How to Set Up an Mbuna Aquarium

Mbunas are a type of cichlids that originate from Lake Malawi in Africa. Their name means rock fish because they live in the rocky shoreline of the lake and feed off the algae and crustaceans on the rocks. They are an aggressive fish that need plenty of space to cohabitate well with other mbunas. Because of their natural rocky habitat and aggressiveness, these are the two main considerations when setting up a mbuna aquarium. Mbunas are otherwise adaptable and hardy, so other elements of the tank such as aquascape, lighting and filtration are easy to adjust to their needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Mbuna cichlids
  • Aquarium
  • Aquarium rocks
  • Filtration system
  • Lighting
  • Aquarium basics such as buffers, heater, gravel and artificial plants
  • Mbuna food
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Instructions

  1. Setting up a Mbuna Aquarium

    • 1

      Consider how many mbunas you plan to have when setting up a mbuna aquarium. Because mbunas are aggressive by nature and tend to target other fish, large numbers of mbunas together decrease this behavior. If you plan to have just one mbuna, the size of the aquarium is less of a concern. However, for multiple mbunas, it's best to have a tank that is 32 inches (81 cm) or larger, or holds 30 gallons of water (114 L) or more.

    • 2

      Understand the water needs of your mbunas. They do best in hard water with high alkaline content. Be sure to check the pH balance of your water regularly, and add buffers if the level goes below 7.6. Keeping coral or limestone sand in your mbuna aquarium will also help to keep the water well-balanced. Salt mixes that are prepared for cichlids can also benefit the tank, and can be found at your local pet or aquarium store. Regulate the temperature of your tank's water with an aquarium heater.

    • 3
      A mbuna aquarium can provide a fascinating and beautiufl environment to watch.

      Be sure to keep your mbuna aquarium well-filtered. Mbunas create a lot of waste, so it is important to keep the water filtered significantly to cut back on debris and to keep the water highly oxygenated. If you have a large number of mbunas, consider using two filters to keep the water clean and your fish healthy. This will also cut back on tank cleaning and the need to change the tank's water.

    • 4

      Include simple lighting for your mbuna tank. You don't need to go too bright or too dim with the lighting because this type of fish do not have specific lighting needs. Mbuna do best with artificial plants, so there is no need for a very bright light. A medium light source will result in some algae growth, which is beneficial because the mbuna like to feed on it.

    • 5

      Provide plenty of rocks for hiding placing and feeding surfaces for your mbunas. This is very important to a mbuna aquarium because this is the type of natural habitat that this type of cichlid comes from and thrives in. Mbunas love to hide in rock structures, and the ability to do this cuts back on stress levels. They also eat the algae which grows on the rock surfaces. Certain types of rocks, such as limestone, can also add to the high alkaline levels in the water that mbunas thrive on.

    • 6

      Remember the basics when setting up your mbuna aquarium. Don't forget gravel for the bottom of the tank, vacuums and heaters that are standard for tropical tanks and any decorative items you plan to use. Mbuna food can be found in a variety of types. Remember to also have necessary test kits to be sure your water's pH level and chemicals are well-balanced for a healthy mbuna environment.