Lake Malawi or a Amazon Community tank?

[L!NUS]

So I'm not new to fish keeping, but I just haven't been focusing on fish for many years. My turtle's get all the attention right now. Sometime in the future, either my 55G or my 40G tank will become free. Awhile back I posted a topic concerning a low maintnence planted Amazon Community tank. But now I'm really looking into Lake Malawi Mbuna Cichlids. They are just stunning.

So my question is, for a guy returning to fish keeping, what would be best for me, a Lake Malawi tank or a Amazon Community tank?

Keep in mind that I am partially experienced with water chemistry.

In my old Amazon tank thread, we ended up with a stocking around here:

8 Turquoise Rainbow Fish-Center Piece of the tank.
http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_Melanotaenia_lacustris.php
15 Cardinal Tetra-For my smaller schooling fish
http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_Cardinal_Tetra_Paracheirodon_axelrodi.php
8 Smaller species of Cory-Clean up crew
1 Smaller Pleco Species-Algae control
After the tank is in great condition, I might get some otos.

And if I decide on the Cichlids, I know I would like lots of blue and yellow.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Pharaoh]

I vote Malawi!

 

[Warborg]

Really it's what you want. Of course I'll go with Amazon Community tank, they tend to be my favorite types of fish.

Since you are looking at Lake Malawi Mbuna Cichlids, go with them

 

[sostoudt]

i vote us native oh thats not a choice.
the cichlids then

 

[q_fish]

malawi cause they look cooler =)

 

[L!NUS]

Which one would be easier and have easier maintenence?

 

[iplaylacrosse6]

i have found that my previous amazon set up was a little more maintenence than compared to my Malawi tank I have set up now. but.. it was not big enough to make a strong push for one versus another. the only suggestions I have is that mbuna IMO work alot better with live plants, and interact with them alot better. Also their awesome looks dont hurt the cause.
I vote mbuna

 

[L!NUS]

Im really liking these African Fish. I like how easy they spawn. My 50G is long, is that ok. Its 48X16X16.

 

[sostoudt]

Which one would be easier and have easier maintenence?

depends on the stocking and maitnence, potentially the planted tank can have very few water changes a year.

but the cichlid tank should be simplier to maintenance, with no plants and sand.

 

[L!NUS]

Now that's what I like to hear!