How To Setup a 75 Gallon MBUNA Tank | Live Fish Direct UNBOXING

[@CichlidCharmer]

Let me know what you think of mbuna cichlids, and if you have them, what are your favorites? Please hit the like button 😙

[@Saiprakash0156]

Masion reef is my favourite

[@iHavakz]

Johanni is my favorite but I wouldn't recommend because my buddy gave me a mangano and johanni murdered him over night.

[@sergah123]

I have a 75 gallon Mbuna tank my favorite is the mangano but the one I have just lost his title of boss of the tank a few days ago

[@AJKAquaria]

The most exciting fish to keep from Lake Malawi. But only when you keep colonies of different species. That's where the fish shine. 1 of those, 2 of these, etc makes for a situation where you'll never see the true potential of a species outside of 1 or 2 fish. It's not about breeding, as 95+% of fry are consumed within the first day of release.

[@aidanhamilton9859]

I love my yellow labs and demasoni! They are silly cute fish.

[@ianm659]

Mbuna are the reason I started and still love them. They are very easy to breed and fun to watch the fry grow

[@CichlidCharmer]

That’s awesome 😎

[@Mcgee18]

I loved this video watched every second of it. Good luck with the new fish!❤

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thanks Sam! I’ve been eagerly awaiting your response!

[@bruce_lero1]

Enjoyed the video. 👍🏼 Love my Mbuna tanks. Recently added some Synodontis Multipunctatus and enjoying the group of 3. They hold their own with the Mbuna

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you! How many mbuna tanks do you have?

[@bruce_lero1]

@@CichlidCharmer currently 4 - 125, 75, 60B, 20L (grow out)

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@bruce_lero1 Love it. 4 - 125's and then some. Awesome.

[@StephanTill-my3wc]

Tank looks awesome,good job. I have a 125 gallon Mbuna tank and a 150 gallon male peacock tank. I’m a big fan of Red Zebra Mbuna cichlids. Beautiful colours Have fun with your new tank and thanks for your videos 👍🏻

[@CichlidCharmer]

Sounds like some nice tanks. Still getting used to these mbuna, but I think they’re pretty cool and different. Thank you for the compliment!

[@troiskitroy772]

Mbuna male aquariums... Amazing 🎉🎉🎉

[@stefanosahretis5075]

Mbuna tank looks great.Like the selection of fish you have chosen. Texas holey rocks are great for mbuna also as they love to swim in and out of them , also helps with maintaining a good ph . Well done

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thanks, Stefanos. I’m not a fan of Texas holy rock, but it did cross my mind. Thanks for the idea though, and for watching!

[@brendatraub1161]

You've inspired me to totally change my mbuna tank landscape!

[@CichlidCharmer]

Wow, awesome! I'm really glad I did it.

[@sirgerbilmacintosh9101]

I've ordered from them many times. I find their website to be very simple and intuitive, and the fish are always nice.

[@CichlidCharmer]

I agree 🥰

[@davidhodgessr113]

Was wondering what type of cleaning process you have for the rocks retrieved from the river. I like the idea of getting some local rocks from our river (and free) but have always been afraid of what I could be introducing to my tank.

[@CichlidCharmer]

I missed my reply! Sorry. I should do more, but they come from a clean section of the river - no industrial facilities upstream. I just scrub with a brush in hot water. So far no problems

[@Shadow-wn5fw]

Great video. I have an all male tank of mbunas as well. After seeing your video will check out Live Fish Direct.

[@pollylewis9611]

Wow this is awesome, I can just sit and watch your new guys swimming in and out of their new hiding holes. Great job they all look great, oh and glad Gary had a little snack, reminds me of feeding my Oscars live fish but their so messy about it stuff would fly out of their gills making a horrible nasty mess in the tank, yuk, anyway I love your tanks and Nut Jobs!

[@CichlidCharmer]

That is so hilarious. They are extremely messy eaters those oscars!

[@Stevenk32]

Should I quarantine before introducing fish from online? I usually dont when I buy from my local store

[@CichlidCharmer]

That's a great question. The only time it isn't necessary to quarantine is when you are first adding fish to a new, fishless tank. Then the main tank essentially becomes a quarantine tank. Otherwise, it isn't worth the risk of contaminating your other fish if one turns out to be ill.

[@Stevenk32]

@@CichlidCharmer thank you for the response!

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@Stevenk32 You're welcome!

[@jeremymoore450]

CC, Awesome tank setup brother. MBUNA are so pretty. They are aggressive little monsters though. I can’t wait to see the update video. I am going through the same thing I am swapping out my substrate in my CA/SA tank from rocks to sand. I should have used sand in the beginning but I have to take it out little by little because I have no where to put the fish to completely remove the substrate. So I have to take some out each week until it’s gone so I don’t disturb the bacteria and detritus to much. I am switching it to the black sand that is in the rest of my tanks. Just so it matches and sand is way better because the food stays on top so it doesn’t fall into the rocks and gravel. Plus I got two new geophagus that will go in that tank once they are grown enough. Can’t wait to see your ca/sa tank.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Oh what a pain swapping out that substrate little by little, but you are a wise man for doing it. I’m loving. These guys so far!

[@iHavakz]

I used your code with rons cichlids and I love what I got. Now live fish direct? What am I made of money?! Great Video!

[@CichlidCharmer]

lol, glad you love your fish!

[@elivoorhees7075]

You inspired me to try out a yellow lab in my big tank. I’ve seen you have some in there with haps and peacocks. It’s so hard to find that bright yellow .

[@CichlidCharmer]

As with any cichlid you never know until you try it, and gotta keep on watching 🧐. I love my labs. I love how they claim the pipes and will chase ANYONE away, but they aren’t overly aggressive. And they’re cute 🥰

[@vitociaccio7289]

Looks great. I also have a 75 gallon mbuna tank. I have lava rock stacked. The fish have had a ton of Frye. Many of them have survived because there are a lot of hiding spots in between lava rocks. Check out the williamsi blue lips. My favorite mbuna

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you! Sounds wonderful. I actually really wanted the Williamsi blue lips, but I felt he was too large for my 75. As soon as I get a 125 or larger, he's mine!

[@spazz9974]

Hey i have a 74 gallon whats the best substrate YOU think would be good for mbunas and pleco also id like to know what should i do regarding a filter whats the best option for cichlids

[@CichlidCharmer]

Hey there! I prefer aragonite, because it brings my pH up to 7.8. It doesn’t last forever though, so it will eventually need replacing or just add some crushed coral to the tank in a mesh baggy. Filtration will depend on your stocking level, but look into the Fluval 407 and the fx6.

[@LEWYSTYLE]

I have a75 gal mbuna tank and a few Tropheus about 30 fish in all they were hiding a lot at first then I bought 3 giant danios to swim at the top of the tank and that seem to help. Now the tank is active and they are always wanting to eat

[@CichlidCharmer]

Interesting - danios. Who da though? 🤔

[@mikesouthworth58]

What did you use and how did you clean the corners out on the 55 gallon. Any suggestions would be appreciated

[@CichlidCharmer]

Gotta be careful with the corners where the silicone is. I just used my algae brush, and I didn't scrub too hard. If I wanted to really get in there, I probably would have just used my finger so I didn't scrape away any of that silicone.

[@markbee4238]

I sometimes just use a balled up paper towel. As long as it's decent quality it won't rip too quickly and it's relatively gentle

[@derwinterry9829]

Another great video! Where do you get your black background from?

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you! It’s from Amazon. The link is in the video description.

[@galejohnson8086]

My water is pH 6.8 to 7 GH 2, KH 2. Could i add salts and sodium bicarbonate to make cichlid water?

[@CichlidCharmer]

If you are adding things to your water to raise the pH, you can more easily get fluctuations which would be harder on your fish than low pH. I would try aragonite substrate or put crushed coral in a mesh bag in your filter.

[@davejenkins4534]

I love my Mbunas!!! They are the best. I have 10 now after getting 3 larger ones a few days ago, My fav so far has gotta be the Johanni and Auratus. but I just got 2 dif Soulosi varients I think! lol so we will see.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Nice! Now I’m still learning about these guys, but I know the auratus is a mean boy! Cool though 😎

[@davejenkins4534]

@@CichlidCharmer You might be right. The auratus just finally starting to establish his power..

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@davejenkins4534 Oh boy...

[@brandonodle7817]

I’ve been thinking about doing a 55 gallon mbuna tank, but I’ve heard you are supposed to do 4-5 of each species. I kinda like the way you did it, but didn’t know that was a compatible setup

[@CichlidCharmer]

I’ve heard that having a male with several females, a harem for a few different species, is the way to go. I just wanted more variety and didn’t want fry.

[@brianhahn3296]

Great vid and tank, looks awesome, wish I had the space to do a tropheus tank

[@CichlidCharmer]

Tropheus are gorgeous. I had a demon possessed one once 👹. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment, Brian!

[@WillsAquarist]

Really interesting set up - all male Mbuna tanks are something I've always been mixed on because some of the females look so good and I like to keep them in groups. Just out of interest did you consider another Peacock and Hap tank in here? If I wanted a 75g for Peacocks do you have any advice?

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thanks! Since my space is limited right now, I don't want to have duplicate types of tanks, so just one peacock/hap tank for now. I have a video on how many peas and haps to stock in your tank that has lots of advice -- it's the newest one from less than six months ago or so. But in general, I had a 75 for my peas and haps and very quickly felt that that size wasn't a good one for these fish. I personally feel they enjoy their space so much that I wouldn't do less than a 125. But if you are going to go with a 75 and don't want to do mbuna (which would be an okay size for them) then I would stick to smaller peacocks -- 4-5" if possible. some Lake Victorian haps stay on the small side. Many of your Malawi haps are going to get to be more than 6", so I would stick to peacocks and the Victorians. Beware those peacocks tend to be more aggressive than your many of the haps though.

[@WillsAquarist]

​@@CichlidCharmer thanks for the detailed reply! I'm sure I've seen that video but I'll refresh! I've got a list of 10/11 Peacocks and Haps that all look different and stay under 6 inches. Being open water fish it makes sense that they could do with more room... hmmm maybe I need a second Mbuna tank...

[@rcmiamimozzy1210]

I have a 55 gallon all mbuna tank and I love them! The yellow labs are majority and also are my favorite. No breeding has happened yet with any of them.

[@mckenzietruelove]

how many do u keep in the 55g i’m setting my up

[@NotSure876]

I’m actually thinking about doing an mbuna tank. I hadn’t lost a fish in over a year and then I made a mistake last week and wiped out 9 of my full sized 18 haps n peacocks 😡. So I’m debating about buying more or selling off the remainder and going full mbuna How do you like this tank so far?

[@CichlidCharmer]

Hey good to see you back here. Man that’s a bummer about your fish. I can totally relate because of my recent faux pas. Keep your chin up. I’m loving them so far. I’ll be releasing a video that seems to be made just for you this Saturday. It’s about whether mbuna are a good fit for you. I hope you take a peek. 👀

[@NotSure876]

@@CichlidCharmer oh awesome! I’ll keep an eye out for the video. I did a mbuna tank a few years ago that seemed to be going well, but I moved to a new state when the tank was a few months old, so I didn’t see it mature I run medicated food every 4 months, seems to eliminate bloat, for some dumb reason I tried a new food that was highly reviewed and apparently it wiped out my BB and I had a massive ammonia spike

[@CichlidCharmer]

That must have been tough leaving your brand new mbuna tank. So the medication took out your bb. That’s something you wouldn’t expect unless it was an antibiotic. At least you know what it was, so you won’t use that again or you’ll know to keep an eye on your ammonia levels.

[@NotSure876]

@@CichlidCharmer Ya it was tough, I actually had 10 tanks including one with a 24” jardini that I loved.I was trying to find a way to bring them all lol Yes there were antibiotics in the food, but I didn’t think it would leach into the water before it was eaten 🤷‍♂️

[@chillwill7s60]

Mbunas have awsome activity behavier, they love sand and their own tank. Their aggresive but they can handle it among their selves do to their agility. This will be awsome 👍💯

[@CichlidCharmer]

That’s what I’m seeing - short chases because of all the cave dodging. Looking forward to seeing these guys grow!

[@deanbrown7318]

Looks fantastic. Great videos to!

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thanks, Dean!

[@michellethorpe8700]

Awesome video as always thanks 🙌

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you, Michelle! 😍

[@michaelsantoro9670]

Hey bud. How many Mbuna do you suggest putting in a 75 Gallon tank?

[@CichlidCharmer]

I’m really new to mbuna so I don’t have enough working experience to give you a good recommendation for them. Most people say to have a lot more than I do. I like to try less and see how they do so they aren’t too crowded. I can always add more if I need to mitigate the aggression.

[@patricesandidge1871]

Is that 240 a sea clear or clear for life tank?

[@CichlidCharmer]

Neither. It’s actually a Tsunami from Fish Tanks Direct. About the same as a Clear for Life, and better than Sea Clear.

[@HapiPETSWM]

I love mbuna, I set up a lab tank with some smaller peacock and I love how they dart in and out of the rocks with their little hello and thank yous! I dropped a couple Molly fry in with my zebras and they are magnificent hunters! Maybe too good, needless to say I did once and that’s it, my wife would like to think they are piranha.

[@CichlidCharmer]

That is what I love about them too! In and out of those caves. So cute. I didn’t expect them to be quite so cute honestly. Love em!

[@HapiPETSWM]

They are precious 🥰 your fish fish look magnificent

[@CichlidCharmer]

I appreciate that so much 🥰😍

[@rivieraquatic]

Cool mbunas!

[@CichlidCharmer]

Many thanks!

[@antonioramos1636]

What rock you put in this tank?

[@CichlidCharmer]

Just river rock from a nearby river.

[@davidolsen3209]

Nice looking fish.good video

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you!

[@brianmizway9324]

Ok im totally excited about this. But not sure what to do. I have a central/south American cyclid 75g tank now. Gonna move 15 min down the road in a mth. Gonna upgrade the 75g for them and pur them in a 125 or 150g. Which frees up the 75g. Curious on your thoughts. This video makes it perfect timing for me. Never had mbuna before but did turn a 36gal bowed tank into a small mbuna tank just to see what it would be like. So here is my thing. Mbuna are definitely cool. But part of me rewlly wants a peacock tank. But i want adult fish whixh are close to $70 bucks a fish when adults. Ive had baby fish but im impatient and dont want to wait 2 yrs for them to grow up. Have done that with the American tank and its cool but boring at same time. Lol so i prefer as big as i can get. Anyways, im stuck between peacocks in a 75g or mbunas in a 75g. I know both are fine but probably couldnt add haps unless i went to a 125g. So im wondering if i should just make the 75g an mbuna tank for now. Then maybe do a 125g peacock and haps tank down the road. As those are the 3 types of tanks i would like anyways. I prefer gravel and maybe put crushed coral in my filter? But wondering if i should just take the plunge and try the oragonite sand. The poop sits on top on think compared to gravel. And i know they make black diamond sand but would that still be a type of oragonite? Or is oragonite sand just the white sand? Also I like how the oragonite sand has that great PH buffering ability too besides looking good. But i hear oragonite loses its buffering power maybe after a yr? Then you gotta replace the substrate all over again? So many thoughts on my mind. Lol. But i love the simple black background set up and even though all tou added was rocks but small ones too with no plants and leaving the top of the tank open for free swimming space, i love it. Looks amazing. Again not sure if i want real rocks or fake rocks but if i choose real rocks do they have to be cleaned or boiled to make them safe for the fish? Curious on all your thoughts. Thanks. But this video is perfect timing as i prepare what to do with my 75g.

[@CichlidCharmer]

How cool. So having started with a 75 peacock/hap tank, I would never go that small again with them, unless it was a growout tank. Or maybe if you were to just have a couple and they wouldn't kill each other. An mbuna tank would be my choice, unless you went with some dwarf cichlids. Mbuna for the most part are the same size or smaller than peacocks, and a lot smaller than most haps. Plus they don't zoom around the tank so much like the peas and haps do, because a lot of their time is spend going in and out of their caves. I think your 125 peacock and hap tank down the road would be much better for them. I personally wouldn't ever put them in anything less than a 125. I have had my aragonite for over two years and it still works. However, Kaveman Kev apparently had to replace his aragonite. I like aragonite and how it looks, and my wavemakers keep it pretty clean. I do believe you can get black aragonite as well. But even if mine loses it's potency, I'll still keep it and just use crushed coral in a mesh bag in the filter. I'll just have to replace it fairly often. If you get real rocks, you should rinse and scrub them, and I put mine in very hot, but not boiling water. These last ones I was in a rush and didn't even do that last step. Make sure you get them from a clean area -- not downstream from an industrial area for example. Whatever you decide, I'm excited for you!

[@brianmizway9324]

@CichlidCharmer thanks so much. It makes sense to me. So sounds like a plan.

[@rantsandreviews]

Looks great! So...i'm guessing the tanganyikan tank must be coming soon....LOL!

[@CichlidCharmer]

It is on the radar my friend!

[@thapedimojapelo5419]

Can I put mbuna with blue parrot in one tank

[@CichlidCharmer]

You can, but it isn't ideal and might not work. The parrot might get destroyed.

[@henrybowman7887]

My mbuna dig,dig and dig lol.... My Maingano can be a major jacka$$ sometimes...I would've took him back to the pet store long ago ,but he's my grandson fish (He named him Speedy)... Only thing I recommend is, keep a watch out for one of them getting singled out by another or others... Sometimes an mbuna flips a switch 6 months or more down the road and all hell breaks loose...

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thanks for the advice! And yeah, they dig 100 times more than I thought they would. I thought the peacocks and haps dug a lot 😜

[@dadthings167]

Sweet... My mbuna tank is my favorite. You think alcatraz is wild... This mbuna tank is going to be even crazier. It's a CONSTANT party in that tank. I would just say watch that mangano... I had to get rid of it from my tank because it was a terrorist on steroids. Biggest thing I have is to keep the rocks low because they will dig and send rocks everywhere. Otherwise they are pretty easy to keep up with. Even with food... The majority of their food is cut up nori and a bunch of blanched vegetables along with extreme spirulina to give them just a little protein. Can't wait for the next update.

[@CichlidCharmer]

I lowered the rocks right after the video 🤣. I love the activity in there. You’re the second to warn me about the maingano. I’ll keep an eye on him. Well, on everyone. They’ll have to be in a 125 before long.

[@Dapperdon101]

@cichlidcharmer tank looks great. I just setup a 65 Mbuna tank

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you! 65 - nice 🥰

[@dnadhiir9082]

😍😍😍 ... next one is tanganika tank

[@CichlidCharmer]

Can’t tell you how many times I’ve had that thought.

[@Jearhby]

Your wife is a nurse! ❤

[@CichlidCharmer]

Yep!

[@4417t]

Add some pseudotropheus saulosi, now known as Chindongo Saulosi mbunas. You won't regret it! It's a dimorphic species and my favorite mbuna to keep!

[@CichlidCharmer]

I DO like those!

[@dennispeleg7843]

Nicely done brother

[@CichlidCharmer]

Ah, good to see you, sir. Thank you 🙏

[@dennispeleg7843]

@@CichlidCharmer just been busy pal. Just ordered another 125 Friday. Ordering one more in 2 months then I'm going to get to it with a custom 300 gallon and call it a day lol

[@CichlidCharmer]

Isn’t getting new tanks wonderful? The 125s are great, but I’ll bet you’re on pins and needles for that 300

[@dennispeleg7843]

@@CichlidCharmer yea it'll be my first one I build and first time for a sump. Kinda got over my fear of building one, but now my nerves are shaking for the sump attempt lol

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@dennispeleg7843 You're a braver man than I! I'm shaking in my boots just to hook up a seamless sump from Custom Aquariums 😬

[@claytonshocklee9429]

I like live fish direct

[@CichlidCharmer]

They did a great job with my order.

[@zubbu9190]

I love mbuna fish, please can anyone suggest me best mbuna cichlid,i am beginner in this hobby,from india

[@CichlidCharmer]

Lots of good choices. Look at your tank size, because some mbuna get larger than others. And look at temperament. Some are more aggressive than others. Try to keep similar aggression levels. Yellow labs are an easy and beautiful choice for beginners.

[@scottgordin9709]

Mbuna are the reason I got back into the hobby about eight years ago, if you consider an all male Peacock tank is like Alcatraz, then a mixed Mbuna tank will be the super Max division, but with both male and female. That’s how my 75 gal Mbuna tank is compared to my 125 all male Peacock tank.

[@CichlidCharmer]

I would like to have both males and females because of their behaviors together, plus you get those dimorphic color differences between males and females (and what? Females are pretty too? 🥰) but I don’t want fry. Thanks for the comment!!

[@LA61582]

Very awesome video amazing aquaescaping cool 😎 unboxing 😊

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@LA61582thank you very much!

[@LA61582]

Yeah you're welcome anytime

[@brandongilhooly3545]

when acclimatizing new fish (especially those that are not locally bought) you should add them to a bucket with the water from the shop. Put the bucket on the floor right below you aquarium then with an airline tube create a SLOW drip of water from your new tank into the bucket. Do that for 45 min or so, then net them in your tank. That way they are acclimatized to the temp AND the chemistry of your new water.

[@CichlidCharmer]

I've heard that as well. However, I'm going by what Jason from Prime Time Aquatics says to do. I trust him as an expert because his degree is in this type of field and he teaches it. I think it's chemistry or microbiology. Anyway, doesn't mean you're wrong. Thank you though.

[@brandongilhooly3545]

@@CichlidCharmer He has a legit channel for sure. I could not find his video on this topic specifically. I have kept africans for ~20 years (including wild caught) and this is the way I have always introduced them to my tanks especially when they come different water parameters. But I see that Jason has aquariums mixed with Africans and S. Americans something I would probably never have attempted. Lots to learn! you have a great channel !

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@brandongilhooly3545 He sure does. Here is the video with your answer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6Gco56Vmc2omac. It has to do with ammonia toxicity in the bag, and how it changes once the bag has been opened. Thank you for the compliment!

[@mowrybrian8951]

my wife and I have had a 75g mbuna tank for 3 years. top advise is once a week veggie day(seedless cucumbers face open and clamped to glass for 2 hours) for them. we have had between 23-27 all the time, if we get too close to 30 we seem to have die off. we went to universal rocks Texas holy rock background and floor rocks because it gives them lots of swim in and out area and no one dies from getting caught (PetSmart rocks are bad) . also the fake rocks allows you to move them around and vacuum under easier. the poop really builds up under rocks and the powerhead can't clear that stuff. only multiples we've been able to keep without fight club breaking out is yellow labs. unless they are obout 3 inches buying confirmed males is a crapshoot with mbuna. females look just like males. we've had lots of different ones and their personality profiles are always a place to start, but some act good even thought the profile is aggressive and vice versa. Good luck, 75 is the perfect size for mbuna.

[@CichlidCharmer]

That is such useful advice - thank you. I will be adding either more natural rocks or doing something like universal rocks like you did. I was actually just looking on their site 🤩

[@SArch-111]

I've been keeping mbuna for 3 years, and I still consider myself a beginner. Your rocks are the right size, but for an ideal mbuna environment you need about eight times more rocks than what you currently have. You want to cover almost the entire bottom of your tank with rocks and then stack rocks to about 75% the height of tank. Not kidding. It's literally impossible to have too many rocks for mbuna.

[@CichlidCharmer]

I thank you for your advice! I didn’t have time to get more rocks, and if they are going to be that high, I’ll need some wider, flatter rocks to keep them from toppling over. Don’t want my glass shattering. I’ll get to it though. Love these guys.

[@SArch-111]

@@CichlidCharmer Yep. Learning how to stack rocks in way that looks good and won't collapse was one of the biggest challenges for me. I actually now use a combination of natural rocks and artificial (ceramic) rocks. I love my mbuna too! I've been keeping freshwater fish for more years than I can remember, but mbuna are by far the most interesting/amusing fish I've ever had.

[@js5189]

​@@SArch-111won't your fish be hiding most of the time? Having too many rocks the fish get used to hiding away.

[@SArch-111]

@@js5189 It varies by species. Some species are timid and spend a lot of time hiding in the rocks, if that is their natural behavior. Other species swim around the outside of the rockpile or above it. All mbuna species utilize the rocks in their own way. I enjoy observing their natural behavior rather than forcing them to display themselves unnaturally.

[@Th3FishRoom]

My 75 actually has Mbuna and peacocks in it,I plan on removing all my Mbuna and taking them to my local fish store

[@CichlidCharmer]

Why are you choosing peacocks over haps? Just curious.

[@Th3FishRoom]

@@CichlidCharmer it's easier for me to get peacocks where I live

[@CichlidCharmer]

Makes sense!

[@BrittanyStopfel-hv4br]

I have peacocks haps and mbunas all together in the tank and I have three of the fish y0u got

[@CichlidCharmer]

Oh nice. They all get along pretty well?

[@The_Mothzz]

there is a really beautifull african cichlid called placidochromis giselli. its a really nice shade of green blue metallic. you should check it out. i think i need to get myself some of those guys. as an mbuna for my personal preference i want to get maself a Petrotilapia. a large mbuna, pretty rare and a bit aggressive. but there is something i find really nice about them. but would probably require a bit larger than 75 gallons. though there are some smaller species really nice video as always, appreciate it greetings from germany

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thanks for the suggestions! These guys will be going into a larger tank, but someday I’d like to have a more aggressive mbuna tank. Thanks for watching from Germany 😍

[@CichlidCharmer]

I like the gissel. My kind of hap - they definitely need a 125.

[@The_Mothzz]

@@CichlidCharmer i have a 120, i think i will get myself a pair

[@danielcarlton3553]

I tried peacocks but there was always a jerk in the mix that was overly aggressive. The only fish the peacocks didn't chase was my 9 inch Jack Dempsey named Titan. NOBODY messes with him. Yes I broke the rules but Titan does fine in my aquarium. I took the peacocks back to my fish store and bought mbuna instead. Mbuna are my 2nd favorite fish next to the Jack Dempsey. With Mbuna I have found that the more the merrier. Over stock them and over filtrate. Mine do chase but no stressed out fish. No nipped fins and no fish is singled out. I did have one ob zebra who thought he could run Titan out of his cave. Let's just say that mbuna only made that mistake once, lol. Titan doesn't chase them unless they get in his cave. When Titan is out swimming he leaves the mbuna alone. I currently have 14 mbuna, 3 cigar fish(pencil fish family) 1 bristle nose pleco, Titan and his girlfriend a pink jack Dempsey. I am planning on adding a few more mbuna. I have 3 filters on this tank. 2 FX 4 filters and an Aquael Ultramax 2000. I also have 2 wave makers because mbuna love high flow, and I do an 80% weekly water change.

[@CichlidCharmer]

That certainly is an eclectic combination. Sometimes the strangest things work. At least for a while lol

[@danielcarlton3553]

@@CichlidCharmer Well the mbuna cichlids definitely work much better with Titan and his girlfriend than the peacocks. Titan let's them swim around him and he never bothers them unless the come in his cave and then they get his wrath. They have learned to stay out lol. Only fish allowed in his cave is his pink jack Dempsey girlfriend that I named Fenderbomb after a cannonball run character. I thought she was a male until she got older. But I decided to keep the name. Corny I know.

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@danielcarlton3553 LOL, corny is great

[@claytonshocklee9429]

Charming

[@CichlidCharmer]

I like your pun 🤪. Thanks for the comment!

[@benjaminmorley1007]

In my experience the major difference between mbuna and other cichlids is in the way they fight. Most other cichlid fight with their mouths and have a lip lock battle. Mbuna circle around each other and bite the tails of their rival. This is why it is usually a bad idea to keep mbuna with Haps, Peacocks, jewel fish and South and Central American cichlids. Sure some of the less aggressive mbuna can be kept with other types of cichlids but usually those other kinds of cichlids will end up with damaged fins.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Good to know! Thank you 🙏

[@robertmulrenan8140]

What live plants do u recommend for Mbuna’s

[@andreacasoli3371]

Really like your videos, really pleasing to watch, I really like mbunas, but I've never kept them, one day maybe, my favourite could be the Pseudotropheus saulosi because the male is blue with black stripes and the females (and subdominant males) are yellow, now. Sorry but i'm a bit dissatisfied about the poor rummy nose: could have been perfect in the south american tank with some mates, they are very peaceful and provide a lot of movement and school behaviour

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thanks for the compliment and info! That’s why I warned you about the rummy nose. Sorry it bothered you though. It does happen in the wild, and people do feed their fish live ones sometimes.

[@andreacasoli3371]

@@CichlidCharmer nono it didn't bother me don't get me wrong, i just say that he could have been a great schooling fish with in your South American with Angel fish and Geos

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@andreacasoli3371 Oh, yeah. Probably right. I've just tried tetras with angels a few times and even though the ones I select aren't supposed to be fin-nippers, guess what they are. And I can't imagine being an angelfish with a bunch of fin-nippers.

[@cdracing]

😮 8:44 8:46 8:47 8:48 8:49

[@GaZaGaMer1876]

that maingano cichlid is a killer

[@CichlidCharmer]

I’ve been hearing that. Mine is peaceful so far, but I will keep an eye on him. I researched all these guys too, but I must have looked in the wrong places for him.

[@GaZaGaMer1876]

@@CichlidCharmer oh ok hope it goes well

[@gregory7414]

Nice video..excellent. but didn't like the rummy nose death. Lol

[@CichlidCharmer]

Thank you, and sorry about that. I would say that Gary liked that part, but honestly I don’t even know if he was aware he ate anything 😜

[@pollylewis9611]

I now know why you asked me about having an Maingano, great minds that we both have, I adore mine he has a mean streak in him that just makes me laugh like why dude just go ahead and defend your hole that goes into the abyss....

[@CichlidCharmer]

Astro is awesome! He hasn’t shown an aggressive side yet. In fact, he reminds me a bit of Furc II. I know that will probably change. Yep that’s why I asked about your maingano! It was a clue 🕵️

[@pollylewis9611]

@@CichlidCharmer Haha man that went right over my head, I have been told I'm pretty naive ha, but anyway glad you have him when he starts to dig that's when my Steve got grumpy, well back to cleaning and moving tanks 6 now see what you did to me nah you just got my fanny going....

[@zlamanit]

1:53 But algae isn’t an indication of anything bad happening to fish. If anything they may be happier being left alone as long as they have food and clean water. So there is absolutely no reason to resign from the hobby just because you don’t have the time to keep the tank spotless.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Oh absolutely. I wasn’t referring to just algae. My wife didn’t have time to watch them, do water changes, gravel vacs, clean the glass. I said it might be a good idea to take a break from the hobby if you don’t have time to take care of your fish, not if you don’t have time to remove algae.

[@KoltonDrum]

I have a maison reef zebra big boy he 7 inches in my 75 best fish ever

[@CichlidCharmer]

Isn’t it great to have a favorite? You probably have a special bond with that guy 🥰

[@awilderireland]

Maybe try and add more rocks. If you can bear it! Build them up in layers towards the surface. Otherwise the fish will mainly stay on the bottom. If you want to see your Maingano's attitude change add another one. Just kidding! Single species is prob the best way to go.

[@CichlidCharmer]

That is great advice! I was thinking about doing that. I would need much larger rocks. These I feel would topple over. lol on the dual maingano 😂😂

[@michelrood2966]

Washing the sand would have saved you time, hassle and products..Not a smart move i.m.o. btw stacking rocks in a straight line like you did takes away all illusion of depth.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Okay, it would have taken way longer to wash the substrate than to do what I did, and the product I used was very inexpensive, so no problem. Plus I would have had to actively wash it instead of letting the pump do it. Still, it was very clean compared to most substrate I’ve used.

[@shybibeau8968]

Oh wow you DIDNT have to kill that little fish like that…. why DIDNT you put him in a little cup of water until you figured a better solution I just DONT like that fact that you literally just fed a baby fish to your cichlid fish so unfair!! RIP little buddy!!! You died for no reason at all maybe getting left behind and a heartless owner!!

[@CichlidCharmer]

I appreciate where you’re coming from, but it happens all the time in nature. My African was happy with my decision.

[@Kittensinurface]

Chill out.

[@73chevy22]

They all look the same, overcrowded empty rooms.

[@CichlidCharmer]

Not even sure what that means.

[@73chevy22]

@CichlidCharmer All your tanks look the exact same, too many fish in an empty landscaped tank.

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@73chevy22you don’t know much about African cichlid tanks.

[@73chevy22]

@CichlidCharmer Yeah, I worked in the wholesale fish industry for years, dealing primarily with African Cichlids. I think you think you know more than you really do.

[@CichlidCharmer]

@@73chevy22 Ohhhhhh... so a guy who worked wholesale African cichlids who thinks they like a lot of decor... gotcha.

[@fishiviewcam]

I think mbuna are awesome fish! I have a live video streaming Mbuna tank! Check it out at: Twitch.tv/fishiviewcam or KZbin.com/@fishiviewcam/streams