Inspirational aquariums: Rocky cichlid tank

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Get your creative juices flowing with this lovely African cichlid set-up.

This stunning set-up contains a moulded Back to Nature background. These are not cheap, but add instant impact and can look really impressive, even if you have no aquascaping flair. This one has been used to recreate a part of Lake Malawi, but you could add whatever fish you liked. We wouldn’t recommend this particular combination of fish!

Go for either mbuna, such as the Yellow labs pictured, or the blue Sciaenochromis fryeri — but not together.

What you will need

Large aquarium and cabinet £500

Back to Nature background £350

Filter £150

Heater £25

Lighting £100

Rocks and gravel £50

Test kits £20

Total: £1195

Optional extras

LED lighting for shimmer effect £150

In-line heater £35

This item was first published in the Christmas 2009 issue of Practical Fishkeeping magazine. It may not be reproduced without written permission.