Tank Size
First, what is the correct starting size for a cichlid aquarium? I would start with a minimum 55 gallon or if you can, larger. Larger is always better with cichlids, mainly due to their territorial behavior. There are a few species of cichlids that can live in a smaller aquarium, but why not go larger if you can? Also remember: fish don't "grow to the size of their aquarium" - so buy big!
Aquascaping
Some of the most beautiful aquariums that I have seen are cichlid aquariums! As mentioned in basic cichlid care part 1, the water hardness (measured as KH and GH), and
the high pH of the environment where these fish are naturally from
dictates that it will make keeping plants difficult. The absence of
plants is seen throughout many of the lakes where only large rocks,
boulders,sand and drift wood that makes up their home. But don't let this stop you from having a planted cichlid aquarium! By picking plants that can handle the specific water conditions, and by keeping plant-friendly South American cichlids (at leasty they don't tend to destroy plants), you can have your cake and eat it too!
Substrate is important in a cichlid aquarium. First, the substrate of a cichlid aquarium can help dictate the pH, KH and GH of the aquarium water. This means picking a substrate that is found in the natural environment of the fish you choose to keep! Substrates that many cichlid hobbyist use include crushed coral (calcium carbonate), aragonite, play sand (not silica, but aragonite based) and dolomite. These substrates will naturally buffer the aquarium water and keep the pH high and in check. I would recommend before purchasing any substrate to have your water checked for pH, KH and GH levels, because many hobbyist, especially in the southern US will find they have the perfect water chemistry just from the tap!
Rocks, boulders and drift wood are required decorations that make up a African cichlid aquarium. This is mainly due to the territorial behavior of cichlids. The decorations(wood, rocks and boulders) help create real estate for your fish and help break up the fish line of sight. In other words, you should try to create a large amount of holes, crevices, nooks and crannies that allow your fish to have their individual home. Suggestions for rocks and boulders would be anything made up of limestone which acts as another buffer for water with a acidic pH. Rocks made up of limestone include tufa rock, 'texas holey rock' and lace rock. Regardless of the name, limestone rock is great for cichlid aquariums! Other great rocks to use are granite, lava, slate and quartz. Just take time to prepare any rock, or boulder before adding it to your tank. This includes washing, scrubbing and in some cases bleaching each rock to ensure you don't introduce anything harmful or unwanted.
Stay tuned for part three!
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I have always done no plants with my cichlid tank. I love finding my own rocks to decorate with. I like stacking real jagged rocks.
Posted by: Cichlids | 07/27/2010 at 10:03 PM
I have TONS of cichlid aquariums. These are by far my favorite fish. www.tranquilitytanks.net has some pictures of some of my tanks. It depends on which type of cichlid you have on what you can use to decorate the tank. Most will eat almost all live plants, rocks, lace rock, texas holy rock, flagstone all work great!
Posted by: Tranquilitytanks | 07/30/2010 at 03:01 AM