Aquascape Details
Dimensions: 120 cm x 50 cm x 40 cm
Title: Sedimentary Rock hábitat in Pombo Rocks. Lake Malawi. Tanzania. Africa.
Volume: 240L L
Lighting: 6500k led light
Filtration: 2 x Aquaclear 70
Plants:
Livestock: Chindongo demasoni x 10. 1 male 6 females and 3 frys
Hardscape Materials: Natural pumice rocks. 3 different size of Silice sand
Background: Blue paint
Substrate: 3 different size of silice sand.
Additional Information: Sedimentary Rock hábitat in Pombo Rocks. Lake Malawi, Tanzania, Africa. Pombo Rocks is located on the northeast coast of Lake Malawi, near Ndumbi Point, on the coast of Tanzania. Chindongo demasoni in that area is found at about 4 meters depth and mostly inhabits vertical cracks between rocks that can measure up to 7 meters deep.
Sources: Ad Konings books, Location Reference, Ciclidos del Rift Argentina, And many hours of talk with Mark Thomas, who kindly gave me his photos so I could properly landscape the aquarium.
As someone who finds the East African displays hard to appreciate due to their lack of plants, I must confess that the striking and authentic nature of this display operates as a good reminder that I should be more open minded! The lighting and blue background combine very well to mimic the conditions of the chosen fish. The rockwork feels largely natural and offers plenty of cover fo the sometimes feisty Chindongos. The substrate feels natural and suits the foraging habits of the fish and the tank size is appropriate. The layout, while naturalistic and catering to needs of the inhabitants, has left a clear stage for the viewer to enjoy the fish and in that sense it has achieved the main aims of the biotope display: provide a suitable home for the animals, be authentic and present them well to the observer. I really like this display and highly commend it.