My First Malawi Cichlid Aquascape!!

[@chelmsford6774]

I've never had a interest in Malawi Cichlids until george Farmer actually did a tank on it. Amazing tank without plants, good job and now I need to look at my bank account LOL.

[@MadhanM09]

I already copied this tank

[@chrisso1973]

George, so many good things about this vid-the fact that you’re supporting a small UK business, the selection of fish and an aquatic style that, perhaps, takes you out of your comfort zone a bit, or at least away from what’s familiar, and that you’re so genuinely excited about what it may bring. I love that you’re diversifying but have also promised to stay true to your aquascaper roots. Great, honest, authentic presenting. 💚

[@Jackkane71]

This comment said everything that needs to be said ever. period. keep it up we love it!!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks guys 💚

[@tauneutrino1able]

Do whatever makes you happy and excited as it will come across in your videos and make them enjoyable!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@LynchbergCentral]

Thanks for the visit George! Hope the fish settle well and look forward to see the development of the tanks and fish.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Cheers mate! Thanks for a great visit. 🙏

[@sclazzy]

Amazing tank and beautiful fish. Very interested in seeing more of it. Thanx George

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Cheers Tommy 👍🏻

[@LizzieBlock]

originally came to your channel for nature aquariums, but this was a surprisingly nice change of pace. your thinking is always outside the box! really looking forward to seeing this tank mature 👍🏻

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Lizzie, looking forward to seeing your next video 👍💚

[@ShawnHineidi]

this is a beautiful tank and beautiful fish. Thank you so much for sharing such new and exciting experience. I can wait to see an update video of this tank!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Shawn 👍

[@stevehickling7435]

Fair to say pal you've smashed it with that tank and nice to see you taking the plunge with a different direction. Super super cool.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Cheers Steve 👍

[@Sarah-rf5rj]

The cichlids exploring around is quite beautiful

[@dylanspargo8993]

I'm so impressed, this is without question the most beautiful cichlid tank I've seen. I liked everything about this - exploring a new style, new equipment, new fish. Really refreshing. I also appreciated that you highlighted fish conservation and responsible sourcing of fish. I would love to see you explore other biotopes in a similar way!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Dylan 🙏

[@Gekermans1]

Wow!!! My favourite of all your scapes yet...

[@TankTested]

This is a great set up! I’m excited for updates on how the fish territories evolve in there.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Cheers mate

[@greenman1426]

Great to see you diversify. I have learnt through your channel that aquascaping goes so much further than planted tanks. For example, I kept mbuna for years but never thought of how much more beautiful it could be with a strong hardscape. I am currently marine and I am very much trying to incorporate what I have learned from watching you develop planted aquascapes. Really looking forward to seeing where you take this

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@discusworld7121]

George, you start second life for your channel, scape looks great ,never stop discover new worlds of Aquasceping... 👍👍👍

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@dreamonix]

It keeps the content and interest fresh when you expand your hobby and passion.. nothing wrong with creating tanks with a difference and making them just as appealing. Keep up the awesome work.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@stateniland]

Love the shimmering effect from that light.. adds A LOT to the scape

[@thecoalmine9]

George, I am a geologist. I have a 55g filled with cool rocks collected on the job job. I have now purchased some really big special ones (they will not harm fish but they are not for sale in the aquascaping market) and the rock-scaping clip here was just what I needed to see how they should be assembled - and of course re-planted! Thank You! Tom from Buffalo NY.

[@cicco1838]

Super nice rocks, beautiful end result..thank you George for video..

[@aerand]

I've always wanted to keep these colourful cichlids, long before I started the planted tank. Your video awakens my interest for cichlids. Thanks George. Looking forward to your update on this tank.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

👍💚

[@MegaJedman]

Watched this video early last year when I was starting to do my research on setting up an Mbuna tank. I think that is how I found out about Kevs Rifts. I have since set up a 300 ltr Mbuna tank and stocked it with fish from Kevs. In fact all our fish came from Kevs. We have been up to his fish house 3 times now. I won’t buy cichlids from anywhere else. They are the best in the country and his knowledge of cichlids is second to none. Love your set up in the video the rocks look awesome. 👍😀

[@benjidavis1662]

Simply Brilliant George ! Just gobsmacked on the beuty of this tank !! And theres nothing wong with expanding your Aquascaping horizons. Keep it up. You videos very inspiring and educational. Like I said in other posted. You truly are an artist in what you do. And thank you not only inspiring all of us. But educating us all as well.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks so much Benji 👍

[@supriyoacharya6175]

Welcome to the world of African Cichlids George. Amazing Mbunas you got there. African Cichlids are one of the most Gorgeous looking and Rewarding fish anyone can ask for. I have 3 Lake Malawi and 1 Tanganyka tank. And I never get bored watching them. Just a little bit of advice that you have to maintain more on this tank than your planted ones and always use good quality Veggie foods. Northfin Veggie, Hikari Cichlid Excel, Tetra Algae Pro will be great.

[@anthonyl5600]

supriyo acharya There’s no need to feed so many varieties of food. One or two products are all that’s needed.

[@supriyoacharya6175]

@@anthonyl5600 Just Suggesting mate :)

[@mlargnet5150]

"Sky's the limit". Your impact; wheather full nature (planted), bio, or "a fish tank"; has set a standard for hobbyists world wide. Keep being "you" (enjoying this evolutionary ride). Thanks for the content... as always.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Cheers mate 👍

[@mikeinca3762]

Great video! I was very excited to see this video since i do have a 60 gallon cichlid tank myself and it was awesome! Love the hardscape design and layout of the tank. A true art in what you do plus the process producing the final result. Great work as always George!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Mike 👍

[@inomorethanu3244]

I don't keep cichlids anymore but had a wonderful time when I did. I did find that they loved making new homes for themselves and constantly changed the structure of the gravel by moving it themselves. I had a lot more gravel than you have (I am no expert) but they were constantly busy. Your rocks look great. I think that you will really enjoy having them; they have great personalities. I look forward to seeing it in a month's time when the fish have made the space their own.

[@pmotta4545]

Wow this tank looks fabulous! Thanks for sharing George🤗🤩

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Peter 👍

[@pmotta4545]

@@GeorgeFarmerStudios you're most welcome 😉

[@mre8130]

I honestly love this scape and think it is amazing that you try something outside of your comfort zone and have done such an amazing job of it. I don't come to watch your videos just to see aquascapes. I come to see what you will create next. It's always something that is inspiring. Do what makes you happy and I'll still watch.

[@deroolukas3572]

What e wonderful scape . Very powerful ik gifs the feeling that you are climbing that mountain in aquarium . And you are almost at the top. Very beautiful fish!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@jerrygonzales4006]

Never had any interest in cichlids before, but that setup and fish look great. Love the shimmer that Kessel throws off on the rocks.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Jerry 👍

[@joskebervoets13]

I love this set up. Its great you show people the different possibilities in the hobby. It will be great to see updates of this tank, but please keep on scaping :) grtz from Holland

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Joske 👍

[@lifesjourney65]

Simply gorgeous! Saw this post on your Instagram page and came straight to KZbin to see it properly.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@somebodyelse9696]

I love watching them forage algae off of the rocks and dip in and out of the crevices!

[@pewe7314]

I've always had a thing for Mbunas and this tank is absolutely wonderful. The rocks, caves, lighting are top notch.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@matthewaltomare7091]

Hey George thanks for replying on my last comments really means a lot also what an amazing idea to put cichlids in that aquarium nice work.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Cheers Matt 👍

[@inessilva5936]

Rocks only 😁 beautiful, George! I like the green on Rocks, very Natural look!I agree with you! Interesting fish, stunning just to look to their colors😍

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Inês 👍

[@seanjones9538]

I’m looking forward to watching the journey and learning more about this set up.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Cheers Sean

[@vampgaia]

The fish are beautiful and you have created the perfect "home" for them.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Cheers GG 👍🙏

[@pedramrayan3002]

So pretty. And I particularly like the light.

[@kurotadoriandroid]

You are amazing human being. Thanks for inspiration.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks so much 👍🏻

[@abdulnasir3153]

Absolutely stunning piece of art

[@rossilavery]

I know you are saying you will always prioritise "nature" aquariums but the fact is this IS a nature aquarium. This is a reasonably accurate representation of what the shorelines of Malawi might look like so it is perfectly natural. In fact the is probably more natural than the vaste majority of high end scaped aquariums done with lots of plants where things are placed to create pleasing shapes but would almost never fall that way naturally. This tank is probably one of the more inspiring tanks I have seen in weeks because because it looks pure and natural. And to see the fish interacting with it so naturally aswell was great to watch.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Ross

[@MakoyUnggoy]

Stunning rock work and nice selection of mbuna, thumbs up!

[@HeRo-qd6tk]

Happy to learn something new !!

[@rickfromthecape3135]

Great looking tank George. I've kept mbuna in the past and always enjoyed them. You'll be fascinated by their behavioral characteristics! The rock work in the tank is fantastic and perfect for those fish.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Rick 👍

[@SnazzyZubloids]

Cichlids are fun to watch, you won't regret setting up a system just for them.

[@freddy9233]

Great tank ! It is the first time that I like shimmer effect !

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@andywheatley7]

Stunning tank fella. Just gorgeous to look at. Well played 👊🏻

[@neilljansenvanvuuren9025]

Awesome video, those cichlids are amazing! Do you think they will do good in a 60cm*60cm*45cm tank, or is it the cube shape gonna cause territorial fighting?

[@dmedford5]

Your best work yet! So simple yet so beautiful!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Daniel

[@pod543]

They look so much more comfortable and at home in your tank. Great job once again 👍🏻

[@wesleystearne8390]

Great to see you diversifying a change is as good as a rest as they say! And will draw a wider audience for your content which otherwise may not have watched. 👍

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Wesley 👍

[@cjs033]

Beautiful rock formations, and gorgeous fish. I too have just started my first African Cichlid tank so super excited to watch yours evolve George. Well done mate!

[@ulrikekramm1089]

Really nice Aquarium, George! And something different... I'm wondering if algea is an issue in these kind of aquariums? And can you reduce the light to the hours you're home? Does it matter to the fish?

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks! The fish actually graze the algae as part of their diet 👍

[@TheHairos]

Looks really good. The fish will love that tank 👍🏻

[@captainbleedinobvious1684]

I would love to see you do a biotope ....

[@Hirochicken]

He could do such an amazing biotope!

[@captainbleedinobvious1684]

I dont think it should be Amazon. I think it would be to boring for George.

[@dennisbinkhorst2039]

@@captainbleedinobvious1684 Well, obviously scaping with Echinodorus species is tricky. If Is remember correctly, George used to have some Bleheri or other Echinodorus in his AS 1200? IT was a discus tank I believe. Besides that, there's a million South American aquatic plants. I'd personally like to see George do a scape with Ludwigia Inclinata var. Verticillata sp. "Cuba" or even "Pantanal". Difficult to maintain, especially the latter, but oh, so beautiful.

[@captainbleedinobvious1684]

Hi Dennis, what I am saying is its been done to death, Usually when people say biotope they do a Amazon "boring", the world is a big place.

[@ZotyaInk]

Hi George. I also watched the video you built the aquarium! She looked great even then, but now she's stuffed up with fish and she looks great! Good work, congratulations!

[@Seanmmvi]

I switched from a 75 gallon hardcore hightech planted tank that required hours of maintenance a day to a very low tech 75 gallon with lots of driftwood and minimal easy plants that featured a Spotted Congo Puffer. It was nice to change gears and keep a fish with plants in the tank, instead of a planted tank with fish in it. I really enjoyed the spotlight being shifted from the plants to the fish, and found it equally, if not more rewarding.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks for sharing Sean 👍

[@wotrulke5868]

Hi George I'm more of a planted tank person🌱🌿🌴, but I like the layout and the different colours and shapes of the rocks give interest to the tank + the fish look stunning, and no need for Co2 or fertilisers. 🤔, in last video I said yellow labs I was nearly right yes?

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Nearly 👍

[@graphite2786]

I hate the fact that so many of our aquarium fish are endangered in the wild. Contrary to what most people think, collecting wild fish is not the main reason for so many species decline. It's habitat loss, pollution, invasive species and climate change that are decimating our world's freshwater fish at a depressing rate! By the way, the tank and fish are stunning and it was wonderful to see them colour up so beautifully.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Cheers mate. Wise words

[@xPorsum]

Well collecting them isn't exactly helping the issue though is it lol

[@ZSFries]

@@xPorsum The aquarium hobby ironically prevents these wild caught species from going into extinction. There are so many species of aquarium fish that no longer exist in the wild yet they still exists in the hobby because hobbyist breeds and preserve them. If it weren't for the aquarium hobby, these species would've perished from the Earth fully- due to the unrelated factors like climate, development, deforestation, pollution etc.

[@Huipie81]

Good to see you expanding your horizon and doing something different! Nice tank ,scape and fish!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@flappinganimal]

Love it! Great to see you branching out into other areas of the hobby. 👍🏻

[@NatureCubes]

I like how you supported that small "shop", and the fish are very pretty indeed. Although I most say I'm most exicted for the upcoming DOOA tank setup 🤘 (thinking about getting one aswell)

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Cheers mate!

[@cjnye]

Awesome! I’m currently setting up a new to me 200L tank as an Mbuna tank, wasn’t planned but when we picked the tank up the previous owner had some cichlid fry in there that he was just going to drain out on the lawn! One has survived, he’s a Red Top Zebra - tank’s been running a few weeks now so picking up more / larger rock hardscape this weekend & a handful more Mbunas (probably RTZ’s). I think a mix is great for any channel, keep the interest up & have a few things that will appeal to most everyone (& hopefully get more ppl in to the hobby, in any fashion, along the way). 🐟⛰👍🏻

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@cajanir]

Very nice setup! I love to see variety in fishrooms/aquarium galleries. So the all rock Malawi setup is a really nice contrast to your usual heavily planted aquascapes.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@alanmcclintock5527]

George I've been watching your video's for sometime now😉 I love your scapes! I have 7 aquariums running right now 1 of which is a Malawi cichlid tank and a very large peacock cichlid tank the others are Aquascape mostly community tanks and one dedicated to rainbows. I really appreciate you you doing this scape it has inspired me to maybe re scape my cichlid tank! Keep the videos coming you inspire me to always make the next scape more beautiful than the last🐟🐟🐟

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Alan

[@falconfpv9467]

It’s great to see that you have tried something new. I had cichlids when I was younger and their behaviour especially when breeding is captivating. It will be interesting to see in the future which tank you are drawn to most in your gallery. Keep on scaping.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@zgobermn6895]

Beautiful tank! I kept cichlids before. They're full of character, never boring. Though can be belligerent at times.

[@diannebozzy8988]

Very beautiful! I love it.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Dianne 👍

[@philiphartland4551]

Hi George, I've ordered a 1000 litre tank to keep cichlids, good to see you're diversifying. I was looking on line at private breeders to stock my tank so I will look up Kevs rifts. When it's all up and running I will send you a few pics. Keep up the good work.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Philip 👍

[@randyshart5160]

Really like the look of this hardscape, very natural and plenty of caves etc, think it works really well. Love the vibrant colours of the fish too 👍 Is algae any more/less likely with no plants in the tank? Other than water changes, what kind of maintenance are you expecting to have to do on this tank?

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Andy. The fish graze algae so I’m not worried. Maintenance will be cleaning the glass and large 2x weekly water changes.

[@alaind.3176]

Great choice of fishes I love the blue and yellow

[@wendyhood1006]

Welcome to the world of cichlids you won’t regret it they are my favorite fish 🐟

[@karensteuer5905]

Stunning tank! Love the idea of doing more biotopes.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Karen 👍

[@krmacrusader9667]

Great video George! Your first hardscape for African Cichlids is amazing.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@klyczekbob3775]

Love Malawis. Nice hardscape George...

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@Ralfscho]

Really like it, really like cichlids too. I think the Kessil looks awesome though. That shimmer on the rocks is king and won't be easily achieved with any other light, especially not in the hood. Since there's no plants you also could install a Tuna Blue which looks stunning with cichlids.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

It is tempting...

[@johnfloydman7735]

Nice choose 👍 it's great you are looking into the fishy side of aquariums . Looking forward to what you do next 😀 . Paluderium would be very cool ....

[@call_me_stan5887]

Beautiful scape! Love it!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks so much 👍🏻

[@richardhill2702]

Nicely done!! recently set up a 60 gal. Cube for African fish, nice amount of water but 24x24x24 makes it challenging in terms of fish & rock setup.. this video did help. I would like too see more videos like this.. THANKS..

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Great choice, looks amazing👍

[@lp2156]

I absolutely adore cichlids! I had a pair of Neolamprologus Brichardi in one tank as a kid, and my beloved Papiliochromis Altispinosa family in another. Two of my absolute favourite freshwater fish. Would love to see you do more biotopes. Especially with aforementioned fish!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@davidvandeest9249]

Hi George, I did just see you're video about these beautifull fish, love you're video! I've kept malawi cichlids for a while now and now right now changing to tanganyika. So I am also changing the scape of my aquarium and was excited about you're video and scaping! Biotope aquariums have always interested me the most, so some I would love some video's about that.

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks David 👍

[@Evil_Genius_888]

Everything we do as fish keepers and aquascapers is incredibly interesting to me. Someday I’ll have a ciclid tank.

[@undisputededgehead]

Nice to see you talking about a different kind of tank. I'd never have thought to keep Malawi at that low of a temperature but if the guys at the supplier have had success trying it maybe it is something I'll consider it in my own Malawi keeping in the future.

[@alasdairaquatics]

Hi George. That cichlid setup rocks... Anyway, I just wanted to say great video! Also have you ever put any thought into setting up a fancy goldfish tank? That would be something which is quite different and wouldn't leave you with many options for plants but the personality and looks of the fish would make up for it! Cheers

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Yes, I actually considered it for this tank 👍

[@pellep4035]

Amazing tank and scape.

[@Kiketudela]

It's amazing. I have an Aquarium of 80 x 50 x 50. How many copies of these cichlids can I keep? That kind of rock have you used? Great job!

[@63MRFLAG]

Hi George , beautiful tank ! Which kind of illumination did you use in this aquarium ? Original Oase Led bar ? Which colour ?

[@jackadair6225]

Even though all of my aquariums are planted, the fish are always the stars of my tanks, not the plants or the scape. Every tank I set up is always laid out with the fish in mind, and I think this scape is a perfect reflection of an aquarium that’s both focused on creating a suitable environment for a specific fish and is still well-grounded in aquascaping principles. Looking forward to seeing how this tank does!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@alisonphilp7497]

Love the new tank and kept and bread this fish before if u grab one of ur rocks put in a bucket of water in the sun for a week or so it will get covered in green alge the fish will love to graze on it 👌keep up the great work

[@davidhulse305]

Very interesting and something that I'm considering. However, how do you approach lighting in this type of aquascape without encouraging algal growth?

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Algae is good - the fish graze on it as part of their natural diet 👍

[@yassineezzahrati922]

Really nice choice of species ! Perfect combo between the Aquascape and the fishes ! One of my dreams is to build one like yours ! All my support from France !

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@GEORDIESCAPER]

Sat and watched this on the big screen and thoroughly enjoyed this vid. I've followed you for many years and did a Amano style iwagumi named "Serenity Peak" which I showed step by step on UKAPS. Since then I've been keeping Malawi Cichlids and have to say they are true pets and have so much character. My tank is a mbuna mix dominated by saulosi which are gorgeous fish. I watch them more than the TV Haha. Looking forward to updates on your Malawi setup (bet you go bigger soon😜)

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Mark

[@M0DQO-BeachMobileDx]

Could you produce a video on starting up a tank and then the process of maintaining from the start? Lighting length, water changes, ferts, trimming stems and carpets plants? Think this is missing from the aquascaping videos...

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Good idea!

[@rainbowcupcakeish]

Imagine being a fish and George picks you and puts you into a beautiful home. It’s their lucky day! Haha

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks Georgia 👍🏻

[@cadillacchris5432]

Doing Biotope aquariums from different parts of the World would be amazing to ,always love watching you create masterpieces

[@theretrogeek2281]

I think this will be my next aquarium setup..thanks.

[@theoschannel7114]

Really nice and yeah I'd like to know the difference between aqua scaping and biotope set ups. 🙏❤

[@noelfezza]

absolutely love it! deffo do morr

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏

[@KGcichlids]

Love it!! Came out perfect!

[@GeorgeFarmerStudios]

Thanks 🙏