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

[@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

[@brydieduve4517]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 .

[@Dxtuh2008]

What's the 'real' name of pearlweed

[@freddothefrog6750]

@@Dxtuh2008 Hemianthus callirtrocides, I think

[@rara5212]

@@freddothefrog6750 no it is hemianthus glomeratus!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 ✌

[@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.

[@AlgaeWhisperer]

I realized this vid is from 3 years ago, but it's the first of your vids ive watched, enjoyed it immensely, great tutorial & info, thanks so much for sharing... cheers

[@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.

[@sharonlewis6258]

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

[@jakesaquaticworld2669]

* insert dr Seuss reference *

[@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!

[@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!

[@Squishy-Fish]

The long-format videos like this are awesome

[@ckid8957]

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

[@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!

[@mattphillips6714]

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

[@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

[@thesoftballer16]

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

[@Kevo20]

I’m having to rehome my African cichlids due to my tank size and was told by my local aquatic shop to look into Tanganyika cichlid’s. Thank you for sharing, they look amazing!!

[@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!

[@MJAquascaping]

Turned out great! Good job for stepping out of your comfort zone!

[@Cichlid_4_ever]

I drove ten hours and bought the African fairies and I love them!!! Man I love your stuff !!

[@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.

[@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.

[@mathewkarsten5481]

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

[@Ted_P]

I must be searching for the right stuff as this is recommended to me. I’m redoing my 150g and I’ve bought a couple of those 30W LED fixtures to test. I’m glad I did. Looks like I was I on the right track!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@IntusMortuum]

Favorite fish guy on KZbin super simple explanations and doesn't try to impress by pretending to be special and all knowing

[@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!!

[@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.

[@scottevans4015]

Love the fairy cichlids! Had a pair that had kids and a few survived! They were even able to hold their own with the other cichlids! Nice tank!!

[@TheHukomsinQueensland]

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

[@sellis2595]

Your attention to detail is inspiring.

[@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 👍

[@ethanstiles159]

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

[@astro5777]

Watching while doing the dishes! ❣️

[@aarpy8694]

That's what KZbin is for

[@ajiarofah7633]

Drink cofee♥️😁👆

[@mindovrmatter33]

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

[@mann1zee]

MD getting buff picking up all these heavy rocks

[@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.

[@Scorpielle]

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

[@ellenm4560]

40 minutes? You're spoiling us MD 😉

[@robertrosser9975]

Yes! My favorites. My J.Marlieri surprised me and bred in my Tanganyika community with Frontosa and Leleupi for tank mates

[@jerdal7590]

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

[@TheVoyagers.]

By far one of your best tank setups

[@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. 😂

[@loleeloleelol]

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

[@jackvanpelt]

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

[@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.

[@Plantlover294]

Nice effect with the flood lights! Very realistic tank!

[@bjsreef6620]

I’m a salt water guy. However every time I watch your videos I want to do a planted tank. I was in my local fish store looking at the planted tank stuff. I just don’t know where to begin. Keep the great videos coming.

[@MarilynBadra]

Omg the Buddha tank is FLORISHING 😍 12:46

[@13benjaminhall]

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

[@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’.

[@kyler1969]

Used to own a pet shop with over 200 aquariums, about a 1/3 of those were African cichlids. They truly are beautiful specimen, especially the brichardi

[@CricketsMa]

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

[@michaelrbodner]

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

[@maisaanmufeed438]

I still cant get over the fact that how green your tanks are, like damn that's neat, huge upsss

[@LaquanaWilliams30]

I love the simplicity of this tank...beautiful

[@godspi4609]

I came to see the tank an cichlids...but I subbed to see what's in the rest of these gorgeous tanks.

[@luisharleycapellan6817]

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

[@fishdakid895]

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

[@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!

[@clemensescher4715]

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

[@robconwell7409]

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

[@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!

[@betterthantelevision]

So. Many. Tanks. And they are all gorgeous. Not sure if I envy you, four tanks is plenty of work for me.

[@YourGlucoseGuardian]

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

[@tinchytarantula]

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

[@TheFittedRockStar]

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

[@drilliams8829]

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

[@philcarlino6942]

I'm thinking I have a new favorite tank, and a setup I want to try and replicate... Thank you for sharing, MD.

[@bw68901]

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

[@GlassBoxHero]

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

[@Beduin07]

MD you certainly know some magic.

[@jsr1879]

Truly love your videos. Extremely helpful. Agree with Michael when he describes you as EPIC.

[@kendabenn3810]

In my shelly and bichardi tank I have had good luck growing vallisneria, anubius, bacopa, and hygrophila. Both fish types are breeding and living pretty peacefully together. I bought them as juveniles and raised them up together.

[@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.

[@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!

[@jaidenwalls1179]

I love your channel. Your absolutely 100% my favorite channel. I wish you could upload more but I understand it’s a lot of work and they would be lower quality. Great job on your channel growth

[@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 🤗👍

[@joannaspivey566]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@passenger3]

TANKS LOOKING "DOPE" Nice to see some diversity in the studio now 👍 I knew it wouldn't be long 😆 I just had to wait lol

[@amx1820]

From the most densely planted to the most bare tank haha nice work Mr. MD

[@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.

[@Lulu.G-61]

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.

[@a_dreamingboy]

I think this is by far one of my most favourite tank ...

[@premramsita8354]

This rig looks amazing, good work MD

[@Comercomerce]

That handmade hanging light is amazing!

[@AmandaComeauCreates]

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