Could a African Cichlid tank work in 180L?

I’m planning on changing things up in my 180L, and I can’t get the idea of a Cichlid tank out of my head.

Would a mbuna tank, for example, work in a 180L?

I do a weekly water change - would that be enough if I turned it into an African Cichlid tank?

Tropical/Coldwater Livestock Avaliabiltiy - Google Drive has a list of what African Cichlids my LFS has, if that’s helpful.

My pH is 7.0 - if that changes anything?

 

I keep Tanganyikan fish in a 50gal, but have never kept fish from Victoria or Malawi. I think your tank is big enough, but you will need to choose the right mix of fish (as with any tank).

The pH from my tap is 7.6 and I up it to around 8.

 

I think that tank is probably too small for mbuna, but some Tanganyikan species might work. Though pH 7 is not ideal for them, you would probably need to used crushed coral or similar. I don't have actual experience keeping rift lake cichlids though, so hopefully someone else will advise.

 

Mbuna are out in that tank size. Tanganyikans (would only really be looking at smaller rockdwellers or shellies) need harder water than that too. West african dwarfs would work though, but doesn’t really get you to where I suspect you want to go with your plans.

What’s the footprint of the tank?

 

I keep Tanganyikan fish in a 50gal, but have never kept fish from Victoria or Malawi. I think your tank is big enough, but you will need to choose the right mix of fish (as with any tank).

The pH from my tap is 7.6 and I up it to around 8.

I think that tank is probably too small for mbuna, but some Tanganyikan species might work. Though pH 7 is not ideal for them, you would probably need to used crushed coral or similar. I don't have actual experience keeping rift lake cichlids though, so hopefully someone else will advise.

Mbuna are out in that tank size. Tanganyikans (would only really be looking at smaller rockdwellers or shellies) need harder water than that too. West african dwarfs would work though, but doesn’t really get you to where I suspect you want to go with your plans.

What’s the footprint of the tank?

Thanks all - I appreciate all the advice. I don’t really want to start trying to chase a pH, as I’m still pretty newish to the hobby (~6 months).

Sounds like the tank just isn’t suitable to do what I want

The measurements are 101 x 41 x 50 cm.