OUR BIGGEST AQUARIUM EVER - The New 220 Gallon Custom Aquarium

Today's video is the installation of my new 220 Gallon Custom Aquarium, a Lake Malawi Hap Tank. This aquarium was custom made to be the largest glass tank we could likely fit down into my basement. I went with African cichlids with a beautiful 3D background from Aqua Decor.
- Aqua Decor: aquadecorbackgrounds.com/
- Custom Aquariums: www.customaquariums.com/
If you're interested in any of the products and equipment used in this aquarium build, check out the affiliate links below.
Food
- Xtreme Krill Flakes - geni.us/iTAWsN
- Xtreme Big Fella Pellets - geni.us/9Cra
- Xtreme Nice Pellets - geni.us/6ADcc
Filters/Equipment
- Vivosun Pump: amzn.to/3CVOdfP
- Sicce XStream Wavemaker: amzn.to/3S2dRUG
- Sicce Ultra Zero Pump: amzn.to/3ClfENH
- Fluval 300W Heaters - amzn.to/3sz0EZN
- Carib Sea Aragonite Sand - amzn.to/3HhDP0P
Chemicals
- Easy Green Fertilizer - geni.us/NAl6lK
- Seachem Purigen - geni.us/d9EFZ
- Seachem Prime: geni.us/iys7T
- Fritz Glass/Acrylic Cleaner: geni.us/uvmwK8
Thanks for watching, and we'll see you next week!

[@Big_Gay_Tom]

I'm sure there's a lot of editing....but y'all work so well together! A project like that amongst my siblings and I would ABSOLUTELY have resulted in swearing and temper tantrums. You guys are amazing!

[@yorkaquariums1840]

That tank looks absolutely stunning!!The canopy, 3D background, and black background really add that extra pop to it. That's the kind of tank where you call off work for a few days after setup and just sit there and stare at it lol. Great job guys.

[@Big_Gay_Tom]

Y'all are seriously making me want to switch over to cichlid tanks. If only I had room for more!!!

[@CichlidBros]

Haha do ittt!

[@nickmoran5670]

Wow these haps have really grown and colored up since they were first introduced into the 125. Good stuff, the tank looks amazing with the black background and rock accents. Makes me want to do something similar one day

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you, appreciate that! They definitely got huge over the years and it was a much needed upgrade!

[@80s_monsterkid28]

What? Quinn actually helped out? 😂😂 Great video, and beautiful tank!!!

[@CichlidBros]

Haha yep. Finally got some use out of him lol

[@80s_monsterkid28]

@@CichlidBros 😂😂

[@aquarium.talktv]

Awesome!! Happy Birthday Alec!

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks dude! Hope all is well 🤙🏼

[@emisanchez7181]

Damn this one might be better than Billy’s tank 💀 you guys did a good job 👏

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!!

[@jasono4735]

What a beautiful tank. Planning out this tank made it perfect.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! A ton of planning and time went into it, but seeing the final setup definitely made it all worth it!

[@adrienneconley7418]

wow i think this is my favorite tank of y'alls now! great work and great video!

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jaclynharlin6225]

Awesome!! Loved the video clips added in for humor 😂

[@CichlidBros]

Haha, thanks!

[@papasmerf6453]

Awesome. I can't even imagine trying to get that aquarium down the stairs.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! It wasn't fun. Had a few moments when we were almost squashed by the tank. Luckily made it out okay lol

[@Gud2B_Blessed]

I keep coming back looking at this tank.🤣🤣😍😍... Im going to have to buy another house.... i don't have wall space in my basement for this big Momma😍😍🤩🤣🤣I NEED THUS TANK!!!! 🐟❤🐟❤❤🔥🔥🔥🔥🐟❤🐟❤❤

[@bethanysummers3377]

Looks so much better, the fish look like they are in a cave and stand out way better. Surely u can fit the old tank in the room too?!....😉

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! More tanks are always in the works!

[@AmericanLe9end]

Nice uncle Alec

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks man!

[@AmericanLe9end]

@@CichlidBros it was me Palmer

[@MargieB51]

Really love the lack of decorations .I love decorations but in this case It’s really incredible to see all the fish all the time with all the money you spent in the care of that you get home can’t stand on one hides behind the rock .big job tomorrow Take everything out ha ha

[@tjautocross]

Great video. Love seeing the new setups!!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!!

[@robertsmith8795]

Ooft! You must be delighted! The whole setup looks amazing.

[@CichlidBros]

Couldn't be happier with it. Thank you for watching!

[@Gud2B_Blessed]

Wow thats some upgrade 🔥🔥🔥

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@Gud2B_Blessed]

@@CichlidBros I definitely am Jealllllllllous for sure 🤣🤣🤣🐟❤🐟❤🐟❤❤❤

[@dlioncoulthurst778]

Really Cool bros....Hoorah!!

[@CichlidBros]

👊🏻👊🏻

[@samet_menc]

Greetings from Turkey. Very good brother.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@avaliu5083]

Amazing setup! I love how clean and simple looking the scape looks with the colorful fish!

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks so much!

[@amymandeville8342]

This new setup definitely makes your fish pop more. You didn't see such vivid colors, before.

[@CichlidBros]

Agreed! They colored up quick once they had more space

[@olsonjslipknot]

That’s one big tank 😮

[@joanvirgil6299]

Class!

[@pieterjansenvanrensburg7322]

Night and day difference.. Looks much better. Next level

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you, appreciate that!

[@wendyhood1006]

I’m so jealous of your new tank absolutely stunning 😍

[@michaelbuck6535]

I see you guys used suction cups on the glass. Good idea. I used a piece of plywood longer than the tank, I screwed pieces of 2x4 at each end for handles and a 2x4 on the top for the glass to rest on instead of the aquarium resting on the guy or guys at the bottom of the stairs.

[@aquariumarchitect]

Great video 🎉

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@razinfishes1918]

Another awesome aquarium from Custom Aquariums and the background is just the bomb to make that tank pop!

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks, Scott! Appreciate it 👍🏻

[@bmjd-zw4lq]

great vid

[@amymandeville8342]

I'm going to guess that tank is around 400 pounds, give or take. I love that background! It's making me want something like that for my Multis.

[@krzysztofkopaczewski4319]

Good job, guys 💪💪💪

[@markbaumgardt2868]

Love the video boys i have also upgraded to a larger tank for my haps

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome! Best of luck with the new tank!

[@maliakalawson9131]

Amazing

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@pelhamsaquatics]

Awesome new tank bros! The haps dare I say, look very happy?😂🤣😂awesome stuff congrats🙂👍🏻

[@CichlidBros]

Happy to give them a better home! Thanks for watching!

[@chrisbraiske3162]

Dope upgrade. Lucky fish!!

[@jasonsingh5293]

Awesome cichlids bro's I'm trying hard to find some nice sevrums thanks for sharing this great video with us great setup

[@cichlidman5598]

Gorgeous Haps, tank looks amazing!!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@kashifkashu7899]

Huge upgrade bro from 125 to 220G for the predator tank..The 3D background is awesome...the haps are really enjoying the extra swimming space from the minimum decor...🙂👌

[@hsmom45]

the upgrade looks awesome

[@danb2533]

Tank & fish look incredible. Great job

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@OffTheDeepEndAquatics]

Beautiful setup! You guys always do it right nice job

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks, Mike! Appreciate it!

[@joeyhacker7518]

Awesome looking setup 🐟🐟✨‼️

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks, Joey!

[@eues803]

Congratulations for the upgrade, yr fish are very healthy and looking great, now relax and enjoy your new tank. 👍

[@Jerry-lj3cf]

Beautiful fish and tank, great choice of aquariums.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@philhare7851]

nice looking tank! i probably would go the acrylic route for my next big tank

[@brianp6180]

Wow stunning tank! Love that background. Makes the fish pop

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@mikepapa13]

Sick setup. Yeah, I moved my 150, with one buddy (no stairs). The large, empty glass tanks are very heavy.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! Yeah this one was very heavy. May have been due to the thick glass and aluminum bracing as well

[@joeestes4958]

Looks amazing guys.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@adamlewandowski9568]

Awesome work as usual, Bros!

[@mattphillips6714]

Beautiful setup, the fish really pop..

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks 👍

[@levilee3003]

Your passion is truly Phenomenal... Congratulations Guys...

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks so much!

[@Jeffdoeswhat]

Nice upgrade. Background is awesome.

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@DopamineSchizo]

gorgeous tank!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@gethighonlife11]

Excellent video, Cichlid Brothers!

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for watching!

[@rustyfan89]

The size of those fish make that tank look small and it’s a massive tank it looks amazing

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@bambamwilliams5419]

VERY IMPRESSIVE SETUP

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@jeromehorn7333]

The new tank looks really nice!

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@MargieB51]

You have the same brick on your home as I do very popular color At the time .Still get compliments on it today

[@warehousemobsquad5922]

Dope tank lov the vids

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks for watching!

[@warehousemobsquad5922]

@@CichlidBros your welcome just helping out with the KZbin algorithm feel free to give me a sub as well lol

[@gopinathkrish55]

Beautiful tank 🤩

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! 👍

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

awesome

[@RobsAquariumRoom]

A great setup 👍🏼👍🏼

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@t1dirty]

New tank looks great 👍

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!!

[@hussblacksmith5417]

Awesome love it! Well done lads I need some cichlid bros in my life!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@shivaquatics5459]

Sooo beautiful tank

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks!

[@austinhigley9295]

amazing tank and amazing fish

[@CichlidBros]

👊🏻👊🏻

[@calebherring387]

3:24 Depends slightly based on the exact variety of glass but if you're still wondering I looked up a calculator and it's about 420lbs

[@CichlidBros]

Haha, sounds about right! We need to hit the gym before the next one

[@rikscichlidaddiction25]

Wow that's is so nice. I hope I can get something similar to that one day. Good job Bro's.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@jazzymichelle]

Dammmm jump back kiss myself awesome guys looks great 👍

[@danieltaylor757]

Looks bloody marvelous you blokes 🇦🇺

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@robertsmith8795]

If I was getting a bigger tank I would always prioritise more length or depth but just watched this video again and it really strikes me how much that extra 6 inches in height really lends itself to this type of set up. Good choice! 👌

[@cichlid_kings]

Awesome upgrade Cichlid Bros! Tank , stand/canopy , background are all very classy. Very cool combination. Looking at the before and after you can instantly see that the fish are more chill and relaxed in the upgrade. Enjoy those monster's 😎

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you, much appreciated! Excited to give these guys a better home!

[@legionaquatics]

It looks so much better! This makes me want to do the same thing but with peacocks!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! Would look awesome with a bunch of peacocks for sure

[@goxyz123]

Love the background. How many pieces are siliconed to the back and how many are loose single rocks? Appreciate it!

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! This model had five pieces to silicone and three standalone rocks

[@Angela-yq1kw]

Great tank! Looks amazing! Was wondering, how heavy of a tank you can put on that kind of flooring. We have just basic wood laminate and a 55 gallon. Thought that was the heaviest we could go without destroying the flooring. Do you have any info/recommendations on that. Thanks!

[@dmphins8349]

Nice I'm working on trying to get a tank from them to the fish are looking great and getting big

[@aquadecorbackgrounds4890]

❤

[@timward2728]

Wow. This is beautiful! I know the intakes are behind the background, but are your returns camouflaged on the black background at the top?

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! Yep, they’re in the top middle just next to the background. You can kinda see them if you look close but mostly hidden

[@mikejejenich7116]

I plan on getting a 150 gallon custom aquarium…… from custom aquariums. Sept 💯

[@CichlidBros]

Awesome. It’s top quality for sure. Best of luck!

[@mikejejenich7116]

@@CichlidBros thanks debating. If im gonna get there sump or not……. Always been a canister guy….. dont know much abt sumps

[@jeffreytrespeces4708]

Wow, I’m not into African cichlids at all but the entire setup looks amazing. Congrats

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you!

[@antowanstanback8017]

NICE!!

[@CichlidBros]

👊🏻👊🏻

[@lokithor9274]

Omg i been waiting for this for awhile😀😅

[@maliakalawson9131]

I got my first Male Electric Blue Acara the other day he is Beautiful

[@Bushehri1]

Beautiful 😍, how much it will cost!

[@daddykiller5835]

Beautiful set up! Congratulations 🎉 How tall is your aquarium stand?

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! It’s 36 inches

[@bryanbutler6537]

Great looking tank. Down the stairs must have been quite the experience. Can you share what lights you have on that? I am looking to upgrade mine on my 125.

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! It definitely was not fun getting the tank down. The light is a Current USA Satellite Plus LED. It's a solid light, been happy with it

[@mikejejenich7116]

Tank looks amazing…… the only thing I would do different. Is the substrate. I would put black……. It makes the colers pop even more….. along with that black in the background. ✅🐠

[@lboogie738aquatics]

Great video guys truly amazing. Are you to setup the 125 gallon again?

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! Likely selling the 125. Just didn't fit some of the open space in the basement. Will likely have room for future tanks, just in different dimensions.

[@ericesquivel4255]

🔥 🔥 🔥

[@jcsafricancichlids]

Amazing 🔥🔥🔥we’re ur fx6 inputs ?

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! They’re in the two corners behind the background. There’s pre-made cutouts for them

[@nikdi5743]

There is no way that beautiful tank is going in my basement….Everyone will see that the moment they walk in my home!! Nice video guys!! ❤

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! I’m down in the basement a ton so it gets plenty of attention 🤙🏼

[@dhammaboy1203]

That looks epic - I love the background mix of both 3D rock and the black background. Looks really cool - nice work Alec & the other bros! I was going to ask if their behavior improved in the tank but got my answer right at the end there! Great news for you & your Malawis. Serious upgrade! One question - I thought you said 6 x 2 x 2 but that’s a 180g? I’m guessing it’s 2.5 high maybe - it looks like it. And that gets up to 220g? Regardless - I’m hanging out to upgrade to a 180g (next year) myself now! 🙌🏻🐟u

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! Appreciate it. Alec misspoke at one point, since it’s 30 inches tall. Gets the tank up to 220 👍🏻

[@bencook519]

where did you order your background from? Its awesome!!!!

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! It's from Aqua Decor. Aquadecorbackgrounds.com

[@zuess8018]

I really enjoyed this video until i saw the Green Bay Packer shirt 😂

[@johnjr47]

Awesome Tank, can you show the filtration system ?

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! It’s currently a FX6 and a Sicce Whale 500 canister

[@johnjr47]

Thank you so much for replying could you do a video and showing the filtration system,lights and etc.

[@mikecovey4498]

I wish we could of seen how you loved the tank. I’ve been wanting to upgrade to a giant tank but afraid of moving it too my basement

[@CichlidBros]

It was tough focusing on the tank and filming at the same time. We used four suction cups, stood the tank vertically at the top of the stairs. Had two of us "catching" the weight of the tank on the stairs with Quinn at the top. We glided it down the carpeted stairs while lifting as much as we could on the suction cups. Worked pretty well overall

[@greygoose117]

Looks great bros. Me and my cousin moved my 220 by ourselves, without any suction cups, and I said NEVER again! 😂 omg those tanks are heavy 😖🥵

[@CichlidBros]

Thank you! Definitely a game changer!

[@marccast7057]

The one part of the hobby I never want to think of is the part of my life where I have to break it down lol

[@CichlidBros]

Yep. Once we had everything completed, we had to move the old tank back up the stairs. Never fun lol

[@girishg6449]

Looks really good. What is the minimum tank size for haps? Can you please suggest me

[@CichlidBros]

Thanks! I would say 125 is around the minimum size. But the bigger the better

[@girishg6449]

@@CichlidBros I always envy you for having all these aquariums. Thanks for the reply 👍