Clown pleco and red zebra cichlid how to#

This is because African Cichlids are very territorial, and these things help other fish avoid conflict and aggressive behavior. For instance, most Catfish will injure themselves on rough rocks and need something softer.Īlso, there has to be plenty of caves, driftwood, and other kinds of hiding places. So, you will have to find a way to accommodate them all. Since most tank mates for Cichlids are bottom feeders, they like soft substrates. Water Flow: a strong current like a river use a filter, air and/or water pumpĪfrican Cichlids love open water or rocky spaces.

The following is the average parameters for African Cichlids: At the same time, you have to recreate their native environments to ensure they remain calm and comfortable. The trick is going to be maintaining an appropriate balance that will make all creatures in the aquarium happy. The four main factors to monitor are the tank’s pH balance (for alkalinity or acidity), water hardness (dissolved solids for maximum health), water flow, and temperature. Maintaining water parameters will become a top priority, especially if keeping other fish with African Cichlids.

Also, account for how the fishes will grow and will need adequate room to thrive. Of course, if they’re larger than the Cichlid, you may want to add five extra gallons instead. When adding other fish, consider that larger Cichlids need at least a 30-gallon tank, and smaller ones require a minimum of 20 gallons.įor every other fish you want to put in, add three extra gallons on average. Tank SizeĪfrican Cichlids are very aggressive and active, so they need space to swim and claim their territory. It is imperative to take care of anything that goes awry immediately. You should get a good water testing kit to make sure hardness and pH balance stays within appropriate ranges and to monitor any dramatic changes. Plus, decorations, plants, and substrates must also be part of your aquascape. Depending on what you choose to house with an African Cichlid, you have to maintain good filtration and proper temperature. The second consideration will be mimicking the water parameters and environment for all the fish. They should have ample places of their own to claim as territory and room to swim. You must have a tank large enough to house everyone. When setting up a tank for your African Cichlids in a community environment, your first consideration will be space.

Clown pleco and red zebra cichlid how to#

How to Setup a Tank for African Cichlids with Tank Mates 5 What Are the Best Tank Mates for African Cichlids?.

4 Popular African Cichlids for Home Aquariums.

3 Will Cichlids Attack Their Tank Mates?.

2 How to Setup a Tank for African Cichlids with Tank Mates.