Best Way To Scape an MBUNA Cichlid Tank

I've had ENOUGH! No more sh*tty scape for these beautiful mbuna cichlid fish. I'm stripping it down to nothing and adding everything back, including an egg crate to help keep my tank from cracking. These mbuna deserve more caves and hiding places, and they're going to get it. Sit back and enjoy.
Cichlid Charmer is dedicated to sharing the joy of keeping African cichlids and American cichlids and sharing information about them. Much of my content is not cichlid fish specific, however. It also pertains to all tropical fish aquariums. I will share what I have learned about cichlids and other fish, and everyone is welcomed to comment with their own experiences and information about fish and aquarium practices in general.
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Check out this playlist:
• African Cichlid Genera...
#cichlidcharmer #aquariumhobby #aquarium

[@CichlidCharmer]

Do you have mbuna? What do you think of all those caves?

[@dcameron0500]

Finally thanks for a tank update on the mbuna tank mate!

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@dcameron0500 took way too long, you’re right. Thank you for your patience and for watching!

[@dcameron0500]

What type of mbuna do you have? Will be definitely using some of the ideas with the rock for my tank. Like how you put the plastic mesh down as a base. That will stop the fish from creating sand caves which stuff up the layer of the sand.

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@dcameron0500 my first mbuna video has the unboxing with them all so far it’s working great - no huge piles of sand yet 🤞

[@Rudy-y2m]

My mbuna just started doing this shaking thing. I thought its a glitch in the matrix😂 but looking closely i saw they had these very small white dots. Any advice on that?

[@jameswheeler-69]

Just started my first Mbuna tank, 60 gallon long, I love them!!! You have helped me along the way, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@CichlidCharmer]

That's awesome! Have fun with those weirdos.

[@pollylewis9611]

WOW, you did such an amazing job on the Mbuna tank, my rock fall all over the place think I'll try that egg crate idea, nice very nice and yours look great. Now for the root in your big swimming pool tank looks a bit lonely so maybe just lean one of the branches already in it on the root just to incorporate it into the decor, leaving more room for your huge Nut Jobs to swim around. Thank you for the updates I enjoy your videos, oh and more eggs "yikes" haha! ManMan my maingano mbuna has turned into the meanest, unholy jerk earning him top A-hole in my fish world, he is now in a tank with only 1 other fish from killing off 5 now even Billy Bass the _ss can you believe it. OK thanks again love your videos.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you! That’s a great idea about incorporating a branch into the root. I really like where the branches are now, so maybe I’ll get something new to do that. Plus some more roots I think. It’s funny how your maingano is a nightmare, but mine is a pretty nice guy lol.

[@SWIFTPASSAGE]

Awesome! Keep the content coming. These videos are causing my tanks to grow in numbers. The larger, the better. 😂 😊

[@CichlidCharmer]

Hahaha it’s getting hard to find places for new ones! Thanks for watching

[@SWIFTPASSAGE]

@CichlidCharmer That's the truth my landlord will kick me out soon. Better start looking to buy. 😀

[@HapiPETSWM]

Caves and swim ways make mbuna happy! Garden hose works well as a siphon to remove sand. Mbuna will also eat the algae that grows on rocks. As for being a bad fish keeper… you are a rock star among teenage musicians. You have great tanks and fish as to most people keep easy fish that could practically live in a boot, not really but if we are talking interest and ability to draw attention/greet glass, cichlids by far are a show stopper. For my Mbuna tank I bought tons of rocks and practically rebuild it once or twice a month so it’s always different and as long as the fish look great I’m as happy as a clam. Your rock castle, as I like to call it, looks amazing! May even redo mine to look more like yours! Mbuna cichlids are different but more of gang so it feels like they are hanging out with you and the other fish! Great tank and great fish! Stay happy and healthy my friend!!! 😊❤

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@HapiPETSWM you flatter me lol. Great idea with the hose 🤩. They certainly are unique fish. I always knew they were a lot different from peas and haps, but I didn’t know HOW different! Thanks, always good to hear from you 🥰

[@Shadow-wn5fw]

Great video as always. I have an egg crate covering the bottom of my 75 gallon tank as well. After looking at a couple of your videos you have made me think about replacing my underwater galleries with river rocks. Stunning!

[@CichlidCharmer]

Well thank you! I have to go river rock hunting again soon for my black Nasties.

[@Shadow-wn5fw]

Question for you. What lighting are you using on your tank? Your tank color looks amazing. My lighting has started giving me problems so I know that I will be purchasing a new one soon.

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@Shadow-wn5fw This tank just has a Fluval Aquasky light strip. And what you're seeing isn't exactly how I have it set all the time. I adjust it for video. I typically have more red and almost no blue with some pure white light. Red is the greatest percentage usually. I'm sure there are better settings though.

[@Shadow-wn5fw]

Ok. Thanks. That may be where I’m going wrong. I am using more blue and white than red.

[@Shadow-wn5fw]

Don’t you worry about the weight of all those rocks sitting in your tank? I picked out a 10 gallon bucket of river rocks and it was very heavy.

[@stefanosahretis5075]

Both mbuna tanks look amazing mate, just add more fish in the 75, well done . I used to do the same thing with my rocks also.

[@CichlidCharmer]

I think the caves are already kind of crowded with fish. Maybe when I upsize to the 125. Thank you!

[@jeremymoore450]

CC, Nice MBUNA setup with all the rocks. They look so happy. The only thing that will suck if a fish dies in one of the caves it might be hard to find them. For the branch in the CA / SA tank I think it needs some rocks below the branch that might make it look better. It just looks like you stuck a stick in the corner like it was leftover. Maybe add some Little Rock’s around the bottom of the branch to add some more flare to it. Appreciate the video sir. Always good to see the tanks and what the fish are up to.

[@dascudder]

Dude you can’t say root like that 😂 Rut is what deer do. Oooo Roooot. I am Grooooot. Say it with me. Root 😂😂😂😂

[@CichlidCharmer]

You English types think you’re sooooooo smart. 😂😂😂

[@dascudder]

@@CichlidCharmerHahahha 👍

[@lastditch727]

Trollol 😂

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@lastditch727that’s just Paul. He’s a regular here lol

[@Rudy-y2m]

Bro you just killed me😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@seansmith6372]

You're so funny. Luv this humor.

[@CichlidCharmer]

It’s always so strange when someone gets my humor lol. Thanks, Sean 🤩

[@Lion-h3art]

Since you asked: I think the 435 would look better with a thicker piece of driftwood, just like the one you have in your other big tank which looks stunning. Thanks for sharing, and good luck my fish brotha.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thanks for your opinion! I do like that thick piece in the 180. Can’t believe I stumbled across it.

[@michaelbarkwell4035]

Love the way it looks! Any plans to add more Mbuna? I agree that new branch in the American cichlid tank looks a little forlorn by itself😂

[@dj.excess]

Looks good. I always order tons of stuff from aquadecor because shipping is pricey for couple items. I like to have more stuff and change it up later than to want stuff and have to order. I have 3 standing logs with bases I don’t use now, but have. I get bored of stuff, so I always change it up every water change

[@CichlidCharmer]

That sounds like it would really keep your interest up, fresh and new with every water change. Thanks!

[@Jake-ur2wf]

I do think the lone driftwood piece in the corner looks a bit out of place since that section is empty, but it's a great piece that will add a lot to the tank! I agree that more driftwood (or the standing logs) with more rock work would make it look awesome! That being said not sure if the soon-to-be huge fish would want too much stuff in there. That's the same kind of issue I had with my big tank - never feels like you've put enough decoration in it! Great video.

[@CichlidCharmer]

I get that - thank you!

[@declanbowles661]

Nice job my man greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@declanbowles661]

Maby add 7 or 8 more fish too 👍

[@CichlidCharmer]

Ireland - awesome!

[@brianmenard4713]

Love river rock for mbuna

[@thunderrball]

Great set up... ..question: what would the best way to get all the detritus out from under all the rocks? thanks

[@CichlidCharmer]

You know that is a great question. Without destroying the rocks and setting them up again that's a tough one. I have a wave maker that can help a little,but it will always find its way into the caves.

[@thunderrball]

Ok thanks, I use a wave maker too, but there are always some dead spots @@CichlidCharmer

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@thunderrball You're spot on there!

[@twoturtletom]

Boiling rocks is really, really dangerous as they could expand and explode, depending upon the rock. Nice re-do of the Mbuna tank!

[@CichlidCharmer]

I’ve heard that before as well, but none of mine ever did that. Hard to tell on the internet what’s true and isn’t. I read several people saying you need to freeze your fish food or it loses its nutrients, but I confirmed with northfin this isn’t true. I do my best lol. Thank you for the nice comment 🥰

[@MegaBigcee]

Like the video what type of sand you're using or is pool sand good to use

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you! In this tank and in Alcatraz, it's Caribsea aragonite.

[@GabrielBarron808]

🔥just wondering where did you get your very pretty mbunas?

[@CichlidCharmer]

Live fish direct. Thank you 😘

[@boynton_cichlids7325]

Nice

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you.

[@boynton_cichlids7325]

@CichlidCharmer I love your videos.

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@boynton_cichlids7325well thank you! I’m so glad you do 😊

[@joestasi8329]

Lol I get in trouble for using measuring spoons from the kitchen 😂

[@CichlidCharmer]

Haha, and I always use the pampered chef probe for temperature checks.

[@dermotkelly2289]

Great video. This is the first time I have seen your videos. I was always in 2 minds to keep mbuna or not. Do you know if you can keep dwarf mbunas in a dirted tank? I don't know if you know about dirtied tanks but they are supposed to be really good and you don't need water cahanges so often if you just have sponge filters but I don't know if this is 100% true . Thank you

[@CichlidCharmer]

I am not really a dwarf cichlid guy, so I don’t know for sure, but some, like apistos, love planted tanks. Seems like it would be fine. I’d call Aquarium Zen in Seattle. The owner is brilliant and an expert on dwarf cichlids.

[@dermotkelly2289]

@@CichlidCharmer Thanks so much. I will still watch your videos just in case I change my mind

[@mikejurnak0324]

You ever think about building it outside the tank and use silicone. Might give you less worries about the rocks falling or moving and you can make bigger caves. Just a suggestion.

[@CichlidCharmer]

No, but that seems like a great idea for smaller groups of rocks.

[@apeace9800]

Mbuna set-up needs far heavier stocking. Great aquascaping though. Clean and simple. Keep up the great content.

[@CichlidCharmer]

I am aware many people think that, but my guys are all getting along well and they have plenty of room in their caves. If I had more all males I think the number of caves would be a little light. If I had females too, I could see adding more for sure. Thank you!

[@apeace9800]

@CichlidCharmer You'll see more naturalistic behaviour from them and territoriality as well as maximising colour. Like you say though it's superb as-is. I speak for many of us I'm sure when I say how envious I am. I have 3 systems running currently but wish I had your space and your means.

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@apeace9800 Thanks, man. I think it would be great to have a 125 with some breeding colonies. Except I don't want fry lol

[@brianmizway9324]

So why do you think the bottom of the tank would crack without the egg crate? Because of using rocks on the bottom? I wanna do a substrate with rocks too but never thought of the class breaking. And i thought the egg crates were literal from egg cartons. Lol. Is that screen actually called an egg crate? Where do you get it from and can you buy them in different sizes? But do bottoms of tanks break when using rocks without the egg crate?

[@CichlidCharmer]

Good questions. So I haven't had one break, but I read about it happening. Generally you want to keep heavy rocks from touching the glass anywhere in your tank. That's funny that you thought egg crates were actual egg crates like eggs come in, because so did I lol. I was like, what the heck?? So they are found at Lowe's and Home Depot. Not sure exactly what they were called, but it seems like they were actually called egg crates. They'll know what you're talking about about if you ask for one.

[@brianmizway9324]

@CichlidCharmer thanks for responding to both of my posts about it. I went out and found it and bought it. Would not have known about it without you and the other viewers. Thanks so much. My substrate switching from gravel in my 75g to black diamond blasting sand medium grit. Saw this in other people's videos too. My new 125g still has gravel but I will try black sand with the African cyclid tank.

[@memberpost]

Do you mind sharing filters used for this 75 G tank ?

[@CichlidCharmer]

Sure - a Fluval fx4 and a 407.

[@memberpost]

@@CichlidCharmer Thanks for the response. I am from India and I love your work and your tanks. I am planning to setup 75 Gallon African cichlids tank mix of MBunas, peacocks and Haps of 20 fish count. My plan is to have only FX4, will it be okay ? Or more capacity required?

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@memberpost An Fx4 is probably sufficient. However, I prefer to have two filters running at all times, just in case one goes down while you are away or in case you don't notice it isn't working for a while. Also, I would consider getting an Fx6 instead if you can fit it in the budget for your new tank. You'll probably have a bigger tank eventually, and you'll be glad you have it. I personally wouldn't buy an Fx4 at all -- Always going for the Fx6 -- because the Fx4 doesn't really have much room for biomedia at all. It has two large baskets, but most of those baskets are full of sponge filtration. IMO Fx6 is the way to go.

[@JaeSwervooo]

What are the measurements for the egg crate on the 75gal

[@CichlidCharmer]

I just shaved off an inch on the length and width from the inside tank dimensions

[@JaeSwervooo]

@@CichlidCharmer thank you

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@JaeSwervooo You're welcome

[@dimaswahyu6034]

How abaut use limestone for mbuna cichlid?

[@CichlidCharmer]

Should work fine and raise your pH.

[@JackDemp719]

Hey if they fish in the wild survive the creek rocks mine can too

[@BParker55]

Add more Mbuna!

[@CichlidCharmer]

Good idea! I’ll probably wait until I get a 125 for them.

[@ChichlidsTropical]

That rock that u sent back looks like a fossil ,fossils have a line in the middle just like that and crack we open and fossil if that was ofc a real rock lol 😂

[@CichlidCharmer]

Well that's cool then. I actually just moved it to the back.

[@RobertLamberti]

Hey what kind of sand do you have?

[@CichlidCharmer]

This is Caribsea aragonite in the mbuna tank. The American tank has two different types of Kleen Blast sand.

[@RobertLamberti]

@@CichlidCharmer thank you! I'm getting ready to switch my 90 over to sand

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@RobertLamberti You're welcome! Have fun

[@RobertLamberti]

@@CichlidCharmer hey quick question, how many bags of caribsea would you recommend for a 6ft tank?

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@RobertLamberti Check this out: www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-calculator/aquarium-sand-bed-calculator?EL+%7C+ACQ_Prospecting_PMax+%7C+ROAS+%7C+Open+Targets+%7C+High+Margin&hsa_acc=7373341438&hsa_cam=17740353356&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsy1BhD7ARIsAHOi4xaZh9KGfQW4xQ9cGVHyzau5eZ-GbLiXMQYztR8ct0VOFF6R_NtvnpAaAouXEALw_wcB

[@Scotty_Brigner]

Ive got a 125 with mbuna peacocks and haps. My stone work is about 50% the height of the tank and all the fish seem happy. I know this because all of them breed like theyre getting paid to do so 🤦🏻‍♂️ only aggression issues i have is between my bumble bee and oddly enough, an OB zebra. The bumble bee gives him a hard time. My dragons blood gets a little assholy until he has made sure all the females are pregnant😂 other than that very peaceful cohabitation and the rock work doesnt seem to bother the haps and peacocks

[@CichlidCharmer]

“Like they’re getting paid to do so” 😂😂😂

[@mp5kfisher241]

How much $$ are those fake rocks on the bottom?

[@CichlidCharmer]

I don't remember, but you can find out on aquadecor's website.

[@themarkedman72]

you need more fish in the mbuna tank.

[@CichlidCharmer]

I could add more, but they are getting along fine, and I don’t have enough caves for too many more.

[@bernardecreighton1508]

Kobe Centers

[@FininisLogistics]

Choose basalt rock next time

[@CichlidCharmer]

That's funny -- you're the first to say that and you did so only a few days after I just bought some basalt lol. Thank you!

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

Never understood why people pay out the ass for fake decor when they can literally get the real deal for close to nothing or even free. Can find huge rocks like that at any home improvement center or landscaping supply store that sell gravel and rocks. Even find them for free at a lake, stream or wooded area. There is literally not a town in the US that you can not find this stuff dirt cheap. Paying $200-$1200+ for fake sticks and stones is just outright retarded. You can be in the middle of the Mohave desert or east bumblefuck Ohio and find this stuff for almost nothing.

[@CichlidCharmer]

I have a big ass that's full of money.