are we actually creating a natural environment?

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mukundam123

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 6, 2008
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hi guys

Ive been trying to setup my Malawi tank as naturally as I can,but I came to thinking about the wild environment they actually live in.I mean some of them live about 30 meters underwater! The pressure and visibility at that depth is way different to what's in my tank! Just wondering if anyones got any thoughts on this, or if they've created the pressure.

Thanks
 
well you can always create that look, darker lights, dont know about the pressure though, big caves and what not can always be DIY. rock shelves are always a plus too, its all on what you want to do, and the size of the tank.
 
The only way to really create that pressure is to actually have a 30 m deep tank. I have actually thought about this type of thing a lot. People want to have a "natural" tank, but they want it really heavily planted with nice green plants and 0 algae. Have you ever looked at an actual planted stream habitat?
 
I believe that they arn't affected whatsoever by the pressure at those depths. Meaning they don't even notice the difference between 30 meters or 2 feet. They are unaffected regardless. So I believe they feel as right as rain in our tank as far as pressure is concerned.
 
rucus;2307836; said:
I believe that they arn't affected whatsoever by the pressure at those depths. Meaning they don't even notice the difference between 30 meters or 2 feet. They are unaffected regardless. So I believe they feel as right as rain in our tank as far as pressure is concerned.
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Yeah, the only thing that really matters with pressure is a sudden change. You could take fish that live at those depths and acclimate them slowly to shallower water and they'd be just fine. Now if you were to pull them up from more than 10-15' down in a matter of seconds, they'll be in trouble to the tune of having internal organs (usually gas bladder) prolapse through the mouth.
 
mukundam123;2307790; said:
hi guys

Ive been trying to setup my Malawi tank as naturally as I can,but I came to thinking about the wild environment they actually live in.I mean some of them live about 30 meters underwater! The pressure and visibility at that depth is way different to what's in my tank! Just wondering if anyones got any thoughts on this, or if they've created the pressure.

Thanks
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No, we are not creating a natural environment. We cannot supply 1000s of gallons per fish, their exact foods and predators, and usually even their same basic habitat (fast flowing river or vw sized boulders). We simply provide what we can that is pleasing to us and acceptable to our fish. Fish are usually fairly adaptable to their environment and will fare well given good and proper water quality. In terms of keeping a high pressure tank, no need. The fish are already adapted to minimal tank pressures.
 
andyjs;2307822; said:
The only way to really create that pressure is to actually have a 30 m deep tank. I have actually thought about this type of thing a lot. People want to have a "natural" tank, but they want it really heavily planted with nice green plants and 0 algae. Have you ever looked at an actual planted stream habitat?
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People have to realize algae is part of the ecosystem. Personally, I do not mind algae in my tank provided its growth is under control.

How is this?;) They're not really planted but still nice scenes and can be replicated if you leave the hair algae alone.:D Photos may take time to download.
http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php?t=11161
 
Interesting thoughts guys, and I guess most of you are right. I think what we do is good enough (solong as we do it properly), and the pressure won't matter really since they've been acclimatised on their wayt o the surface.
I'm thinking of letting algae grow in my tank too. Its doing pretty well at the moment, but I'm not sure if the Mbuna will actualy graze on it.
I want them to be able to feed themselves on the algae, and let any food I give them to be like a supplement/treat.

You think this will work?
 
A fish tank is never like the natural environment of fish. We try to recreate it for our enjoyment. The fish will never be in their home environment, even in ppublic aquaria. In the wild, fish have square miles to live in, in a tank they have square feet
 
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