Cichlids are a common fish when it comes to aquariums. Many people own them and know how to cater for their needs, but there are others that do not. This article is written to give you some tips and information into keeping Cichlids in your aquarium for the beginners to this fish. Here are some tips to get you started.
One of the first things you need to do before you go to your fish store and buy these fish is set up your tank accordingly. While many may think that these fish can have an environment like other fish like gold fish, they are wrong. Cichlids tend to be an aggressive fish, so an environment suitable is required.
When buying these fish you need to make sure you have a big enough tank for the amount of fish you are putting in it. Make sure the Cichlids have plenty of room to swim and move around, as this will keep the fighting to a minimum. When setting up a tank for these you need to realise that they are diggers. What this means is that they like to dig the ground, so it is important to have a good layer for substrate about 2 to 3 inches in your tank.
With the tank set up it is important to know about the habitat that your Cichlids are used to in the wild. There are some of these that live in a heavily planted area where they do not like rocks and caves, while others, like the African Cichlids, lives in an environment which is rocky with caves. So when you have worked out the Cichlids that you will be buying, then you can move to decorate the tank with the right environment setting.
The next thing you will need to make sure is that your tank has a filtration system. A filtration system is needed to keep the tank healthy and clean, without a good one you will find that your fish will more than likely die on you. A bigger tank needs a bigger filter, so buy accordingly.
Heaters are also important when it comes to these fish. Depending on the Cichlids you buy will depend on the temperature setting of your tank. Like the filter, you need to get one that is according to the tank size, do not buy a small heater for a big tank as this will not be any good.
PH levels are another requirement that needs to be addressed. These fish like a pH level of around 7.5 to 8.5 as this is what they are use to in the wild. If you are unsure about the pH level of your tank you can buy test kits from your local fish store, or maybe your local supermarket.
Water changes are important when it comes to any fish. It is important to do a 10 to 20 percent water change every week to help keep the tank clean. Set some time aside on one day of the week to change the water. Without the water change you may find that your Cichlids will start dying.
So if you are a beginner and want to buy some Cichlids, then why not take some of these tips into consideration so your fish can have a happy life.
If you would like to learn more about keeping Cichlids and their environment, visit my site African Cichlid Success.
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