A Set-up Guide for Your New African Cichlid

5 things to know about African cichlids

• Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced (depending on species)
• Size: The species found at PetSmart grow to be about 3 to 10 inches (7-24 cm) long
• Lifespan: They can live up to 10 years
• Behavior: They are very territorial and need lots of hiding places
• Caution: They’re likely to eat smaller tankmates so they should live only with fellow cichlids

How do I set up my African cichlid’s new home?

Set up the aquarium at least 1 day before you add any fish.

Aquarium and stand

• A good rule of thumb for African Cichlids is to get at least a 4-foot-wide aquarium.
• African cichlids do better when crowded with other African cichlids, but they should be monitored for aggressive behavior and removed if needed. A 55 gallon tank can house up to 15 African cichlids depending on species, maximum size and temperament.
• Place the tank near a power source in a low-traffic area, away from direct sunlight and drafts.
• Water weighs 8 pounds per gallon. Pick a very sturdy, stable base for your aquarium, then fill the tank with water.

What do I put in my cichlid’s tank?

• Layer about 3 inches of gravel or sand on the bottom of the tank. (That works out to 1½ pounds of gravel per gallon of water.) Rinse the gravel before putting it in the aquarium.
• Fill the tank about halfway up with dechlorinated water.
• Add a beneficial bacteria supplement to the water to promote biological waste breakdown.
• Add the thermometer, heater, filter and other necessary equipment.
• Time to decorate! Add plants, rocks and décor. Because cichlids are territorial, provide enough hiding areas that each fish can establish its own territory. Cichlids also like to hide, so put several cave structures in the tank. Rinse all décor before adding it to the tank.
• Finish by filling the tank the rest of the way with water then add the hood with lights.

Filtration

• An aquarium filter should be able to process all of the water in the tank 5 times an hour. For example, the filter in a 20-gallon tank would need to push through at least 100 gallons of water each hour. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for choosing and setting up the filter.

Heat & light

• Check the temperature your African cichlids will need before you bring them home. Tropical fish need warm water that’s between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (23-28 Celsius).
• Choose an aquarium heater with 5 watts of power for each gallon of water in the aquarium. A large aquarium may need a heater at each end.
• Wait 15 minutes after filling the tank before turning on the heater.
• Place the heater close enough to the filter to distribute the warmed water.
• Run the tank’s filter and the tank’s hood light for 24 hours, then check the water temperature and adjust the heater if necessary.

How do I add African cichlids to my aquarium?

• Bring your cichlids home right away after you buy them and ensure you only buy cichlid varieties that are compatible with each other in diet and temperament.
• Place them in your aquarium — inside their bag — for 15 minutes so they can get used to the new water temperature.
• Next, use a net to transfer the cichlids into your aquarium. Do not add any bag water to your aquarium.
• Add only 1 to 3 cichlids at a time to make sure the filter can handle all the new action in the neighborhood.
• The chemical balance in your aquarium will change with every new fish you introduce, so check the tank’s pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels regularly.
• Change 25-30% of the water weekly.

Water quality testing

PetSmart offers free aquarium water testing. Bring in a sample and we can test its quality within minutes.

What do cichlids eat?

Not all African Cichlids need the same food. Research each species you purchase to ensure that they require the same types of food. It is not recommended to put cichlids that require a lot of protein with those that do not.

How can I keep my cichlid healthy?

If your cichlids display any of these symptoms of illness or distress, talk to a veterinarian familiar with fish health:

• Unusual swimming pattern
• Thinness or decreased appetite
• Fins clamped to the sides of body
• Scraping body on rocks (flashing)
• Abdominal swelling
• Inflamed or discolored skin or fins

PET SAFETY TIPS

• Fish and aquatic animals can transmit disease to humans. Children, pregnant women, elderly people and people with immune-system problems should take extra care.
• Keep fish away from food and areas where food is prepared.
• Never release fish into the wild.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet, its habitat or aquarium water.
• Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet, its habitat or aquarium water.
• Always add a dechlorinator or water conditioner to tap water before adding it to the aquarium. Do not use soaps or detergents to clean aquarium or décor, since they are toxic to fish.

VET ASSURED™

Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured™ program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well being of our pets.

Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.

PETSMART PROMISE

If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you’re not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.