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What about those ones Hague1982 had - synodontis multipunctatus? I remember googling them when he posted a pic as I'd never heard of them - they come from Lake Tanganyika don't they? Just a thought for something as well as mbuna Or have I got the wrong end of the stick?

I think you're right, that's the Cuckoo Catfish and is often included in Tanganyikan tanks (it originates from Lake Tanganyika).

They like a pH of 8 or more so might be a good choice.

EDIT Cross posted with Jaguar who has given good reasons NOT to add these to a Malawi set-up.

Synodontis Multipunctatus are from Lake Tanganyika and not suitable for a Malawi setup although both are above pH 7.5 but they are completely different ecosystems. Also Synodontis Multipunctatus, require protein foods that are not good for Mbunas, so this also makes them incompatible. Hope that helps.

Edit: Just to add synodontis multipunctatus live in large shoals in the wild and this means preferably you will need a t least 6 of them to be happy.

There is soo much to think about (I knew there would be)! Im not in any rush to set the tank up though, I want it to be right for the fish.

I've been trying to research the different african cichlids and now I am even more confused! Every area has such a wonderful selection of fish that I really dont know where to start. Are there any groups of them that like water with a ph of approx 7.4-7.6? From what I've discovered so far, American ones like a low ph while africans like it high?

When you were talking about the different ecosystems Jaguar could you tell me a bit more about them? Is there a specific region of fish that you would suggest for someone who has never kept cichlids before? Sorry to bombard you with all the questions I just really dont want to screw things up lol!

If you want Cichlids, Taganyikans are probably the easiest to keep. Some can thrive in pH 7.8. A lot of people on here have got Shellies, namely Neolamprologus multifasiatus. I myself have these, as does Cathie, Jellybean and some others. They are wonderful little characters, you will be able to have other Tanganyikans like Julidochromis Dickfeldi as well, if you look at my profile I have a picture on there of the Tanganyikans.

I'd definetly reccommend tanganyikans for you rather than malawi, Don't get me wrong mbuna are nice colourful fish! but to me there boring!!! that's just my opinion

If your really interested in a cichlid tank tanganyikans are one of the most interesting fish you can have, i only started keeping the fish in september with 1 tank! Now i have 4 tanks and a great collection of fish!

i do have one sin i must confess to though i added a spotted bulldog plec to my community tank!

if your wondering where to get them as many shops stock poor or either no tanganyikan stock, i can reccommend mikes rift forum he's in st helens but he delivers fish as well for £23 a crate or box can't quite remember!

i also have 13 cyprichromis leptosoma kekese fry if anybody is interested about 3-4cm now and doing well with more on the way there breeding like rabbits! pm if your intrested lol

Thank you

So Taganyikans it is. Right now where do I start? Do they still need a rocky sandy tank? Can I add plants and wood? If I add mature filter media do I still need to have the tank running 6 months before I add the cichlids? What sort of stocking level should I aim for? Its the Jewel Rio 240 btw.

To start with you will still need a nice fine coral sand, and if you are going for Shellies, (Neolamprologus multifasiatus) you will need some escargot shells, check online for them. Get some ocean rock also as this will help to landscape the tank and add extra buffering for the waters pH. There are many lovely Tangayikans but get the tank substrate and ocean rock as these will be ideal for whatever you are going to put in later. Have a look around at Tanganyikan species and do some research whilst the tank is cycling, that will take about 6 weeks to complete so plenty of time. Did you look at the pics in my profile?

I did, your tanks and fish are fantastic! Those are the kind of setups I aspire to have one day

My mission for the weekend then is sourcing the sand and rock. There is a distinct lack of decent aquatic stores in my area

How much (in kilos) ocean rock do you think I will need? I am no good at picturing how much a certain weight would be lol. How are river rocks for aquariums if I was to get some from our local river?

Thanks for so much great advice

Ocean Rock doesn't tend to have a weight to size ratio, just go out and look around and see what there is and choose what you like. Buy enough to make the tank look as you want it to. You can mix Ocean rock with a volcanic rock in order to keep costs down.