What do cichlids need in a tank?

What do cichlids need in a tank?

Cichlids prefer warm water with a high pH. While cichlids tend to be able to tolerate a wide variety of temperatures and water types, their colors will appear brighter and more vibrant in water with a pH of around eight. Many pet and aquarium stores sell aquarium additives that are designed for cichlids.

What fish go good in a tank with cichlids?

Types of Fish You can put in Tank with Cichlid Rafael Catfish, Plecos, Synodontis catfish and Larger Rainbowfish. They will eat smaller fish like Tetra and Cory Catfish but should be compatible with larger fish such as Hoplo Catfish, Medium to large size Plecos, Bristle-nose.

Do cichlids need sand or gravel?

For cichlids, a sand substrate is considered the best. That’s because cichlids love to dig and move the sand around, and they exhibit the same behavior in nature which serves many purposes, such as scavenging for food or making nests for laying eggs. The pinnacle of sands is aragonite sand.

Do cichlids like live plants?

African cichlids are known to destroy live aquarium plants. But there are some live plants that you can keep in your African cichlids tank. Some examples include Java moss, Anacharis, Anubias, Hornwort, Green Cabomba, etc. African cichlids don’t like the taste of these plants.

Can cichlids be kept alone?

When provided with clean water and food, in theory most cichlids are able to survive alone. However it is best to keep at least a breeding pair or more to allow them to thrive. The only cichlid that is often kept alone is the Oscar. While possible to keep alone, I would recommend to not keep cichlids solitary.

Do cichlids need live plants?

Do cichlids need heaters?

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.

Do cichlids need a heater?

Are cichlids hard to keep?

Yes, cichlids are hard to keep. Even though they’re hardy, taking care of cichlids is a challenge. The biggest issue when it comes to cichlids is their aggression. They fight amongst themselves and often attack their tank mates.