Well as I had mentioned in the Marine section, I am going to return to Malawis if finances permit in the near future.
It’s gonna take a while me thinks, but I’m looking at returning to something along the lines of what I used to have.
The thing I want to get right is the background, there are various options. I could go down the Lava Rock (Grotto Rock) type I had before. However I’m actually more enticed towards the false backings.
The options on that front are:-
Juwel – The rock background is quite nice, although I wasn’t sure about the colour, I was maybe preferring the greyish/darker look to the background whilst this is more of a lighter brown/sandy colour. There’s also the option of adding a root Juwel backing in between it to give it a little mix.
Marina – I noticed a nice greyish rock type backing, however have only saw the one picture of it, but I have asked Hagen a few questions on it.
Back to Nature – Although very nice, think it is too pricey. I’m also not so keen on the bulky look to it.
Natureform – From TMC, looks very nice too, but due to it’s sizes could well be pricey. Couple of nice ones that I saw Timor Green (doesn’t look green though, LOL) and Kisa Grey.
The tank I intend to go for is a 5 foot tank, with a decent depth and width. I have some prices from the usual supplier however a bit more than I expected. For this price I could get the Fluval Roma or Fluval Bowfront, although that is only 4 foot, although I like the tanks.
It’ll be Mbuna I’ll keep, but before I splash any cash on tanks, I just want to make sure I can get the correct fish. I’m aiming at the previous fish I used to keep, the likes of Saulosi, Yellow Labs and some Afras.
FD
Sounds good FD, you gonna put some rock in front of the background as well?
I like the nature form stuff.
1xTrigon 1903 Clown Loaches,14 Cardinal Tetras,8 Rummynose Tetras,6 Cory Trileneatus,6 Hatchetfish,4 otocinclus,1 SAE,1 Bristlenose,, 10 amano Shrimp
Anubius Barteri,Crinum thianum,Limnophilia sessiflora, Echinodorus Blehri, nymphaea lotus, Ammania Senegelis, Crinum calimustratum, java moss, 1xRekord 60Empty at Present
12 litre tank - 4 japonica shrimp, 4 Red crystal shrimp, 5 High Spot Rasbora
Anubias Barteri, Glossostigma Elatanoides, Ammania Senegalisis, Limnophilia Sessiflora, Bacopa amplexicaulis
Yeah mate, I'm gonna look around and see what I like.
Probably the large river boulders you see.
Natureform stuff does look ace, just that it's very pricey and to get the right size, I'd probably have to buy 2 pieces and then cut most of the other.
always wondered about this stuff but put myself off getting it as lots of muck can build up behind it. Maybe I'm just over cautious, dunno.
If it was 1 full structure where I could silicone right round it then I'd be tempted. Could you get some flow behind it to blast the muck out?
Not too sure.
Don't think there'd be a huge problem with the Juwel or Hagen backing, but the others I think will have various bumps and spaces no doubt. Guess I'd just need to go mental with the silicone.
Why forsake the natural decor in favour of a piece of 2-dimensional moulded plastic? Your original setup in the photo looks great, I'd be over the moon to have a tank looking like that. It's really 3-dimensional, looks very natural and provides the fish with a bit of scenery to swim around rather than just 'in front of' as well as giving them hiding places. Doesn't need to be lava rock - find a local burn or beach with some nice rounded stones and stick in a few bits of bogwood and slate too. IMO much more appealing to the eye, but all down to personal taste I suppose.
7 8 tanks (tropicals) , and a pond.Without understanding, knowledge is worthless
Hi them backgrounds look great but at what cost may i ask? I used the juwel background on my nano marine and had know probs at all with it,in fact the idea worked a treat! {but cleaning the algea of was a nightmare,so gave up thought well it looks more natural.................}
I have used pebbles taken from a beach for my tanks,and they look great,but carrying them was um awkward as we were on hol and um i had filled the boot up - me dad was not amused!
I've just noticed Juwel do another backing, and like the looks of that.
Ferox - Yeah, I did like my last tank, but these backings have always appealed to me. I won't be dropping the idea of rocks, they'll be in there, probably the large rounded river boulders will be the one's I'll go for.
Whilst I previously had a 5 foot tank, I'm thinking more of the look of it, as it will be added to the living room. We currently have the Fluval Corner unit (same colour as below).
I like the tank colour and the Roma 240L tank is appealing to me.
Whilst the extra length would have helped with stocking, it ain't the end of the world for me and I'd prefer the look of the tank compared to the length. And I don't have a huge scope for species that I wish for.
Dimensions are 120 cm W x 40 cm D x 55 cm, so around 4 foot which is a decent size for Mbuna. The lighting is only T8, but it's not a big deal anyway due to the lighting requirements.
Things are moving pretty slowly, selling this and that from the Marine tank.
Also thinking about the tank, I'm getting more drawn to the Vicenza 260, which is a bowfront and a little deeper (not a huge advantage for Malawis, but still a bit more swimming space).
Someone has also pointed me to the Aqua Terra 3d background which looks fantastic. This is the Malawi one:-
It also comes in grey, but the brown appeals more to me. Looks fantastic. Just need to see how much of a deal I can get on it. That mixed with the large river rocks would look fab I think.
Was going to go with the eco-carib cichlid substrate, but think I'll not bother as the colour difference with the background won't match.