I'm currently doing up a 4x2x2 to house African Cichlids from lake Malawi. This is my first attempt with African's. I'd like to get a few Mbuna's but I wanted a larger focal point for the open area's of the tank. Something that sticks with the Malawi biotope but isn't likely to make meals out of the Mbuna's. Does anyone have any ideas?

a few different male peacocks nice bright colours just get males so you dont get inter breeding

lol the mbuna will get pretty big and fill in the open areas of the tank.. Even though mbuna translates to something like "rock dwelling" they certainly don't sit around in caves at the back of the tank.

You may get away with some male peacocks but bear in mind that some mbuna are very aggressive and consistently nasty so some peacocks will just be left cowering in the corners, or you will add beautiful males only to find them so sub dominant they just assume female colours and sulk around in the tank.. Things like a large ice blue male will easily claim half to 2/3rds your tank for his turf and everyone else will be left fighting out for the remaining portion

on your question of stocking, you could put as many fish as say 40 depending on what types you get. 4x2x2 is a good size as it gives a large footprint & litreage, i have a tank slightly smaller in depth & height & have around 30 adult fish easily & could add more. of those adults, the largest is a approx 18cm red empress which doesn't have any problems for space. the rest are around 5 inches or so.

what species are you thinking of keeping? keep in mind lists of africans on website is not neccessarily what is avialable locally.

Have you considered joining here? It might help to get more local knowledge of what is available to you in Aussie.. We can always help recommend stuff but it may or may not be available to you and we can't really help you find it either

http://www.qldaf.com/forum/index.php

i didn't check your location, you are very lucky to be or to become an african keeper in Aussie. there is more available & the prices are considerably cheaper there & you can get wild caught if you want quite easily. or so i understand from a tropheus forum i am on from over there.