The Twelve Steps to a Perfect Cichlid Aquarium Setup

When choosing the size and shape of tank for your Cichlid Aquarium Setup, remember the larger the capacity and water volume then the more cichlids you will be able to keep.

Avoid overcrowding your tank. This can lead to chaotic fighting amongst some Cichlids so just start out with smallish groups. Cichlids tend to grow at a rapid rate so take this into consideration when deciding on species. Be sure to have a solid lid in place Cichlids will easily launch out of your tank.

To start with rinse and clean the tank thoroughly without chemicals or soap as the leftover residues can be fatal to the fish.

There are many forms substrate to use as the base of you tank so just remember whatever you use make sure it is thoroughly cleaned prior to to using so as not to introduce bacteria to the tank

Fill the tank to the three quarter level. Set your filtration system up. Set up heater somewhere towards the back of the tank, 24 to 26 degrees Celsius is usually optimal. Using a heater insures the temperature is at a steady constant.

Set your pH levels correctly, in order to do this you must research your species choice as there are some Cichlids which thrive in pH below 6. And others prefer it up above 8 pH so do your homework.

Depending on where in the world u live, at this point u may have to treat your water for chlorine. Do so if needed then top the tank up and leave to settle in for 24 hours. Use this period for any last minute temperature adjustments or pH level adjustments in your tank.

In order to have a calmer fish community it would be wise to setup as many hiding spots and caves for shelter as possible as it will prevent much aggression down the track.

Each and every Cichlid tank should be well furnished with rock. More suitable varieties are slate, lava, petrified timber and the majority available through the pet shop. Buy your rocks from a trusted dealer so you know there clean. Next thing is to add some more zones you can add driftwood and position them.

Plants can certainly make a tank appear wonderful but can also inhibit quality swimming area especially with regards to mouth brooders. There are some live plant forms which are sturdy enough for Cichlids, like Java Fern but don't forget Cichlids sometimes dig live vegetation up, so its best plant them in a pot.

If underfed there are some types of cichlid that will devour your plants.. This is why I tend to recommend the plastic variety.

Start small then gradually work your way into a feeding schedule and be sure not to overfeed them in the first days you have them.

Change at most 25% of the water each week. Clean the glass of the cichlid aquarium roughly once a month without soap

Hot Tip, whenever replacing the water clean the filtration system in your old tank water rather than under a faucet because the chlorine within tap water will kill off the precious filter microbes residing within the foam and other media

Sticking to these guide lines should mean you never have to completely break your system down and completely replace the water. In most cases if the conditions within the cichlid tank are kept stable, the actual fish do flourish.

Nevertheless, occasionally even with adhering to all the guidelines to care for the fish, some may die. Don't let this put you off. With more experience and understanding you will be able to possess a cichlid aquarium which is filled up with several of these amazing creatures

African Cichlids in your Aquarium.

Most of these types tend to be reasonably warm and friendly and also possess diverse behaviors that should minimize tension among the various pairs. Most of these Cichlids want a highly planted fish tank and normally are plant friendly so its okay to add lots of vegetation. Additionally they need concealment and reproduction spots. You will have to leave free places without any plants and rubble to generate more free swimming space and allow you to see your fish more frequently. If you concentrate on keeping your fish tank clean and your fish fed properly they will flourish and spawn without any problems.

Central American Cichlids in Your Aquarium.

Firstly I would only recommend putting 2 fish in a tank to start with as these Cichlids are very aggressive. These guys tend to lay their eggs on rocks and various other surfaces so the importance of caves is somewhat diminished, but nevertheless it still pays to make a few hiding spots as there aggressive nature lead to fighting and therefore fish needing to hide at some stage. This is especially true when they are spawning and caring for their young. These Cichlids are extremely easy to reproduce so if that is your interest these guys make the perfect choice.

Amazon Cichlids in Your Aquarium.

As these Cichlids tend to get very huge in size I would recommend at least about a two hundred liter tank. These Cichlids are nonetheless simple to maintain yet need a bit more from their keeper to spawn. Caves generally are not necessary however preferable, specifically for curviceps. If you realize this aquarium somewhat bare you could add a few schooling fish to the tank. Never make use of tetras as the Cichlids will consume them (I speak from experience). So once more if you keep the water clean and the fish nicely fed they'll prosper and reproduce.

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