The groups of fishes ordinarily referred to as Cichlids, consist of a vast group of, ordinarily larger and more aggressive fishes from Africa and South and Central America with a few species being found in Asia. They offer such a large range of consuming colors, shapes and habits that they have become one of the most favorite fishes kept by hobbyist's world wide.
Such is the diversity of species, breeding habits and feeding that it becomes valuable to set up distinct groups of Cichlids in distinct tanks. Some of these consist of African Cichlids, American Cichlids, Dwarf Cichlids or Discus. It is ordinarily recommended that you keep these like minded fishes together and don't mix them in general.
Selecting and Positioning Your Tank
Always try to choose a tank with the largest possible outside area and volume as most cichlids grow quite large. Make sure you all the time have a glass cover to stop your fish jumping out.
Position your new aquarium so that you avoid direct sunlight hitting the aquarium for too long as this can cause excessive algae problems.
Choosing Gravel, Decor and Setting Up
Cichlids are quite territorial and the more holes, refuges and consuming "zones" you can originate make for a much harmonized community.
A good starting point is to place in your tank a background that can offer the realism and natural environment that these fish will feel very relaxed and unstressed in. Check out the cichlid mansion range from Aquarium + Reptile Rocks Inc if you want something extraordinary.
Next is the gravel we advise a fine blended gravel as too base a gravel size allows uneaten food and waste to procure in the pockets between pebbles away from water flow that break it down. There are any varieties to choose from. Clean your gravel in small quantities in a bucket. Three or four rinses should be sufficient. Place the cleaned gravel into your tank along with a little water.
Next to add some more "zones" you can add cleaned rocks and driftwood and position them. Triangulate your decorations to originate a greater depth of field and contribute an amphitheatre where the fish can congregate in a society setting. Try to slope your gravel slightly towards the rear and sides using rocks and logs to originate tiers and depth. The lightweight rocks from A+Rr Inc like quartz rocks, north head ridge, barnacle, rock pool and charred wood make this fun and easy to do. When you have the major decorations in place, add a little water, if this is a little dirty from the gravel siphon this dirty water out again into your bucket.
Next fill your tank. Avoid disturbing the gravel by using a plate or newspaper onto which you can direct the water flow. Some coral sand is a good expanding to an African tank, while white Rift Lake Sand looks great for Africans also but can show up detritus badly. These aspects will be discussed supplementary later.
Preparing your Tap Water
Next we must treat our tap water to take off harmful chlorine and ammonia. There are any products that will take off both, the best value is Amquel Instant water Detoxifier.
It is also valuable to replace electrolytes like, magnesium, and potassium manufacture in tap water.
The electrolytic aquarium salts are valuable to fishes well being. Not only contribute an anti-bacterial effect, but help fishes yield body slime to protect themselves from infection and originate an valuable osmotic fence so they do not dehydrate. Make sure it is dissolved before adding to your aquarium.
There are also any products we can use to specific water conditions for African and Discus. To speculate water volume: think 10cm x 10cm x 10cm = 1 liter. So distance (cm) x Width (cm) x Height (cm) divided by 1000 = Volume (liters).
Biological Filter Supplementation
The Best way to get crystal clear water is to pro-actively contribute bacteria cultures as biological filter supplement. In our belief Waste operate and Cycle used in conjunction with one other or Hbh Terminite are the best way to heighten your filtration and stay ahead of the game. Citizen using these products naturally do not encounter the same problems as Citizen who take a minimalist advent (don't use a filter supplement) and end up enduringly reacting to problems. These bacteria cultures help turn all organic wastes to ammonia then supplementary to nitrite and finally to nitrate. To develop your tanks bacteria populations can take any weeks but is accelerated greatly by adding supplements. Do not overstock your new aquarium during this run in period.
Filtration
All good filters contribute ample filter media outside areas for the colonization of aerobic (oxygen breathing) denitrifying bacteria which break down fish waste. The greater the volume of the filter and the greater the flow rate, the bigger the Citizen of bacteria to keep your tank clean. This is Biological filtration. All good filters should contribute some leech as Mechanical filtration. Chemical filtration is also important. We all the time use ammonia remover as a safeguard. Carbon is also beneficial but Purigen is superior. It is rechargeable and will also take off log stains from your tank (That is if you did not use the Charred wood from A+Rr Inc). Remember to rinse loose particles out before adding to your filter.
Filter Types
Freshwater Trickle filters offer the most filtration for large seriously stocked tanks.
External Canister filers like the Prime, Eheim, Fluval or Via Aqua are the best of the commercially ready filters. They offer the largest volume of media and can be concealed from view. All these brands have a straightforward priming theory and excellent taps to detach water in the tubing while the filter is cleaned.
Hang On styles like the Aquaclear and Aquaone are also very good. They possibly contribute the best value if your funds does not permit an external canister. straightforward fill the filter box with water and turn on. Water is pumped straight through the filter and gravity flows back into your tank.
Internal motorized filters like the Crystal , Rio , and Eihem are favorite for smaller tanks or as a secondary filter for extra circulation in a large tank. Internals ordinarily do not interfere with top glass or hoods. These can be settled under one of your lightweight rocks.
Air Operated filtration is often not adequate for cichlids. We do very advise air bubbling in Cichlid tanks. Be sure to use a Check Valve so that water cannot flow back into your pump if power goes off.
If you have a Cichlid Mansions or Amazon background from A+Rr Inc you can conceal a lot of the plumbing from view which makes for a very consuming set up.
Water Changing
Although nitrate (residual waste) is relatively harmless, the levels will procure and become risky if quarterly partial water changes are not performed to dilute nitrates. Cichlids are large fish that eat a lot, so nitrates procure quickly. Ph is also pulled dangerously lower by organic waste accumulation. Therefore, no matter how good your filtration is, you still must water turn regularly. We advise a 1/3 - ½ water turn fortnightly to keep pH above neutral and nitrates low.
The best tool to support you with water changes is a Lee's Gravel Vacuum. They allow you to take off the dirtiestwater from around the gravel and replace it with clean, treated tap water. This task is easier to do and a great job done if you have lightweight rocks and décor. We advise you test pH and nitrate weekly to ensure your water changing maintenance is adequate to profess this balance. Ph can be maintained using Ph Up, but the only easy way to take off nitrate is by water changing.
An leading tip when changing. Rinse your filter media in your old aquarium water rather than under a tap as the chlorine in tap water will kill off the high-priced filter bacteria living in the foam and other media. If you result these procedures you should never have to wholly break your tank down to clean it out.
Heating
If you want to keep Cichlids you will need to heat them. A good guide is approximately 1 watt of heating per liter of water. A higher wattage heater than valuable is often a good selection though because they can be used on larger aquariums. Position your heater in a back angle at a 45 degree angle so that heat does not rise directly onto the thermostat. Make sure that there is good water movement around the heater to ensure that the element is heating. Large cichlids can get quite boisterous, so a heater guard will stop your heater being broken. We believe it valuable to also setup a thermostat to check the heater. The stick on types are the best in our belief as the suction cup type soon do not stick and want replacement.
Lighting
Lighting is valuable to view your fish at night time. To accomplish this we find it great to illuminate your tank from afternoon until bed time when Citizen can more well enjoy their tanks. Lighting left on all day will well cause excessive algae problems. For best results with plants we advise high intensity full spectrum white lighting. We like to use Aquastars, Arcadia 's or Power Glo's.
The African Cichlid Tank
The African Rift lake Cichlids from Lakes Malaqi, Tanganyika and Victoria have become a favorite range of fish for Citizen who desire dramatic color, size and movement in their tanks. African cichlids are quite aggressive and fast consuming and should be kept in tanks set up for a society of African cichlids.
Natural Habitat
African Cichlids inhabit the rocky shorelines of the rift lakes of Africa . The water in these lakes is quite hard and alkaline. Large schools of fish graze algae from the rocky outcrop reefs. Amongst the algae live small crustaceans which also constitute part of the diet of African cichlids.
The lowest of the lakes is sandy. Innumerable caves formed between the boulders offer security to young fish and brooding females. Check out the Cichlid mansion and Amazon range of backgrounds if you want realism and something special. Most species from Lake Malawi are mouth brooders and constitute a large proportion of the species ready in the hobby. A lot of the Tanganyikan species form lifetime pair bonds and protect their young, while others are also mouth brooders.
Rift Lake Water Conditioning
To recreate the hard alkaline water required by these fish, shell grit or coral sand should be added to your gravel or used exclusively for the bottom. African Rift lake sand is also becoming popular, but can show up detritus badly. Good ability African Cichlid water conditioners like the Seachem Rift Lake Salt and Buffers are a real advantage in creating the right water conditions.
There are any products that will take off both chlorine and ammonia, but the best value is....Amquel Instant water Detoxifier.
Setting up African Rift Lake Cichlids
As African cichlids come from rocky coast areas of the lakes, we advise that intricate rockwork form the basis of your set-up arranged to form area's with numerous caves. The rockwork should be predominantly built up around the back and sides to leave a social amphitheatre where all the interaction and displays take place. A+Rr Inc has a large range of rocks which are very consuming and offer plenty of hiding places. Plants are not valuable to your African society tank because African Cichlids, being omnivorous, will eat your plants except for something such as Anubias. One selection here is to cut some holes in barnacle rock which allows the greenery to be seen but protects the base in the gravel from the fish. Plastic plants instead make a good addition.
Adding African Rift Lake Cichlids
Try to crowd your African cichlids without taxing your filtration and water turn management. This stops individuals from becoming too dominant and harassing others.
We find it best to start with small to medium sizes of fishes of any species in groups of four.
(4 galvanic Blue, 4 galvanic Yellows, 4 Venustus, 4 Red Empress)
Of the Lake Malawi fishes, the most base species are Zebras, Pindani, Lombardoi and others. Citizen often start with these species as they are cheaper and show color while still young. Many hobbyists develop to the slightly more high-priced and spectacular 'Haplochromis' group, like galvanic Blues, Red Empress and the Peacocks where only the males exhibit the most fantastic color as they mature. In general Take Tanganyika fishes are a bit more high-priced and consist of some of the most sought after species like Frontosa, "Lanprologus" and Trheus.
Feeding Africans
Feeding African Cichlids the right type of foods is very important. African Cichlids have very long intestinal tracts, like omnivores, which means that foods (meat, worms etc.) will take a long time to digest. Inappropriate foods will rot in their stomachs causing bloating, sickness and sometimes death. For this speculate foods with a large proportion of spirulina and vegetables are best. Our favourites, Hbh Vege or Cichlid Flakes and Pellets are perfect. Super Bits are also eagerly taken but we do not like to feed Super Bits exclusively, but rather combined with Spirulina based foods. Freezing bloodworm and brine shrimp are also good for most species, but meats and live blackworm are by all means; of course no-no's.
The American Cichlid Tank
American Cichlids are larger growing and slower consuming than their African cousins. They are also far more predatory and are happy with a higher protein than Africans. For these reasons we do not advise retention American and African Cichlids together. Of policy there is all the time the odd exception.
Natural Habitat
The natural habitat of the Central and South American cichlids is quite distinct to that of Africans. Logs and branches in general replace rocky outcrops still having a background that can contribute safe procure retreats are important. We feel darker gravel such as the Red Gravel blend suits the reflective colors of Americans, compared to lighter substrates spawners who will form a pair bond. Spawns can yield hundreds of fry, the parents will try to protect and take care of their babies instinctively. It is not uncommon for pairs of fish to spawn in the society tank, although it is unlikely that the parents will be able to protect babies from the hordes. Most American cichlids have also been in the hobby for a lot longer than Africans. Species like Oscars and Red Devils have become household names.
Water Conditioning
American Cichlids are quite tolerant of water conditions, but a pH close to neutral and low nitrates (regular water changes) contribute a comfortable environment. all the time treat new tap water well with Xxxxxx and Xxxxx as with all fish.
Setting Up for American Cichlids
Use plenty of logs. Submerge some rocks into the substrate and add more structure on top... Do not be involved by excessive color from new logs as this will become less with quarterly water changing. You could use charred wood from A+Rr Inc here as well. Plastic plants attached to small crevice rock will contribute a splash of color. Of policy you can use one of the Amazon or Cichlid mansion backgrounds that will originate a remarkable base for you to develop on.
Adding American Cichlids
Try to set up a large range of young fish to grow up together. That way you will have far more compatible large fish when they grow up. Our favourite species are Oscars, Red Devils, Texas , Firemouths, Severums etc. Give them plenty of room to grow. Often Citizen will ask, "What can I put with my large Oscar who has lived alone for a year?" if you put other single fish in, there is every occasion that the new inhabitant will be killed. We advised it is great to trade in large fish and start with a society of smaller Americans.
Feeding Americans
American cichlids will consume a large range of foods. Hbh make a range of American specific cichlid foods. develop the size of the pellets as your young fish grow. A wide range of Freezing foods are recommended in conjunction with live foods along with feeder fish. Only offer feeder fish as a treat, otherwise they will become fussy about accepting ready foods.
Dwarf Cichlids
The most favorite dwarf cichlids are the Apistogrammas and Microgeophagus (Rams) from South America and the Pelvicachromis (Kribensis) from the Congo River theory of Africa . These dwarf cichlids are favorite society fish that may spawn in a society tank and practice parental care over their young if there is adequate cover. They prefer a good discrete diet of ready Freezing and live foods.
Discus
Discuses are a favorite group of cichlids kept by enthusiasts all over the world. Many claim Discus are the "King of Fishes". Discus are by all means; of course a fish that want some experience, although they may be kept in a society tank. The major requirement to retention Discus well is good water administration and the best foods. Discuses seem to metabolize speedily and need to be fed often with high ability ready and Freezing foods. The best are Tetra Bits with daily Freezing food like Beef Heart and Liver and Discus Dinner. Once Discus are feeding well they are competing and hardy.
Discus are ordinarily happy in low nitrate water with pH slightly acidic and soft water which is very warm 29-32 Degrees Celcius. For breeding Discus, the fish need to be well conditioned on the best foods. The best range of water conditioners for Discus are the Seachem range of Discus Buffers.
The major question with Discus is their susceptibility to parasites like gill flakes as well as intestinal worms and flagellates. We advise quarterly treatments for parasites with general Cure or Worm-Rid, especially after Discus are newly purchased or moved. Intestinal worms are best treated with Worm-Rid and flagellates with Octozin. An inexpensive, yet very good book is the Barron's Discus Fishes.
Enjoy setting up your tank and we love receiving your pictures of the products from A+Rr Inc (Aquarium + Reptile Rocks Inc).
