Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Twelve Easy Steps to Setup The Perfect Cichlid Tank

When you set out to purchase your aquarium so you
can setup a cichlid fish tankjust remember that
the bigger the better...in other words the more
fish you can have

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. The prefered types would be
petrified timber, lava, slate all are available
from your local pet store. Try and purchase your
rocks from a reputable 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 if you want
your fish to flourish then be vigilant with
cleaning their water.

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Cichlid Aquarium Setup Guide available at my
website http://www.cichlidssite.com for the
latest tips on buying, feeding, keeping and
breeding Cichlid fish.

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