Do cichlids need substrate?
Do cichlids need substrate?
Cichlids are diggers and love to burrow and make tunnels in their fish tank sand. For this reason, the finely-ground substrate can be a better option than gravel. You want to make sure you layer enough aquarium substrate on the bottom to give them enough room to dig—usually, around 1- to 2-inches will suffice.
Can you mix African and New World cichlids?
When mixing different species of cichlids, try to purchase juveniles so they accept each other as they grow and mature. Hobbyists sometimes mix New World cichlids with those from Africa, and while this can work, case by case compatibility is difficult to predict.
Do cichlids prefer sand?
Sand is the preferred substrate for African cichlid tanks. Since cichlids tend to live in sandy lakes, sand substrate tends to make them more comfortable. In addition, cichlids do the majority of their feeding by scavenging in the sand, and small grains they ingest during the process serve as a dietary aid.
How do you keep the pH high for cichlids?
How to raise pH in an African cichlid tank
- Buffer the tap water. A dead-easy way to raise pH and hardness at the same time is to mix a buffer into your water.
- Use calcareous decor. Calcareous substrates are sands and gravels that are made up of natural materials which can buffer pH, hardness, or both.
- Test the water.
What is the ideal pH for African cichlids?
between 7.4 and 7.9
pH plays an important role in how comfortable the fish is, and how they regulate their internal chemical reactions to support life. Generally speaking the spectrum between 7.4 and 7.9 is ideal for most Malawi and Victorian African Cichlids and all the way up to 8.3-9.3 for Tanganyikan African Cichlids.
What substrate is best for African cichlids?
aquarium sand
Substrate. Standard aquarium sand or gravel can be used, but crushed coral, coral sand or crushed oyster shell will help maintain the proper pH and alkalinity to support good health and color in your African cichlids. A 1″ to 2″ bed is best, as many species love to dig!
Can I put different cichlids together?
African cichlids prefer hard, alkaline water. Most are very aggressive, but in a large tank, dissimilar-patterned species can get along. You do want to avoid keeping closely related species together, since they may produce undesirable hybrids.
Do cichlids like gravel?
Tank Size: Cichlids grow to a large size, so the bigger the tank the better. Substrate: The bottom of the environment should be sand. Larger Cichlids like Oscars are fine with gravel.
Should I add salt to my cichlid tank?
Since PH is so important to cichlid health, using salts clearly has an advantage, and the lakes cichlids come from do contain relatively hard water, as compared to what comes out of your faucet. While it’s not absolutely necessary to use salts for your cichlid tank, it is usually optimal.
What fish can be with African cichlids?
Clown Loaches. The Clown Loaches are semi-aggressive fish that can make a perfect match for your African Cichlids.
What is the best cichlid substrate?
A quick look at Mbuna’s original home. Lake Malawi is the ninth largest lake in the world.
Are African cichlids tropical fish?
Tropical Freshwater S. American / African Cichlids. The Cichlidae family contains over 1,200 species of fish, the majority of which are found in the Tanganyika and Malawai Lakes of central Africa. Please Note: The small (2″ or less) African Cichlids are in their juvenile coloration and the sex of these fish cannot be determined.
