The cichlid fish has a colorful appearance, which makes it the most popular fish that you can own. Caring for this fish is not a difficult thing, but they have certain requirements, which you will have to follow to make sure that they are healthy. Owning a cichlid is not a cake walk and so you must know how to take care of cichlid.
Here are some simple things that you must follow as a care routine for cichlid.
Temperature
- The care for cichlid will start from the aquarium. You will have to maintain the aquarium in such a way that it replicates the conditions of the cichlid’s natural habitat. The ideal range for the temperature will be somewhere around 74 F and 82 F, the optimum temperature is 78 F. If you want then you can raise the temperature of your tank up to 82 F.
- The higher the temperature, the higher will be the metabolism rate of the fish, which will lead them to eat more and grow faster. If you lower the temperature then the aggression level of the fish will increase, this is because their metabolism reduces. Make sure that you take care of the cichlid in the tank; the tank should not be kept in a sunny area or around any appliance, which generates heat. It would be better if you invest in a heater for maintaining the temperature, and take care of the temperature fluctuations.
pH level
- One of the most important aspects of the cichlid care is maintaining the correct pH level. The original habitat of the water will be high on pH scale i.e. it will be more alkaline. Therefore, you will have to make sure that you do not make sudden changes in the pH level of the aquarium water, as this will affect the health of your fish. The range on the pH scale should be from 7.5 to 8.5 in the aquarium. You can easily tackle acidic water by using certain substances like common soda as it is effective and inexpensive.
Filtration
- For keeping the environment clean for your cichlids, you will have to filter your tank. There are many types of filters, which are easily available at any store. If you have a small tank then sponge filters will work fine for you. They are a little expensive, and if you clean them regularly, it will work for years.
- There are undergravel filters, which are not as effective as they are not properly covered with substrate so that they can work in an effective manner. Another reason for not using this tank is that cichlids can easily dig them out. You can try using the outside power filters as well and you will have to get one, which suites your tank size. However, doesn’t matter what filter you get, you will have to clean it regularly.
Feeding
- You can give the cichlids a varied range of food. Cichlids can eat pellets, flakes, frozen and live food. You will have to feed them small amounts of food and at regular intervals, instead of a large amount at one time. If you are not able to feed them often, you can give them rocks, which have algal growth on them.
- Always remember that giving inappropriate food to cichlid can cause bloating, sickness and sometimes it can be fatal. Cichlid care will involve being aware of their needs, so make sure that you do some research on their diet.
Water Changes
- Since the aquarium is a closed environment, you will have to clean them regularly or replace them if there is overcrowding, ineffective filters or excessive feeding. Therefore, you will have to change the water from time to time. Remember that you will have to change at least 10 percent of the water every week. Some of the species like Malawi Cichlids are more prone towards aggressiveness, they can calm down after a water change, and it should be up to 30 percent every week.
- If you make frequent water changes during the breeding time or during the time of their raising then it will be beneficial. If you keep making water changes more regularly, then the harmful substances in the water will start reducing.
Substrates
- Substrate is used for maintaining the alkalinity of water at its optimum level. Substrates like coral, limestone and gravel will help in buffering the pH and it will maintain the alkalinity. You will have to get a gravel siphon for cleaning the gravel.
- For the tanks with undergravel filters, vacuuming is the best option for removing the debris and dust from the substrate. However, remember that tanks with plants will not need vacuuming, as the roots will help in keeping the substrate clean. If you have African cichlids, then you will have to get a 2 to 3 inch substrate. For some of the cichlids, a quarter inch gravel will also work fine.
Aggression Control
- Cichlids are known as territorial creatures and hence they are aggressive when they live in lakes. The aquarium is a smaller area and it will naturally lead to aggression. However, it will not be possible for you to control the aggression completely, but there are some ways to reduce it. You can reduce the temperature of the aquarium, always have low male population and keep species compatible with one another.
Lighting
- Lighting is very essential for the tank. You must have appropriate lights for viewing the aquarium in the best possible way. Fluorescent light will work the best as it is known for reproducing the natural light for the original habitat of the cichlids. Also, make sure that the lights are subtle, as bright lights tend to disturb the fish.
There are many such habitats for cichlids, but you can try all the above-mentioned tips and have a good time with the cichlids.
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