Cichlid
Start with where your fish come from
- Lake Malawi mbuna: piles of rock with lots of caves and broken lines of sight, over sand.
- Lake Tanganyika: rock for many species, snail shells for shell dwellers, open sand for others.
- South American: driftwood, leaf litter and softer light for angelfish, discus, rams and apistos. Open swimming room and smooth rock for oscars.
- Central American: rock, wood and sand. Many species dig, so keep decor secure.
Build rockwork safely
Cichlids dig. Place the base layer of rock directly on the tank bottom (or on egg crate) and add sand around it, so fish cannot undermine the stack and topple it into the glass. Test stability with your hand before filling.
Sand or gravel?
Most cichlids prefer sand because many species sift it and dig. Aragonite sand can help buffer pH upward for African tanks. Plain aquarium sand suits South and Central Americans.
Plants cichlids usually leave alone
Anubias and java fern attached to rock or wood are the classic survivors. Vallisneria and crypts can work with gentler species. Floating plants help with nitrate in bigger tanks.
Frequently asked questions
What rock is safe for cichlid tanks?
Common choices include holey limestone, lace rock and slate. Limestone raises pH, which suits African cichlids but not soft water fish.
Can I have plants with cichlids?
Yes. Anubias and java fern tied to rock or wood are the most reliable. Many South American dwarfs live happily in fully planted tanks.
How do I stop cichlids from moving rocks?
Set rocks on the bottom glass before adding sand, use heavier pieces and avoid small stones on top of sand.
What you will need
- Aragonite sandBuffers pH for African tanks.Check price on Amazon
- Aquarium sandNatural substrate for New World cichlids.Check price on Amazon
- Anubias and java fernTough plants that survive cichlids.Check price on Amazon
- Egg crateSpreads rock weight on the glass.Check price on Amazon
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