When it comes to cichlid tanks, most people prefer to create a natural-looking tank that resembles their natural environment. A few hobbyists and professionals, however, are choosing bare-bottom tanks instead of substrate. So what are the pros and cons of bare-bottom tanks? Should you be trying them out? That depends on your priorities, so let’s … Read more
Named after the colorful pet bird with frilly feathers, cockatoo dwarf cichlids match their feathered namesakes with their exotic colors and impressive crested fins. But while they may be alluring, cockatoo cichlids are not the ideal beginner’s fish, and won’t fit in any old community aquarium. Their complex requirements and aggressive streak mean that this … Read more
The humble keyhole cichlid may be less glamorous than some of its dazzling relatives, but this aquarium relic was once more popular than today, and deservedly so! Keyhole cichlids are one of the most peaceful cichlids that you could hope to find. They also remain relatively small, so can be kept with medium-sized community tank … Read more
Cichlids are a hugely popular tropical fish with many fish keepers. However, this species needs quite a lot of space in the tank, and they can be territorial and semi-aggressive. But just how much space do cichlids need to be peaceful and thrive? You might think that a 55-gallon aquarium is plenty big enough to … Read more
Cichlids are some of the most intelligent and interactive of all aquarium fish, so it’d be unusual to keep them alone. But since they’re such a vast family, there are nuances between the species that can inform us whether to keep a cichlid in a pair with its own kind, in a community tank, or … Read more
Beautiful, intelligent, with bags of personality. If there were a dating website for fish, Cichlids would have a great profile! But are cichlids so lucky when it comes to longevity? While their lifespans vary considerably, most cichlid species will live between 5-10 years in captivity when treated well. But since there’s so much variation, let’s … Read more
The Salvini cichlid is an incredibly beautiful fish from Central America, with bags of personality and a robust character. But there’s one reason that Salvinis haven’t become more popular in the aquarium trade, and that’s because they’re one of the most aggressive fish you could find! Here we’ll take a look at the best way … Read more
Oscars and cichlids are both beautiful species of fish, so much so that many people think they’ll look great in a tank together – but this isn’t always a wise choice. Due to the temperament of some species of these fish and the water parameters recommended for different species, it can be very difficult to … Read more
Cichlids are one of the most popular fish in the aquarium community. Their ease of care, availability, and variety make them highly sought after. Cichlids need room to explore, breed, and swim when it comes to tank size. How many cichlids can you fit in your 20-gallon tank? Some Cichlid species need less space, and … Read more
Living aquatic plants not only look beautiful in your display tank, but they provide several essential functions. Plants use carbon dioxide and give off oxygen, helping to oxygenate the tank water for your fish. Also, plants use the nitrates in the water as fertilizer, helping to keep the aquarium environment healthier for your fishes. Lush … Read more
Did you know that a very large percentage of the fish we keep in our aquariums hail from the often dark waters of South America? A SA biotope is one of the most beautiful aquarium types you can set up, with its tannin-stained waters, creeping roots and colorful fish. Some of the most colorful and … Read more
Cichlids are known for belligerence and having an aggressive nature. However, it is possible to keep dwarf cichlids in a harmonious community setup, provided you choose the right species to live together. There are a few dwarf cichlid species for beginner aquarists that provide a gentle introduction to keeping these lovely fish. As you become … Read more
If you’re new to the aquarium hobby, you might think that keeping fish is a tad – dare we say it – boring! After all, your pets spend their days swimming around the tank, eating and nibbling on algae, and not really doing much else, right? However, that’s not the case with every fish species. … Read more
As an experienced fishkeeper, I can tell you that one of the most exciting things you can do is breed successfully from your fish. But where do you start? There’s so much misinformation out there online that it can be a minefield for newbies to fish breeding. Experts hope to steer the aquarium fish trade … Read more
Knowing how to achieve the right water pH for a particular community of fish is a skill that separates fishkeeping pros from the rest. But what if your water pH is inconsistent and keeps fluctuating? Because unstable water pH can be dangerous to fish health and tank ecology, it’s important to know how to correct … Read more
