Iwagumi hardscape for malawi's.

[Martin Osmond]

Hi guys, I hope it's ok to come on here and discuss this as it will not involve plants.

I'm soon to be setting up a 4ft tank for Malawi cichlids, almost certainly mbuna. I was wondering if people think a iwagumi style hardscape would work for them?

 

[alto]

I think you'd have more luck with Tanganyikans in this sort of scape BUT you'd still need to choose your species carefully
1 shelldweller (choose "mild" temperament)
1 sand dweller (as above) or Altolamprologus
1 open water dweller such as 'cyps' (even with these, fish from certain locales may show more aggression)

Depending on setup & selected species, you might be able to do 4 species ... once you've a short list, post on CF for feedback.

If you want Mbuna, I strongly (strongly) recommend against Iwagumi - for long term success,, you really want lots of rock work with various sized crevices/caves ... you might get lucky if you begin with the right species (but I don't know much about the Malawi species .. there may be more compatible (gentler) species available now than when I was keeping africans).

CF really has done a great library with profiles & "cookie cutter" tank set ups

 

[parotet]

Hi all

Not an Iwagumi but it perfectly shows how beautiful a cichlids tank can be. I guess this is what it happens when you use aquascaping techniques in an aquaristic field where aesthetics has not been traditionally a priority aspect

http://www.aquariumdesigngroup.com/sources/mobile2/index.php#portfolios/8/3

Jordi

 

[Martin Osmond]

Thank you both.

Jordi, that's kind of what I'm thinking. I've seen lots of different rock layouts and can't help thinking that using aquascaping techniques the potential for a really striking Malawi tank is definitely there. Just trying to think outside the box a little to try and come up with something a bit different.

 

[alto]

Also check out the Senske's FB page for inspiration