So you're thinking about trying cichlids. A good choice. In this article I shall try to give a few examples of good cichlid aquariums that are suitable for beginners. I've tried to suggest set-ups that will be beautiful and easy to maintain, and species that are easily bred so that you might observe this fascinating side of cichlid behaviour.
This article targets those who haven't that much experience with aquariums in general and cichlids in particular. If you are a more experienced aquarist who is just new to cichlids these set-ups will still be good, and you have a lot of other options as well since you are probably capable of keeping more sensitive species than those suggested in this article.
Aquarium:
It is possible to keep some cichlids, such as Lamprologus ocellatus, in very small aquariums. However, for your first cichlid aquarium I would recommend a larger aquarium of no less than 30 gallons/120 L. There are several reasons for this:
- A larger aquarium is easier to maintain and easier to keep in good condition.
- Cichlids are aggressive. Some cichlids are much more aggressive than others, but almost all cichlids are aggressive and a larger aquarium makes it easier for weaker fish to avoid this hostility.
- Cichlid behaviour is usually more interesting if you can keep more than one isolated pair in an aquarium. For example this may allow you to see the parents guarding their young.
Water conditions:
Which water conditions you should have depends on which cichlids you want to keep since their preferences differ greatly. For your first aquarium I recommend keeping species that are less sensitive to water conditions, and if you choose to try the species I recommend in this article you normally won't have to think about water conditions. I don't recommend keeping cichlids from the great African lakes as your first cichlids if you are an inexperienced aquarist, since they have more specialised demands.
Feeding:
The cichlids I recommend accept all kind of food, however I would recommend giving them a diverse diet consisting of pellets/flakes, frozen food and occasional live food.
Species:
Now to the fun part: choosing fish species to your new aquarium. I will give three examples of possible aquariums. The first one has its origin in African rivers and is more friendly, while the second one features cichlids from Central America. I will also give a suggestion for a composition that has its origins in the Amazon. However this composition is a little bit harder to get to breed and requires a larger aquarium. I would recommend at least 50 gallon/ 200 L.
1. African cichlid aquarium (30 gallons)
1 pair of kribs (Pelvicachromis pulcher)
1 pair of African butterfly cichlids (Anomalochromis thomasi)
1 pair of Egyptian mouth-brooders (Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor)
4 Ancistrus (plecos)
2. Central American aquarium (30 gallons):
1 pair of Archocentrus sajica (T-Bar cichlid)
1 pair of convicts (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus)
2 Hypostomus (plecos)
3. Amazon aquarium (50 gallons):
4 angelfish ( Pterophyllum scalare)
1 pair of Aequidens curviceps
1 pair of Aequidens maronii (Keyhole cichlid)
6 Ancistrus (plecos)
Tank set-ups:
1. African cichlid aquarium
All of these species are relatively friendly and have different behaviours that will reduce stress between the different pairs. These species prefer a well planted aquarium and leave your plants alone so that you can use all sorts of plants. They also require hiding and spawning places. Kribs spawn in caves which can be created using roots, rocks and flowerpots. A. Thomasi spawns on flat surfaces such as rocks. You will have to leave free areas without plants and rocks to create swimming space and allow you to see your fish more often. Use fine sand as this promotes spawning of Egyptian mouth-brooders. If you just keep the aquarium clean and your fish well fed they will thrive and spawn in this aquarium. If you find your aquarium a little empty you can add some small schooling fish such as tetras to the upper water levels.
2. Central American aquarium
The species in this set-up are more aggressive, which explains why I only recommend keeping two species in this tank. Both species lay their eggs on rocks so caves aren't that necessary, but I would still recommended that you create a few as hiding places as these species can be quite aggressive. This is especially true when they are spawning and caring for their young. A sajica usually leaves your plants alone, but convicts often eat plants, so I recommend using more hardy plants such as sword plants, anubias and Java ferns if you want to use plants. Whether to keep plants or not is completely up to the aquarist. The cichlids will thrive with or without plants as long as you provide a few hiding places. Both species are very easy to breed and it is almost impossible to keep convicts from spawning. It can be very hard to find new homes for the fry, so I recommend letting the parents keep their young and see if any survive. In this aquarium some usually will.
3. Amazon aquarium
As I said earlier, it is preferable for this aquarium to be at least 50 gallons since these fish get a little bigger. Angelfish shouldn't be kept in aquariums that are less than 50 cm/ 20 inches high. These species are still easy to care for but require a little more from their keeper to spawn. The aquarium should be well planted with free areas for the fish to swim in. Use large sword plants or cryptocoryne species to give the angels what they need to spawn. The other species requires roots or rocks to spawn on. Caves are not necessary but preferable, especially for A. curviceps. If you find this aquarium a little empty you might add some free-swimming schooling fish to the aquarium. Never use neon tetras with angelfish, as angelfish like to eat them. The same is true for a number of other small tetras. If you keep the water clean and the fish well fed they will thrive and with a little bit of luck, spawn.
Final words
I have given just a few suggestions for possible cichlid aquariums (there are a lot more) and when you get a little more experience with cichlids the possibilities are countless. Cichlids are very interesting and often beautiful fishes and many of them are quite simple to keep. These are only a few of the reasons behind their popularity. Try them, you won't regret it!
About The Author
Article by William Berg originally published at aquatic community tropical fish.
Article may be reproduce as long as it is not edited and a live link to aquatic community tropical fish is placed in the article header. (java links and PHP links are not allowed) Include this resource box "as is with live links" on the bottom of the page.
Culver prom limo ..Top five dog breeds for homes with children* Beagle *... Read More
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More
Why is it that cats get no respect? Are they... Read More
The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
Over the last 20 years, vaccinations have generally been started... Read More
Bark CollarsMany pet owners become lost as to what to... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
Let me begin by saying that I am not an... Read More
Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More
Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from... Read More
Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More
Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More
Grooming means taking care of the physical maintenance of the... Read More
A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream!... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
* Lock things up that could cause harm* Keep the... Read More
In the last decade or so, the popularity of sugar... Read More
Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an... Read More
It is always sad when a beloved animal family member... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so... Read More
Just because we moved out to the country a couple... Read More
Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More
Puppies can be so exasperating! They know what we want,... Read More
Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh... Read More
Wood Dale limo ..Keeping a fish tank is a wonderful and relaxing hobby,... Read More
Here are 5 things to do to put the odds... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
Domesticated rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart... Read More
Once though of as a mere harmless but annoying pest,... Read More
If you are thinking of adding a dog to your... Read More
One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More
The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust,... Read More
A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its... Read More
When I had a Toy Poodle, I used a small... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
When goldfish swim up to the glass of the tank,... Read More
Puppy training can and should begin the day you bring... Read More
What's the best food for your Goldfish?Goldfish need food that... Read More
If you take a quick look at this species they... Read More
DogtraWhen looking for a dog training collar or containment system,... Read More
A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More
Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled... Read More
Many people want to make sure their family pet has... Read More
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that... Read More
Boarding, Breeding, Training & Showing Stables:1. You need to fill... Read More
Pet |