thesoftballer16]

When I saw the shimmer I wished we had more like buttons because one is not enough for this!

[@elliottbeard9976]

African dwarf frog aquarium would bang

[@ellenm4560]

40 minutes? You're spoiling us MD 😉

[@sharonlewis6258]

I love the yellow fish. Yes, you do need more shells. That tank looks fantastic.

[@jakesaquaticworld2669]

* insert dr Seuss reference *

[@Squishy-Fish]

The long-format videos like this are awesome

[@MarilynBadra]

Omg the Buddha tank is FLORISHING 😍 12:46

[@Tuppyandizzy]

I believe md will destroy the business of them companies who advocate that you need expensive planted tank lights.

[@MDFishTanks]

The expensive lights really are the bee's knees to be honest and give another level of colour combined with co2. But I feel this is a good option for those on a tighter budget and can move onto the investment of the high end RGB lighting if they enjoy the hobby.

[@Tuppyandizzy]

@@MDFishTanks good day mate ! You won't believe it, but you've changed the game , i live in kashmir and it is impossible to get proper stuff to do a planted tank here . I build an awesome tank no one really believed i could do that on the budget i had . It's only because of your work i was able to do it. If you like i can send some pictures your side.

[@uzumakimishal7435]

@@Tuppyandizzy hello there I am from kerala It feels kind a good When you hear there are people who are interested in the hobby in india too

[@Tuppyandizzy]

@@uzumakimishal7435If you be careful enough in reading it , I've written " I'm from kashmir" , not india :)

[@uzumakimishal7435]

@@Tuppyandizzy sorry bro my bad :) Anyway have a good life 😇😇

[@Beduin07]

MD you certainly know some magic.

[@mathewkarsten5481]

Welcome to the world of cichlids they are so much fun to watch

[@peterscott6672]

You definitely need to get the water hardness up to around 300 ppm with a ph of at least 7.5 to get the best conditions for African Cichlids

[@mann1zee]

MD getting buff picking up all these heavy rocks

[@terrorwisp5075]

That lamp construction is exactly what I did with 2x 10W LED flood lights to keep a little corner of my living room iluminated for my plants to propagate. The tank is as beautiful as I'd expect any tank from you. Thanks for the content ✌

[@ethanstiles159]

40 min MD video to start off the day? thank u lord 🙏

[@rickspringer4814]

Phew. Balancing those rocks almost gave me heart palpitations.

[@v_1682]

40min video? Yes please!!

[@13benjaminhall]

The hole in the centre is for the cable and the two outer holes are for fixing the lights FYI 👍🏻

[@woltergrant]

I hope you have invited aquarium store bru Matt to your studio before for a tour, he’s like the second most popular person to be on your channel besides you lol. If not, you should extend on out his wayy

[@carolebraswell982]

Wow! When you do a cichlid tank you really do it right! I always love the road trips, and Matt knows absolutely everything! It's going to be so fun watching this tank mature.

[@joealyjim3029]

I knew you could make a simple aquascape with rocks and just a few plants look amazing but i wasnt expecting it to look that good. Big inspiration for when i set up my next tank.

[@something-unique]

Sorry if this has been commented but don't you have soft water? These are hardwater fish ideally you should be buffering your ph with aragonite substrate.

[@AlbertRutter]

Most of the U.K. has hard water.

[@jonathanrichardson7969]

Most of these fish are now captive bread and not wild caught. This means that most water parameters no longer apply as the fish have bred for generations in what ever water the is in the local of the breeder

[@traviscowley4780]

ya not like they were pulled from the lake in africa, these fishes' great great grandparents were still multigeneration captive bred. Most pet shop fish are fine with whatever tapwater you have

[@something-unique]

@@traviscowley4780 Im more familiar with A1 or wild caught Tanganyikans which would be more sensitive to water params like this. Do you have links to any studies which suggest that captive bred are more tolerant to software and it won't affect long term health?

[@traviscowley4780]

@@something-unique To be fair here, I dont recall MD's actual numbers on his water parameters. But just from experience, countless forums and breeders, usually fish are fine with a PH around 7. Thats what the fish stores have them at, what most water is, and captive bred fish seem to be able to adapt better to different PH changes. Possibly a trait that was unintentionally selectively bred (the fish that were tougher lived). As for the GH, I forget his numbers so if its something like super soft than maybe he should try to bring it up. Again though, a lot of where these fish you find in pet stores come from, they dont have perfect simulated wild environment water. All this being said, could probably do with some crushed coral in there to help harden the water a bit, especially if he wants them to breed.

[@feralon9570]

I love cichlids for the pure intelligence factor. Most cichlids don't just swim around aimlessly looking for food and just circling the tank non stop swimming in straight lines. I love that they each do their own thing. They stop and hide and interact with everything in the tank. They have personalities that are distinct by each fish, some like one thing while others entertain themselves in other ways. They are more "pet" than "fish". My favorites are my three blood parrots, so much drama always going on in that tank! I am thinking that that fairy cichlid will need to be on my bucket list in the near future. I also LOVE shell dwellers, so much fun just to watch them!

[@AmandaComeauCreates]

There's a blue eyes open swimmer called a lampeye and it's gorgeous!!!

[@AG-wf4mu]

This video epitomises the aquascaping spirit of MD and how to encourage people into the hobby - well done on an awesome video- love the tanganyikan scape!

[@fokofeke6686]

Still remember when there were petitions for cichlid tanks in the comment section :-)

[@vishfishtanks2152]

Amazing and definitely an Epic build! Love the tutorial on the lights. I use them on a rack and they work so well. Thanks for keeping it ‘Real’.

[@GlassBoxHero]

Well done. Give it more time, those cichlids will become super active and use the entire tank. 🙂

[@engarcia33]

MD, just wanted to tell you that has to be my second most favorite tank you have build (Diskus is my favorite). I can totally appreciate all of the time and hard work to get this video out but it's absolutely fantastic!! I can't wait for more videos once the baby is out.

[@fishdakid895]

Where was this video yesterday when I was bored at work. Great vid awesome tank 🤟👍❤️

[@robconwell7409]

One of my favourite videos you ever done- incredible to see it from start to finish and inspiring me for a cichlid tank!

[@mattphillips6714]

It’s amazing how a shimmer can really bring a tank to life... it already looks great 👍

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

I love the DIY lighting with these flood lights!! Colin Barsby/Aussie Aquatics just did a video on them... Such a great option, they look great, they work and they don't break the bank!!!😁 I really enjoyed the setup and seeing you step out of your comfort zone a little bit 💪 I like the sagittarius in there🌿💚 Great selection of fish!! My favorites would have to be the Julies!! I hope you're having a wonderful day!! Thanks for sharing!!🌿🐟🌿💚 You're going to become a cichlidaholic 🤣🤣💚

[@MDFishTanks]

Thanks Mary, really glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheHukomsinQueensland]

I always love wautching your channel. It gets me so inspired and excited to work on my tank again.

[@hopeash1498]

This is such a different build, but I actually love it!!! Seeing something so new has me chomping at the bit to get my 55 gallon up and running like I've been trying to for a hot minute!

[@Scorpielle]

Loved seeing the trips to the stores! Makes me want to have a room full of tanks!

[@joannaspivey566]

A real show! Thank you MD for interesting, fun and cheerful videos. 🙂

[@mindovrmatter33]

Love that Matt’s catch phrase was a go right from the beginning 😂 Let’s do it!

[@jackvanpelt]

When I saw the shimmer, I saved the video. THAT is top notch

[@rimmakh7559]

Guys, you're so great! It's wonderful to see you both around your fans, so shy and modest) You're virtually illuminating the way to all those people who are fond of aquatic scapes and underwater wildlife. Thank you so much for all your beautiful clips and amazing work!

[@danmatthews7341]

Brilliant set up. Really nice to see a basic but affective scape with very low planting makes a great contrast to all your other tanks 👍

[@dallasaquascapingguy]

Always a good day to see you post a new video. I have never been a fan of Cichlids, but I love your enthusiasm. Great job!

[@bw68901]

So,so,so glad you did this. Good luck from Nebraska, U.S.A.

[@EricLabelleUX]

An interesting departure from what you are used to doing! I think it’s going to be really interesting to see the tank and fish mature in there!! Keep us posted!!

[@Edward-rw3kq]

I'm verrry envious of this stunning tank....👏👏👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@faedoyle4147]

This is sooooo magical!!! The clean lines, that awesome shimmer, and the absolutely gorgeous fish are just amazing!! This video is so damn good!!

[@ropeburns1928]

I've just discovered your channel and I have to say it's absolutely brilliant. It's quite clear you're doing this for all the right reasons and you have the best interests for the fish you keep. I have a small tank with Black widow tetras and a few guppies and it brings me enormous pleasure, so I can only imagine what a project of your size does for you. Fantastic mate.

[@twunderaquatics1770]

I wasn't sure how this would look. It's harder to work with only hardscape. You definitely have an extraordinary talent for scapes. Liked

[@michaelrbodner]

Hands down my favorite KZbin channel. I love each next tank more than the previous. Keep it up!!

[@fpnightshade]

Nice to see someone down to earth that explains his reasons for everything but more importantly doesn't waste money on making something simple, effective and awesome!

[@richardhunt5765]

That looks so amazing. Can't wait to see them once they are fully settled. Great job again 👍🏻

[@mishao3215]

Fantablulous! Nice to see such diversity on your studios. This is one of those that is simplistically beautiful. Can't wait for the sardines.

[@n.c.3137]

Love your videos. Always look forward to them. love your enthusiasm and how you get excited about even the little things, very inspiring, great content every time and you clearly love and care about all your fish 🤗👍

[@LaquanaWilliams30]

I love the simplicity of this tank...beautiful

[@traserdean3716]

You did an amazing job mate! I started my own planted aquarium because of you! Keep it up you're a aqua scaping genius!

[@loleeloleelol]

oh my days... the end result looks so amazing... im really at a loss for words for this tank... so beautiful... 😍

[@CaritasAngola]

I'm so excited about this tank. I've had a similar idea about creating an African lake chiclid tank with some plants and seeing this is awesome. I look forward to seeing how this tank develops.

[@CricketsMa]

My favorite, so far. Love the simplicity. Can never have too many shell dwellers.

[@guynotes777]

Looks great. I have done cichlids for years and after having moved so many years ago got rid of so many rocks, etc. Back in to it for a while now and you've given me no excuse to redo my 2 tanks. I was able to grab, for free, a large bunch if shale and will be redoing them to better see and provide a better home for them..great work.

[@jerdal7590]

I just set up my multi tank this weekend. They're so fun to watch!

[@drilliams8829]

Love this tank. Nailed it on the simple and clean look. Nice break up from all the planted tanks.

[@YourGlucoseGuardian]

Best aquarium channel out there, informational,aesthetic,satisfying,interesting and beautifully filmed. Big fan ,so glad I found you

[@GSP-76]

Beautiful tank setup...I've been a African cichlid lover for as long as I can remember... have a massive 240g tank with 40g sump. I really like the rockscape here.

[@luisharleycapellan6817]

Best channel! Glad i found this gem almost year and a half now

[@karaleeann1211]

Lovely aesthetic with ALL your tanks 💗💗💗💗

[@jenxu2]

I'm loving this tank! I have a 55gal that I just didn't know what to do as far as what fish and decor. I really like this look. I think I might try something similar. I really love the yellow cichlids. Awesome content! Thank you!

[@MesserAufBlut]

I have a sneaking suspicion the outer holes of the light mounting bracket were for screws and the middle one was for the wire to route through.... either way, i love your builds and fantastic work!! Thank you for inspiring me to plant my 10gal!

[@laurag1076]

Ah good call

[@clemensescher4715]

One of the only fishyoutubers that know how the Keep fish.The tank is amazing

[@pennypaton3079]

This is my favourite video of all time. I love Cichlids,... I'm sure I've watched this one 10 + times ... I love the way you set up the rocks, sand and plants in this tank. ❤️ My Cobolt blue cichlid Boris had a huge personality. He was grumpy and the boss of the house. Lots of splashing to get attention. 😂

[@orhunvarol974]

Hey MD, amazing tank and a great selection of fish! Nice to see you to finally get into tanganyikan cichlids even though your plants are probably gonna be ruined :D Julies love to chew on the leaves and the brichardi love to dig. But the personalities are worth it so have fun!

[@tiagofernandes266]

You couldn´t have made a better choice. That tank with all that stock looks amazing. The plants suit the build very well too. Congrats.

[@TheFittedRockStar]

I love MD videos because he shows us the good and bad great work!!!

[@PeterBfishing]

Amazing video showing again you can enjoy this beautiful hobby without breaking the bank , thanks MD . Keep up the good work

[@JOlsson01]

Tanganyika cichlids, my favourite.

[@sellis2595]

Your attention to detail is inspiring.

[@luismiguelsolomon9448]

I always make time to watch your builds. I really enjoy watching your builds😊❤️

[@syedumair9899]

By far one of the best tank .... Would love to see more of cichlid content. ATB

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Absolute beauty. Love this scape man.

[@allendekrey6112]

Looking forward to see how this tank matures! Good stuff

[@raiyanhawaiian538]

By far my favourite tank!

[@alasdairaquatics]

Great scape! I really enjoy tanganyikan cichlids I think they are very underrated in the hobby. Keep up the great work 😁

[@r_k_xp]

His tanks are always so aesthetically soothing 😁

[@introvertfishkeeper6910]

I love it when you trying out new things ❤️ this is actually epic ngl😳

[@TheVoyagers.]

By far one of your best tank setups

[@josephjvr6509]

That is a gorgeous tank MD. Congrats. Awesome to see you branching out into other realms of the hobby. Exciting stuff. Would really love to see you maybe dipping your toe into the reef tank world down the line. Think you would love the characters of the fish and corals. Great content btw.

[@michaelphillips2875]

MD, incredibly beautiful with the rock work and Sag. I did something similar with Jungle Val and Seiryu Rock. Stunning build, bravo! Oh love the simple lights too!

[@charliewebb8887]

One of the best tanks you've done,love it!

[@muhammadalimamdani6659]

I love the diy lighting system you did.

[@tinchytarantula]

So glad you took the plunge I have 2 shell dweller aquariums and there so interesting to watch there always busy doing something