Newbie advice

[Chadders]

Hi folks newbie please don't judge lol!!
I'm in the process of setting up my aquarium to house Malawi Mbuna. I have a Juwel vision 260. Using a course sand substrate plenty of Ocean rock nice piece of bog wood and some artificial plants maybe real ones too. I'll be using the internal filter and a an all ponds solutions EF1000 external filter, plus air pump and a cpl of air stones. I plan to do a fishless cycle using seachem prime and stability. I live in a slightly hard water area. I'll be keeping an eye on the water before adding the fish.
OK what I Want to know is
Where is the best place to buy my fish thinking of around 20
What other species can I included for variety thinking of catfish
In the early days what do I need to watch out for?
Any other top tips?
Thanks for reading

[Chadders]

Anyone out there !?

[roger]

Don't know why no-one has anwered yet, I didn't at first because I haven't kept malawis for years. So

Where is the best place to buy my fish

Where are you? There may be a local store, otherwise mail order or the next BCA meet if you can wait that long.

thinking of around 20

Mbuna or Haps? Best not to mix them, 20 is fine for Mbuna, rather too many for haps

What other species can I included for variety thinking of catfish

Synodontis njassae is the lake Malawi catfish that goes best. You can also keep many other Synos. S. petricola is quite popular. Robust Plecs that will take the hard water also work well,

In the early days what do I need to watch out for?

Agresion - make sure they get plenty of cover - easpecially Mbuna. Other than that they are generally trouble free if you get quality fish.

Any other top tips?

Choose Mbuna or Haps and stick to it. If you go for Mbuna make sure they get a veggie diet.

[Chadders]

Don't know why no-one has anwered yet, I didn't at first because I haven't kept malawis for years. So

Where is the best place to buy my fish

Where are you? There may be a local store, otherwise mail order or the next BCA meet if you can wait that long.

thinking of around 20

Mbuna or Haps? Best not to mix them, 20 is fine for Mbuna, rather too many for haps

What other species can I included for variety thinking of catfish

Synodontis njassae is the lake Malawi catfish that goes best. You can also keep many other Synos. S. petricola is quite popular. Robust Plecs that will take the hard water also work well,

In the early days what do I need to watch out for?

Agresion - make sure they get plenty of cover - easpecially Mbuna. Other than that they are generally trouble free if you get quality fish.

Any other top tips?

Choose Mbuna or Haps and stick to it. If you go for Mbuna make sure they get a veggie diet.

Thanks Roger
I'm keeping Mbuna and will get a couple of Catfish. I'll probably go to one of the specialist breeders wetpets, Midland Malawis, or Tony's cichlids. I'm in South Wales not far from Cardiff. As far as I'm aware there's no breeders near me. Unless the BCA can help me out with finding someone nearer.

[roger]

Sorry, I don't know South Wales at all well.