Do not use any soap or detergents. It would be a good idea to clean even store-bought and packaged items, as they usually contain dust and traces of chemicals that may be harmful to your fish. To clean your substrate, place it in a strainer, and rinse it with hot water until the water runs clear.

Place the tank in a place that does not get too much sunlight. Live plants don't fare well in cichlid tanks, so sunlight is not necessary.

Also, too much sunlight will encourage algae growth. Add the water filter and heater. Place the filter and heater in the back so that they will be hidden by rocks when you add them in.

Also, try to place the heater near the water filter. The water current will help distribute the warmth throughout the tank. 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.

Part 2. Fill the bottom 2 to 3 inches 5. Try to choose pebbles for the substrate. It will look the most natural. Avoid using fine gravel, as it can easily by swallowed by larger cichlids. The gravel layer does not have to be even.

Consider making it thicker in some parts, and thinner in other. 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.

Don't worry about plants. Most plants don't handle the high pH levels and hard water necessary for cichlids. Usually, aquarium hobbyists will use plants to control nitrates. Because of the water requirements for a cichlid tank, this is not possible.

Instead, hobbyists will control nitrate levels by changing the water regularly. Cichlids may also uproot or eat the plants. Choose some clean rocks with caves, pockets, or holes, and arrange them in your tank. This will give your fish some hiding places.

To create the most natural look, try to use an odd number of rocks. Don't spend too much time and effort arranging your rocks. Cichlids like to excavate and move things around. 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. Fill the tank with water. To keep the water from disrupting the substrate too much, consider placing a plate on the substrate first.

Use a rubber tube to siphon the water into the tank. Fill the tank until the water level is about 1 inch 2. This will ensure that your fish get enough oxygen. 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. Place the cover on the tank and plug everything in. Don't worry if the water flow churns up the sediments and makes everything cloudy.

Things will settle down. 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.

Part 3. Wait until the tank cycle has established before adding your fish. This can take anywhere from several weeks to a month.

Perform a water test every week. When the nitrate and pH levels are appropriate for your fish, you can go to the fish store and buy your fish.

The specific pH, temperature, and water hardness levels will vary depending on the species and breed of cichlid, but listed below are the most common ones: The pH should be between 7. Some dwarf cichlids prefer a pH between 6. 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°C. Stick with only one species of cichlid. Cichlids tend to be aggressive even towards other species of cichlids. It might be a good idea to just choose one species and stick with it. The two main species are African and South American.

There are many different breeds within each species, and it is generally safe to mix those. Tank Equipment Filtration: Cichlids produce a lot of waste, more so than the average freshwater tropical fish.

So robust filtration is required to ensure good water quality. Tip: times the tank volume per hour. Example: A gallon tank would require a gph filter. Canister filtration is a good choice. Décor: An environment with lots of rocks and a sand substrate closely replicates the natural Cichlid habitat.

It also gives them a place to dwell and protect offspring. Live Plants: Research your species as some Cichlids are aggressive towards plants Oscars, Dempseys , while others do well in a planted tank Angels, Discus, Frontosas.

Tank Size: Cichlids grow to a large size, so the bigger the tank the better. Add your rinsed substrate in dechlorinated water across the bottom of your aquarium. With your hand or flat edge, grade the depth of the substrate thinner at the front about 1 inch and thicker at the back.

This gradual rise, from front to back, will give the visual illusion of more depth. Dainichi brand fish food is regarded by many to be the best food available in the world.

I agree. They manufacture using a special process and only use the best ingredients available. My African cichlids have absolutely thrived with this food and the male cichlids display deep saturated colors. These are my favorites. Dainichi Color Supreme - enhances the color and luster of your cichlids.

Ready to stock your tank? Here are a few good deals and interesting fish that I've come across. This is a great option if you don't have a local cichlid fish store near you or if you prefer the convenience of having doorstep delivery.

They would make an excellent addition to a new cichlid tank set up. Note that I have not purchased fish from these breeders before, however, the breeders have excellent reviews. See for yourself Assorted Mbuna cichlids 25 count - great price! Assorted Peacock cichlids 5 count - vibrant colors.

Eureka Red Peacock cichlids 6 count - a favorite. OB Red Zebra cichlids pair - super cool looking! Get ready for some fun! I love caring for baby cichlids. You've probably noticed that African cichlids can be prolific breeders.

Once the female is "holding" just keep an eye on her, watch some YouTube videos on how to strip eggs and use an egg tumbler. Get an inexpensive egg tumbler and small air pump to run the tumbler. My thought is that if you don't save the babies they will just be fish food within minutes of the female spitting out the fry.

Fish breeding egg tumbler. Air pump - this small Tetra Whisper is all you need. The nano tank below would make an excellent fry tank to raise the babies in. It has a small footprint of only 6" x 17" so it's easy to find a spot in your home by the way, the stylish aesthetic is wife approved ;.

I can't say enough great things about this 5 gallon Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit. This simple fish tank setup is fun for the kids and great for the office too. Can you tell that I like this one? Ha ha. Additionally, if you add a live plant and only keep fish, like I did, a water change is only needed every couple of months.

super simple. Want more space? Here's a really nice 15 gallon aquarium option will similar features, style and convenience - the Fluval Flex 15 gal. Want to learn more about cichlids? Checkout this helpful guide to help you set up an African cichlid tank.

Cart: 0 Log in or Create an account. FREE SHIPPING on domestic orders! Setting up your new aquarium is a fun and exciting project.

I get it. I began keeping freshwater fish and African cichlids over 20 years ago and I what I've learned is that having a proper fish tank setup will keep your fish healthier and the experience more enjoyable for you as well.

Let's dive in! Avoid direct sunlight Use a sturdy stand Avoid drafts and heat sources Step 2: Create your shopping list. Tank big enough for the mature fish?

Step 3: Get started with assembly. Now that you have all the equipment and supplies, let's assemble the goods. Place fish tank on stand Check with bubble level Unpack equipment Add media to filter Step 4: Add substrate and rocks.

Rinse the substrate thoroughly before placing it in the aquarium to minimize cloudiness in the water. Once the substrate is in place, fill up the fish tank with dechlorinated water. There are many choices for filtration, but for ease of maintenance, you can use two large coarse sponge filters , placed in the two back corners of the aquarium.

For details on how to install them, see our article on how to use sponge filters. Also, to quickly introduce beneficial bacteria to your aquarium, let the filters first run in another established aquarium for a couple of weeks before placing them in the new tank.

The beneficial bacterial will provide a welcoming ecosystem for your new fish, greatly minimize loss of life, and make your aquarium maintenance routine much easier.

Adding an air stone to the inside of a sponge filter helps to increase filtration efficiency and lessen the bubbling sound. To help grow the plants and also make the fish look amazing , get a planted aquarium light such the Easy Plant LED.

Your lighting requirements may vary greatly depending on the dimensions of your aquarium, so check our LED Aquarium Lighting Guide for suggestions on which light is right for you. Make sure to connect the light to a power outlet timer so that the plants get a consistent amount of light generally eight to ten hours per day.

Too little light will cause the plants to die off, whereas too much light will grow a nice crop of unsightly algae. Finally, consider your heating options. If you only have a few aquariums, install an aquarium heater to maintain proper water temperature for your fish.

Our aquarium heater guide explains what size heater you need depending on the volume of the aquarium. However, if you have many fish tanks, it may be more cost effective to heat the entire room where they are housed.

Our plant of choice for this setup is vallisneria. This tall grass-like species is perfect for African cichlids because the height of the leaves breaks up line of sight and allows individuals to escape from aggressive tank bosses.

Plus, this low light plant is very prolific and can single handedly transform your entire aquarium into a dense, luscious jungle.

Since we still want to provide open areas for swimming, place two or three inch square slate tiles purchased from your local hardware store into the substrate like a row of diamonds.

This will prevent the vallisneria from spreading everywhere. You can also break these tiles in half into more natural shapes for improved aesthetics. For a gallon aquarium, we used four pots of vallisneria , and each pot contained multiple plants. Plant the vallisneria in the different sections of the substrate not covered by tile, such that the roots are buried but the base of the leaves is above ground.

Burying the crown, or base of the leaves, may cause the plant to die. Vallisneria gets very tall, so plant most of them near the back of the tank with a few plants in the front.

Place the tiles in a diamond shaped orientation on the substrate and plant the vallisneria in between to create open swimming areas for the cichlids. Vallisneria feeds off nutrients from both the substrate and water column, so make sure to bury root tab fertilizers near the base of each section of plants since the substrate we chose has little to no nutrients.

Then dose the water column with an all-in-one liquid fertilizer to further encourage healthy growth. Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel. Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth.

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Create an account. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Categories Pets and Animals Fish Aquariums How to Set up a Cichlid Tank. Download Article Explore this Article parts.

Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Co-authored by Marshall Stephens Last Updated: January 3, Approved. Part 1. Plan ahead. It is not a good idea to add fish into your tank the instant you finish filling it up with water. In order to be safe for fish, a tank needs time to build up the good bacteria and establish a natural cycle.

Plan on setting up your tank about a month before adding your fish. Get a large enough tank. Most cichlids grow to be 5 to 6 inches cc centimeters long, but some can grow up to 12 inches cc centimeters long.

Plan on getting a tank that is at least 29 gallons Also, because cichlids like to hide amongst rocks, a long, low, horizontal tank would be better than a tall, thin, vertical tank.

If you are starting out with a 29 gallon Clean everything using hot water. Rinse your tank, gravel, and rocks under hot water. Do not use any soap or detergents.

It would be a good idea to clean even store-bought and packaged items, as they usually contain dust and traces of chemicals that may be harmful to your fish. To clean your substrate, place it in a strainer, and rinse it with hot water until the water runs clear.

Place the tank in a place that does not get too much sunlight. Live plants don't fare well in cichlid tanks, so sunlight is not necessary. Also, too much sunlight will encourage algae growth. Add the water filter and heater. Place the filter and heater in the back so that they will be hidden by rocks when you add them in.

Also, try to place the heater near the water filter. The water current will help distribute the warmth throughout the tank. 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.

Part 2. Fill the bottom 2 to 3 inches 5. Try to choose pebbles for the substrate. It will look the most natural. Avoid using fine gravel, as it can easily by swallowed by larger cichlids. The gravel layer does not have to be even.

Consider making it thicker in some parts, and thinner in other. 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. Don't worry about plants. Most plants don't handle the high pH levels and hard water necessary for cichlids.

Usually, aquarium hobbyists will use plants to control nitrates. Because of the water requirements for a cichlid tank, this is not possible. Instead, hobbyists will control nitrate levels by changing the water regularly. Cichlids may also uproot or eat the plants. Choose some clean rocks with caves, pockets, or holes, and arrange them in your tank.

This will give your fish some hiding places. To create the most natural look, try to use an odd number of rocks. Don't spend too much time and effort arranging your rocks. Cichlids like to excavate and move things around. 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.

Fill the tank with water. To keep the water from disrupting the substrate too much, consider placing a plate on the substrate first. Use a rubber tube to siphon the water into the tank. Fill the tank until the water level is about 1 inch 2.

This will ensure that your fish get enough oxygen. 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. Place the cover on the tank and plug everything in.

Don't worry if the water flow churns up the sediments and makes everything cloudy. Things will settle down. 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. Part 3. Wait until the tank cycle has established before adding your fish.

This can take anywhere from several weeks to a month. Perform a water test every week. When the nitrate and pH levels are appropriate for your fish, you can go to the fish store and buy your fish. The specific pH, temperature, and water hardness levels will vary depending on the species and breed of cichlid, but listed below are the most common ones: The pH should be between 7.

Some dwarf cichlids prefer a pH between 6. 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°C. Stick with only one species of cichlid.

Cichlids tend to be aggressive even towards other species of cichlids. It might be a good idea to just choose one species and stick with it. The two main species are African and South American. There are many different breeds within each species, and it is generally safe to mix those.

Buy cichlids together when they are about the same size. This will help ensure that they all grow up to be a similar size. It is not a good idea to mix small and large cichlids together.

Some of the larger ones may try to bully the smaller ones. Plan on having 2 female cichlids for every male. This will prevent aggression and fighting among the males.

It may also help prevent aggression towards female cichlids as well.

With excellent water conditions and consistent care they can live even longer! I would recommend at least a gallon L for a single male and at least a gallon L for a mated pair. If you want to have tank mates for a single fish then you will need a much bigger tank of course.

Jaguar Cichlids are big, powerful fish that do a lot of swimming and like a strong current. Because they are so big they produce a ton of waste and this can change water parameters quickly if there is insufficient filtration.

For all these reasons I would strongly recommend a canister filter, like the Fluval FX6. Canister filters have tons of room for filter media to process the waste these large fish produce. Jaguar Cichlids are very strong and can easily damage heaters made from less durable materials such as glass and ceramic.

Therefore, a titanium heater or one protected by a heater guard such as the Fluval E is highly recommended. You should use sand or gravel for your substrate.

In their natural habitat Jaguar Cichlids are used to cloudy water with a lot of plant debris floating around so subdued lighting is best for these guys. Jaguar Cichlids will happily dig up anything planted in the substrate. Floating plants are a better choice because they will provide the shade that Jaguar Cichlids are used to in their natural habitat.

Some floating plants that would provide good shade are Brazilian Pennywort or Duckweed. You can also try rhizome plants, like Java fern and anubias , that you can attach to rocks or driftwood. Any aquarium decor should be sturdy and heavy so it is not easily moved. Largish rocks and driftwood are especially good because they also provide something for the fish to hide behind so they feel more secure.

It is possible to train Jaguar Cichlids to eat pellets or flake food if you start at a very young age. In the wild, Jaguar Cichlids are opportunistic predators and so they will eat a wide variety of foods.

You should never feed them meat from warm blooded animals, like beef heart, because of the high fat content. Jaguar Cichlids should be fed once a day. You want to give them as much as they can eat in a few minutes.

Once they are paired up Jaguar Cichlids are actually pretty easy to breed. To get mated pairs your best bet is to put 4 to 6 juveniles in a tank together and see who pairs off.

Of course, if you can find them and afford them, you can also just buy a pair that are already bonded. At the same time you also want to be feeding them lots of high protein fresh or frozen foods such as California Blackworms and tadpoles. Females will lay eggs on a flat rock where the male will fertilize them.

They watch over their eggs and fry and protect the fry until they are free swimming about a week. Jaguar Cichlids are very aggressive, especially towards other species of fish. This makes the optimal choice for a tank mate another Jaguar Cichlid, preferably one that is part of a mated pair.

Can you keep other species of fish with a Jaguar Cichlid?. Yes, but they have to be big enough to fend for themselves and you need a huge tank with lots of room for each fish. Other large aggressive species of cichlids are best such as Oscars , Green Terrors, Red Devils and Flowerhorn Cichlids.

Large catfish like the Red-tail Catfish and large Plecos such as the Common Pleco and the Sailfin Pleco can also make good tank mates.

The best chance of success is to put all of the fish together as juveniles and let them grow up together. But you still need to be prepared to separate the fish moving some to another tank if a problem arises.

Jaguar Cichlids live for about 15 years on average so you are making a fairly long-term commitment when you get one. However, if you have some experience, especially with cichlids, and you are prepared to care for them for many years then this beautiful and impressive fish could be the star of your aquarium.

Steve is an aquarist with 25 years of experience in the hobby. He's a DIY genius by day and a Krav Maga fanatic by night.

The less the water, the less the buffer, and the more likely the conditions will affect your fish. This factor is more practical than it is technical. Larger aquariums take up a lot more space in your home. More than that, careful planning on where the aquarium will go also prevents untoward accidents or disturbances from happening to it.

For example, without careful planning, you may end up placing the tank in a spot that may experience frequent vibrations or be exposed to direct sunlight, both of which are detrimental to the health of your fish.

This is why you need to think about where your aquarium will go and the space you have available before deciding on tank size. Larger tanks are always more costly than smaller tanks. You also need more expensive equipment, larger filtration systems, and bigger water changes.

This means you need to balance the size of your aquarium tank with the amount that you have budgeted for that particular project. As mentioned above, tank size requirements can vary depending on the kind of cichlid that you plan to raise. This typically revolves around three factors, which are the following.

The more aggressive a fish is, the larger your tank should be. Cichlids can easily get aggressive, mostly because of their territorial tendency and strong behavioral changes when breeding. A larger tank is essential for more aggressive cichlid species so that their tank mates have plenty of space to still enjoy their tank without being harassed by a dominant cichlid in the tank.

Plus, it should have plenty of hiding spots where bullied fish can seek refuge — and where easily-angered cichlids can destress. African cichlids are usually communal species that live in large shoals or schools in the wild.

This means that you need to consider the number of cichlids that you plan to keep when choosing the size of your tank. Now that you know what to look for when choosing the size of your cichlid tank, here is a table that outlines some of the most popular African cichlid species, their average adult size, and their recommended tank size.

Now that you know the basics of tank size for different species, you might want to establish your own tank. Some of the essential equipment includes a tank, filter, heater, lighting, substrate, and decorations.

African cichlids are used to living in hard, alkaline water. The ideal pH range is between 7. A good filtration system and regular water changes are essential for keeping the tank clean. Cichlids can be more aggressive, active, and fragile than other kinds of tropical fishes.

The specific ideal tank size depends largely on the species of the cichlid that you plan to raise. Thus, the best course of action is to thoroughly research the cichlid that you want to keep. Aside from that, though, a tank size of 55 gallons and above is considered ideal for many kinds of cichlids.

Many cichlid species, especially African cichlids, should be kept in a single species tank. This is because they tend to get aggressive and territorial to other types of tropical fishes. However, there are still plenty of cichlid types that get along in community tanks, such as Bolivian rams and kribensis cichlids.

Some cichlids can breed in a community tank, although the specifics depend on the exact species. Most species will breed if they have good tank conditions, and pairing will happen naturally. However, some species need to be stimulated by outside factors for them to breed. Cichlids can outgrow their tank.

That said, their growth typically slows down before they are a year old. The exact size at which they stop growing, however, depends on the species of cichlid— some may stop growing at 6 inches, while other may keep growing past a foot.

African cichlids are some of the most popular types of fish in the aquarium hobby — and no wonder. They are colorful, full of personality, and absolutely enchanting to watch. In this article, you learned how to create the ideal African cichlid tank — from choosing the right tank size, to adding all the necessary equipment, cycling the tank, and everything else you need to know.

By following all of these steps, you can ensure that your cichlids have a healthy and comfortable home. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.