What is the best tank setup for cichlids?
Tank Size: Cichlids grow to a large size, so the bigger the tank the better. Substrate: The bottom of the environment should be sand. Some Cichlid species will ingest a small amount to aid in digestion, while others use the sand bed to build their nest. Larger Cichlids like Oscars are fine with gravel.
What temperature should a Malawi tank be?
76-79°F.
In the wild, Malawi Cichlids live in water temperatures of around 24-26°C or 76-79°F. An attempt should be made to keep the aquarium’s water temperature around these levels.
What decor do cichlids like?
Décor. The African cichlid aquarium should have plenty of rockwork, caves and other hiding places to create needed territories. Limestone and dolomite rock will help maintain proper water chemistry, but virtually any rock or artificial décor is suitable. Rinse all decorations before placing them in your aquarium.
What pH do Malawi cichlids need?
between 8.0 and 8.2
Q. From books, fish magazines articles and word of mouth, I’ve learned that it is best to keep the pH of the water in an African cichlid fish aquarium between 8.0 and 8.2.
Can Malawi fish live in cold water?
No, there are no cichlids who are able to live in cold water. Cichlids come from tropical regions and therefore need tropical temperatures. Keeping them in cold water will cause stress and lower their immune system making them prone to disease. It is important to know the minimal temperature for your cichlids.
Do cichlids need an Airstone?
Long as you have adequate water movement in your tank there’s no need for airstones. Don’t have a single one in any of my 4 african cichlid tanks. I specifically direct flow from my filters to run across the surface of the tanks to make sure they’re turning over and being exposed to the air.
Is 8.4 pH too high for cichlids?
African Cichlids differ in the ph they thrive in. Most prefer around 8 or slightly higher ph, harder water. South American/New World Cichlids are better in neutral or lower ph, softer water.
Is salt good for African cichlids?
Since PH is so important to cichlid health, using salts clearly has an advantage, and the lakes cichlids come from do contain relatively hard water, as compared to what comes out of your faucet. While it’s not absolutely necessary to use salts for your cichlid tank, it is usually optimal.
Do you need a heater for cichlids?
Check the temperature your African cichlids will need before you bring them home. Tropical fish need warm water that’s between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (23-28 Celsius). Choose an aquarium heater with 5 watts of power for each gallon of water in the aquarium. A large aquarium may need a heater at each end.
How many cichlids are in a Malawi tank?
No other aquarium is capable of holding as many different species of fish per volume as a Malawi cichlid tank. An average mbuna community could hold 30 different species — a large tank 50 or more.
Do Malawi fish need oxygen?
African cichlids are gill-breathing fish. They get all their oxygen directly from water. The single easiest way to ensure they have enough, even during mechanical failure, is a heavily planted tank. Aquarium plants make oxygen as a waste product of photosynthesis.