Wednesday, June 11, 2014

All About African Cichlids Care

By Sally Delacruz


These African fishes are unique and they somehow pose a test in trying to keep them when put into comparison with other fishes. This is mostly due to the need to maintain the original environs of their original location and also their hostile nature. Regardless of these they still are astounding and colorful that it is hard to believe they originate from non-salty lakes. Maintaining fake environs of origin with the right pH, right temperatures among various other factors listed constitute to African cichlids care.

A correct amount of pH is very important so as to create a surrounding that is favorable to the fish. Specific pH for a tank is not an accurate thought since pH differs with the various individual species. Apart from obtaining a pH regulator, one can also try homegrown ways of putting in the tank, crushed corals, aquatic shells or coral gravel which will raise pH while still increasing capacity to buffer.

Creating more turf by acquiring a big tank is a great idea since these fishes have a territorial inclination of roughing each other out in the wild. Adding plants and rocks in the aquarium will be useful since the cichlids use them in marking their own territories. Live plants are very probably of getting dug out or die from the pH, so it is good to put fake ones that will not float.

These fishes are very active, industrious and fascinating. They love moving things around and excavating as they try to create their own suitable environment. Rocks in the aquarium should be elevated on top of gravel due to their digging nature as when the rock is not suspended it might end up pinning itself under the rock.

The assumption that fishes that are of equal size are likely to be non-aggressive against each other is a false one. In the real case they are more likely to quarrel since intimidation by size is not enough to put boundaries. When size differs there is a possible of harmonious living unless one is tiny enough to become prey.

It is very easy to feed them because they eat almost anything even though it is advisable that you offer them a diet that is varied. You can make flake diet as their staple food while feed them frozen food and wafers on a weekly basis. A swell on their stomach is an indication that you are feeding them in excess and it can turn hazardous resulting to Malawian bloat. Food remains should be cleaned from the bottom since they can produce ammonia that can become toxic.

Weekly change of around quarter of the water constitutes the necessary maintenance which should not be a big deal. In order to be safe from chemicals, ensure a gravel vacuum at the bottom and also do not sterilize the sponge for filtering when about to clean up.

These creatures being not a fuss to take care of, one should be able to ensure that they are maintained properly. Their immune are so strong and able to resist from most diseases that affect most fishes. They have a longer lifespan than most fishes and proper upkeep can see them living past their average lifetime of five to eight years.




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