How to Set Up an Aquarium for Cichlids

Setting up the first cichlid fish tank is much like setting up your first aquarium, however you will need more caves and hiding spaces for Cichlids then you do for most fish.  The water temperature and PH needs to be set up before you place the Cichlids in the water. This will help to keep your cichlids healthy. Once you have the fish tank set up, the fish are easy to care for. 

1. Purchase an aquarium – the larger the better. If you buy a large aquarium now, your cichlids will have room to grow and swim in the aquarium.  


2. Purchase everything you need to set up the aquarium. This includes gravel for the bottom of the tank, a heater, a filter, an air pump and air filter, a thermometer and an algae scraper. In addition, many aquarium owners have a cover for the tank to prevent the fish from jumping out, and aquarium chemicals along with a chemical testing kit to keep the fish healthy and happy. Purchase caves and hiding spots for your cichlids because they are territorial and like to have “homes” to live in.


3. Place the tank on an even surface and add the gravel and aquarium decorations.


4. Attach the air pump to the air hose and run the hose into the aquarium tank.


5. Attach the heater to the tank and place the filter on the tank. Both of these items should get placed on the back of the tank.


6. Place the thermometer in the tank where you can read it. It should sit on the front or on the side. For cichlids, you want the water temperature to be warm, so the aquarium should stay at a steady temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.


7. Fill the aquarium up with water and plug in all the components to turn them on.


8. Place the cover on the aquarium.


9. Run the tank for a day or two before you place the cichlids in the tank.


10. Test the aquarium water by using your water testing kit. Your PH levels should range from 7.5 to 8.5.  Follow the directions exactly on the kit and then adjust the water depending on the results you get.


11. Place a small group of cichlids in your tank. When you bring them home for the first time they will be in a plastic bag. Do not remove the cichlids from the bag, instead place the bag in the water and let it sit for 20 minutes for the cichlids to adjust to the water temperature. Release the cichlids into the tank by cutting a hole in the bag.