My 75 gallon mbuna tank

[VioletSpider]

I recently add and rearrange rocks in my mbuna tank. The lights that I am using right now, are 15w sansi grow light. I am amaze with the effect of it in the lava rocks. As you will notice the rocks on the left side is more of brownish compare with the right side rocks. The brown rocks are more than 1 year in this tank and they grow a lot of beneficial bacteria (but i am not sure with this maybe someone can correct me with this). I can also see the algae growing with these rocks and the little bubbles on the surfaces of these rocks fascinate me. Currently I am only using one jumbo sponge filter that i hide using the lava rocks on the right side of the tank. I also, using a wave maker on the upper left side of the tank. Everything is good, one of my red zebra female is holding fry and I can see that they are all have develop eyes. Now, I am planning to add another wave maker for better circulation since I read an article in the internet suggesting that using wavemaker improves circulation which translates to healthier aquarium. But i am still hesitant that's why i am here asking for advice and suggestion to improve this tank of mine. Because I know that people here are experts for fish keeping.

HAPPY FISHKEEPING!


THE WHOLE TANK. I HIDE THE JUMBO SPONGE FILTER USING THE NEW LAVA ROCKS THAT I ADDED A WEEK AGO.

THE LEFT SIDE ROCKS AS I BELIEVE "LIVE ROCKS" A TERM USE IN SALT WATER HOBBY

THESE ARE THE NEWLY ADDED LAVA ROCKS

 

[danotaylor]

Nice looking tank. My only suggestion would be instead of adding a 2nd wave maker, consider an internal power filter instead. This will give you more circulation, as well as removing particulate waste (water polishing) that is lifted into the water column by the water movement. Whilst sponges have a large surface area for beneficial bacteria growth (biological filtration), they do not do a good job of removing solid waste d/t the low flow of water through the sponge. The combo of wave maker + internal power filter will keep the water very clear of solid waste and make you tank look even nicer. Also, lots of solid waste will build up in the dense rock piles. I would recommend moving rocks periodically & vacuuming any trapped detritus from amongst the hard scape

 

[VioletSpider]

I see, it would be better to use internal filter instead of another wave maker. I look online and I found a internal filter with 800 Liter per hour. do you think it is enough for my 75 gallon mbuna tank?

 

[danotaylor]

I am assuming that the big air driven sponge provides the biological filtration you require, and that your ammonia & nitrites lvls are at 0 with the presence of nitrate, the end product of the nitrogen cycle.
Based on this assumption being correct, the addition of an internal filter that turns over 4 times the tank volume every hour would provide good flow and water polishing, and be a nice addition to your 75gal. I would go for 1200 liters per hour if possible. Remember mbuna are from the shallow wave zone of Malawi and therefore like the increased movement & O2 provided by water movement.
Since you have the biological needs covered w the big air driven sponge, you can remove and clean the internal power filter sponge media frequently to maintain the highest lvl of water flow it can manage. The water clarity this produces will definitely enhance your viewing pleasure!
Enjoy!