Breeding African Cichlids....

[wattheconheo]

I've been doing alot of research lately and have gotten really excited about the challenge of breeding Malawi Cichlids. At the same time I like to build an aquarium that is pleasing to the eye and makes the wifey happy. I currently have a 200 gallon with an arowana, tigrinus and dats. Frankly, its kinda boring cause it is somewhat of a bare tank. Recently, I scored a killer deal on a 240 acrylic and will be adding another big tank in the house (after alot of begging and shopping for her, I wish I can from decisions).

I've been wanting to do a 3D background for the tank and will do it but need some advice. I have been reading this person DIY and I notice that with his clean look and design, there isnt alot of caves for the fish to breed. Am I wrong and could his design be perfect for the fish to breed? I am building a background that mimics this person tank.

I want to be able to offer an environment for the fish to encourage them to breed at the same time eye pleasing for viewing. I will be stocking the tank with roughly around 75-100 1-1.5" cichlids (of course when the cycle and water conditions are perfect). I will be adding playsand (silica sand) and rocks that will match the background.





So here are the following questions I have:

With the design of the individual above, do you believe the fish will be able to breed within the aquarium and have an area to hide for protection?


If not, what should be altered so that the fish do breed or have a protected area?


With a design like this would you have a W/D system or would you have canisters?


Would you have regular fluorescent lighting or power compacts (the tank is
24" deep and will have no live plants)?


I dont like the whole "stacking rock" look cause it somewhat dirty to me (no offense to anyone) but is that the only way cichlids will breed?


Does anyone know anything about DIY moonlight?
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_moonlight.php






Any inputs would greatly be appreciated to the construction of this aquarium.

 

[ShadowBass]

You need to determine what species you plan to breed so you know what enviroment will best suit them.

Most mbunas don't need a special enviroment to breed. The male will lure the female to the bottom, she will lay her eggs either on a rock or the bottom of the tank and then take them into her mouth until they have hatched and are ready to be free swimming.
The main reason to have lots of rocks and hiding spaces is to 1. emulate their natural enviroment, and 2. provide hiding spaces and territory to lower aggression, and sometimes places for fry to hide.

Some species are harder to breed though and require a different enviroment. You will not want to mix various species either, especially if you plan to sell any fry in the future, you may end up with hybrids and at the least will not be able to verify if the fry are pure.

Personally I would go with a wet/dry. I also prefer compact flourescents because I feel they look better, but no special lighting is needed.