How To Set Up A Cichlid Tank With Pictures

If you are starting out with a 29 gallon (109. 78 liter) tank, you will need to upgrade to a larger tank after about 1 year as the fish grow larger.

To clean your substrate, place it in a strainer, and rinse it with hot water until the water runs clear.

Don’t skimp on the filter. Cichlids can create a lot of waste. A good quality canister-style filter would be ideal, even for smaller tanks. Try to get a metal heater instead of a glass one. Cichlids like to move rocks about, which can easily break a glass heater.

The gravel layer does not have to be even. Consider making it thicker in some parts, and thinner in other. [2] X Research source Consider adding some crushed coral to maintain pH levels. Because crushed coral is very sharp, it might be better to place the crushed coral into bags, and keep the bags in the filter. [3] X Research source

Cichlids may also uproot or eat the plants.

Consider including some white limestone rocks to help maintain the proper pH levels. You can even use pieces of coral or small clay pots. Avoid driftwood, as it can change the water pH and hardness. To create more depth, consider placing the larger rocks towards the back, and the smaller rocks towards the front. [4] X Research source

If you use a plate, be sure to take it out when you are done filling the tank. Do not add your fish yet. Make sure to add a tap water conditioner.

Covers are good ideas for any fish tank. Not only do they help keep the water clean from dust, but they also prevent fish from jumping out. Because cichlid tanks don’t have live plants, bright lights are not necessary. A soft light, however, can help bring out the colors of your fish.

The pH should be between 7. 8 and 8. 5. Some dwarf cichlids prefer a pH between 6. 0 and 6. 5. The water hardness should be between 10 and 15dH. If the area you live in has very soft water, you can add some aragonite. The temperature should be between 72°F and 82°F (22°C-28°C).