| Learning how to look after Cichlids is a very | | | | gravel, rocks and crushed coral to help maintain |
| rewarding and relaxing hobby. But why keep | | | | the correct alkalinity. |
| Cichlids as opposed to any other tropical fish? | | | | The ideal temperature range of the water for |
| Well, simply because Cichlids offer the greatest | | | | Cichlids is between 74F (23C) to 82F (28C) the |
| diversity of any group of fish in terms of color, | | | | optimum being 78F (26C). You should ensure that |
| shape, size, breeding patterns and behavior. | | | | you position your aquarium away from radiators, |
| However, looking after Cichlids can present some | | | | heaters and direct sunlight in order to avoid |
| additional challenges. | | | | overheating. |
| In order to successfully keep your cichlids in your | | | | In terms of layout of your tank, again it is a |
| aquarium it is important to as closely as possible | | | | matter of considering where the fish originate |
| replicate the conditions in which they live in their | | | | from. Therefore for South American Cichlids for |
| natural environment. The important factors to | | | | example, you will need a well planted aquarium. In |
| consider are the acidity or alkalinity of the water | | | | contrast, Cichlids from Lake Malawi do not need |
| (or pH), the temperature, the water hardness and | | | | plants and prefer either plenty of rocks with little |
| the layout of the tank. | | | | caves to shelter in, or more sandy conditions with |
| In general, African Cichlids tend to prefer slightly | | | | plenty of open water to swim about in. |
| alkaline water, whereas Cichlids from South | | | | In conclusion then, keeping Cichlids is an extremely |
| America prefer slightly acidic water. Where you | | | | satisfying and at times challenging pursuit which |
| require your water to be alkaline, you can use | | | | can be relaxing and interesting. |