What water parameters do cichlids need?
Parameters of the African Cichlid aquarium should include: pH 7.8-8.5. dH 10-15. Temperature 72°-82°F….Weekly:
- Test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and alkalinity.
- Add buffer if needed.
- Clean magnum filter.
What is the ideal GH and KH for African cichlids?
Proper Water Parameters for Home Aquariums
| Parameter | Freshwater Community | African Cichlid |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrite | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Nitrate | < 50 ppm | < 50 ppm |
| Alkalinity (Carbonate Hardness) | 4 – 8 KH | 10 – 18 KH |
| General Hardness | 4 – 12 GH | 12 – 20 GH |
What is the best water for African cichlids?
The optimal African Cichlid pH is slightly alkaline, between 7.8 and 8.6 (7.0 is neutral on a 1-14 pH scale). This optimal water pH level is quite a bit higher than the average tap water found in the eastern half of the US, which means you’ll need a way to buffer the pH levels if you have soft tap water.
What should the pH be for 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.
How hard should water be for cichlids?
Proper African Cichlid water parameters will make them appear vibrant in aquariums with a general hardness ranging from 160 – 320 ppm (parts per million) or 9° – 18° DH . GH levels naturally drop over time because minerals do not stay suspended in water very long therefore regular partial water changes are best.
What’s the best temperature for Malawi cichlids?
In the wild, Malawi Cichlids live in water temperatures of around 24-26°C or 76-79°F. An attempt should be made to keep the aquarium’s water temperature around these levels.
Do cichlids like hard water?
Famous for their love of hard, alkaline water, cichlids from Lakes Malawi and Tanganyika in East Africa love water with a pH of 8 or over, and actually need hard water to be healthy long term.
Can African cichlids live in 7.0 pH?
This type of fish needs high pH to thrive and breed since they are adapted to high-alkaline conditions. They prefer water that is more basic with a pH of 7.5 to 8.5. Raising your water’s pH can help your African cichlids to be able to survive, thrive, and be healthy.
What pH is too high for African cichlids?
From books, fish magazines articles and word of mouth, I’ve learned that it is best to keep the pH of the water in an African cichlid fish aquarium between 8.0 and 8.2.
Do cichlids need salt?
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.
Is 8.8 pH too high for cichlids?
African Cichlids differ in the ph they thrive in. Most prefer around 8 or slightly higher ph, harder water. South American/New World Cichlids are better in neutral or lower ph, softer water.
Is Hard Water Bad for cichlids?
What are the ideal water parameters?
Basic Water Chemistry
What water temperature do cichlids need?
During the winter months, Cichlids usually live in water temperatures ranging from 20 to 23 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, during the summer, the water can be as warm as 28 to 30 degrees Celsius.
What does pH do cichlids need?
African cichlids need a water temperature of 75-85°F and a pH of 7.8-8.6 should keep most species healthy. Africa’s great lakes have quite hard water, 4-6 dH, so try not to use soft water in your tank. Moderate lighting is fine for them.