I have a 20gal freshwater tank and I'm going to be keeping Lake Malawi cichlids...?

Question

...and currently, I have a filter that uses two cartridges, one on each side, and when turned on, creates a lot of current and some bubbles. I also have an air stone on inside the tank as well as three live plants. I was wondering if I could take out the air stone and just run the tank without one. Is this possible? Will no oxygen/air stone affect the fish in my tank?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Answer 1

Keep in mind that 20 gallons is still quite small. Many people have a tendency to pack small aquariums with lots of fish despite their reduced size. This can be problematic because the bio-load may be too much for the small volume of water and degree of filtration. In this situation things can go wrong very quickly. While certainly many more options exist for a 20 gallon Long, we strongly recommend that the beginner not venture beyond these suggested fishes (and numbers). This is particularly true for the Malawi cichlids. And note that a "pair" refers to a group of male and female, not two unsexed individuals.
Please check out the article from the cichlid forum for some of the stockings you could have without running in to problems. Only Apistos and those species from West Africa and Lake Tanganyika are "plant friendly." The others are serious diggers and/or plant grazers.

Answer 2

The filter will provide enough oxygenation,but that tank is way too small for Malawi Cichlids. If you want to keep Rift Lake Cichlids in a twenty gallon tank get some of the Tanganyikan Shell-dwellers,they are tiny fish that live in snail shells. There are several species to chose from, a twenty long should be large enough for 6 or 8 of these little beauties. You will have to make special efforts in the area of water quality,as they require pristine conditions. Water changes at least once a week and maybe more. They are definitely worth the effort,and are fascinating to watch.

Answer 3

I don't know of any Lake Malawi Cichlids that are small enough to be kept in a 20gal tank. Even Demasoni Cichlids should have at least a 30gal tank. But to answer your question about the air stone you should be fine either with or without it. I recommend you get a copy of a book called "Lake Malawi Cichlids, A Complete Pet Owner's Manual" for some great information on keeping Lake Malawi Cichlids.

Answer 4

I am glad someone else out there is having the same quandry! I have just got a 150 gallon tank and I am wrestling with American or African. I have a 29 gallon that i have been playing with for a year and i have a few african in there at present with 3 tinfoils (they were the first fish i bought before i had any clue!). The reason i cannot decide is that i have allways wanted an Arowana but i still want to have lots fo small fish for activity and colour. I also think if i have a big tank i should have at least one big fish. I will probably end up going African and putting the foils in (they are getting big enough to look after themselves and act as good dither fish) but can anyone suggest a nice BIG fish that i can put in with the afircans that can take the hard water and not eat 2"-8" cichlids? Thanks RG

Answer 5

The airstone will agitate the surface and increase dissolved oxygen but is not necessary if you don't stock your tank too heavily.

Keep in mind that Malawian cichlids are very aggresive and territorial. A 20 gallon will only provide room for one or two adult fish. Unless its a 20 long (30x12 inch footprint) in which case you may have room for a trio.

Also mbuna will chew up mos aquarium plants so you may want to stick with just rocks for aquascaping.

Answer 6

As other have said your tank is to small for Malawi cichlids but you could get a pair of either firemouths or convicts which are central American cichlids.