Getting Started

Getting Started

First things first. You ABSOLUTLEY need a water conditoner to take out the Chlorine and Heavy metals and other toxins.

A water conditoner can be bought at any pet store, they are many varities to choose from. A lot of people use Prime.

What you will Need

Aquarium
Gravel Vacuum (python)
Filter
Heater
Thermometer
Gravel
Decorations

Fish Tank

You will need to figure out what type of Cichlids you want to keep and the tank size they need. This is very important. Many times I hear I will upgrade but things happen and it doesn't get upgraded.

Of course bigger is always better especially in dealing with Cichlids.

Gravel Vacuum

Gravel Vacuum (Python)

You will need a python that attaches to you sink and a python to suck out the debris at the bottom of the tank. (gravel)

You just attach it to your sink and it will suck the water out taking the debris with it. It's much easier then the back breaking method.

Once you are done sucking the water out I scrub the algae off with an algae scrubber. Then I add the water conditioner and fill the tank back up with my python, it works very well.

Filter

Their are four types of filters. You choose which best suits you needs and what you like. Their is a vast majority of filters. Canisters in my opinion are the best. You can also have more then one filter, the more the better, their is no such thing as over filtration. Mix and match them!

1. Tank Corner Filter
2. Under gravel Filter and Power Heads
3. Hang on Tank Filter
4. Canister Filter

Heater

You will need a reliable heater in your tank that is made for your tank size. They even have submeragable heaters. Check the temperature of the species of the fish you choose and set it to that.

You will also need a thermometer to make sure your temperature is what it is supposed to be at.

Gravel

Gravel colour is a personal preference. You can go for the natural look which I like or the bright look.

Their is also sand, that looks really natural but the cleaning procedure is different.