Creators, fish stores, online sellers and breeders: get listed free while early spots get top placement. Get featured on Cichlid Nation
Create your tank profile
Start Here

Your first healthy cichlid tank, step by step

Pick where you are today. We will show you what to read, what to buy and what to skip, so your fish thrive from day one.

Choose your path Ask Ozzy a question

Where are you today?

Choose your path

1

I am brand new

No tank yet, or a tank with no fish. Set it up once, the right way.

2

I have a tank already

Fish are in, and you want them healthier, brighter and calmer.

3

I want something special

Big oscars, wild discus, oddballs or a breeding project.

Your first month

The plan that saves your first fish

Most new tank losses happen in the first month. Follow these four steps in order and you skip the classic mistakes.

Stuck on a step?

Ozzy answers quick questions on the spot.

Ask Ozzy
  1. Day 1

    Set up the tank

    Rinse sand, add rock or wood, fill with dechlorinated water, start the filter and heater.

    Read the guide
  2. Weeks 1 to 6

    Cycle it, fish free

    Feed the tank a small ammonia source and test. Ammonia rises, then nitrite, then both drop to zero as nitrate appears. This usually takes four to six weeks.

    Read the guide
  3. First fish

    Stock slowly

    Add a few hardy fish, wait, test, then add more. Match adult size, temperament and water before you buy.

    Read the guide
  4. Every week

    Change water

    Swap 25 to 50 percent of the water with a gravel vacuum and conditioner. Test monthly, or any time fish act off.

    Read the guide
Before you buy any fish

Ask three questions

How big does it get?

Many cichlids are sold at two inches and grow to ten or more. Buy for the adult, not the baby.

How does it behave?

Peaceful, territorial or a bully? Mixing temperaments is the number one cause of losses.

What water does it need?

Malawi and most Central Americans like hard water. Discus, rams and angelfish like it soft. Test your tap first.

Look up your fish Compatibility guide

Starter shopping list

What a cichlid tank needs

Real Amazon products we point beginners to. Photos and prices update on Amazon.

See all Gear We Recommend

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases once the Associates account is live. Disclosure.

Free with Cichlid Nation

Everything you get

Learn to start outStep by step guides for your first tank, from cycling to stocking.Get inspiredReal tanks, fish profiles and ideas for your next build.Show off your tankCreate a tank profile and talk with keepers who get it.Real answersAsk a question and get help from experienced keepers.Gear picks and dealsHonest picks for filters, food and tanks, plus deals as partner stores join.Promote your businessFish stores, sellers and breeders can get listed free.Promote your channelCreators can apply for a free spotlight page.Vote and nominateBack your favorite fish YouTubers and nominate new ones.Find a local fish storeIndependent aquarium stores on a map, with more added as owners sign up.
Who we are

Started by a fishkeeper, for fishkeepers

Fred Pesce, founder of Cichlid Nation

Cichlid Nation was founded by Fred Pesce, a Long Island fishkeeper who just loves this hobby. His last name even means fish in Italian. The idea is simple: give cichlid people one free home to learn, share their tanks and celebrate the creators who make the hobby fun.

Fred keeps his own tanks at home and is part of the Long Island fish community. He also founded PESCE MediaWorks. Meet Fred on the About page.

Next up

You might also like

Species hubBrowse cichlids, rays, eels and community fish.Gear We RecommendFilters, food, heaters and tanks with Amazon photos.CreatorsFish YouTubers the hobby loves.Find a fish storeIndependent shops near you.

Ready to join the Nation?

It is free and takes about a minute.

Create your tank profile