Cichlid
Almost every experienced keeper made these mistakes once. You do not have to.
- Skipping the cycle. Fish added to a new tank face ammonia spikes. Do a fishless cycle first. Here is how.
- Buying for the fish you see, not the fish you will have. That cute 2 inch oscar can reach 12 inches. Check adult size before you buy.
- Mixing fish from different worlds. African cichlids and soft water South Americans want very different water and behavior. Pick one direction per tank.
- Too few females. In mbuna and peacock tanks, one male with three or four females spreads aggression.
- Overfeeding. Feed what they eat in about a minute. Extra food becomes ammonia.
- Rinsing the filter under the tap. Chlorine kills the bacteria that keep the tank cycled. Use old tank water.
- Skipping quarantine. One sick new fish can infect the whole tank. A cheap spare tank is insurance.
Want a second opinion on your plan? Create your free tank profile and ask the community.
