Cichlid
Why water changes matter so much
Even a perfectly cycled tank builds up nitrate and other waste between water changes. Cichlids eat a lot and make a lot of waste, so regular water changes are the single best thing you can do for color, growth and health.
- Test first. Check nitrate weekly, and pH if you keep African cichlids. Aim to keep nitrate below about 20 to 40 ppm.
- Drain 25 to 50 percent. Cichlids are messy. Most keepers change 25 to 50 percent of the water each week.
- Vacuum the substrate. Run a gravel vacuum through open areas to pull out waste and old food.
- Match temperature and dechlorinate. Refill with tap water close to tank temperature and treated with water conditioner.
- Wipe glass and check gear. Scrape algae, check the heater light and make sure the filter flow is strong.
Cleaning the filter the right way
Your filter media holds the bacteria that keep the tank cycled. Rinse sponges and media in a bucket of old tank water, never under the tap. Clean only when flow drops, and in a tank with two filters, clean them on different weeks so the bacteria colony is never knocked back all at once.
A simple schedule
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| Daily | Count fish, check behavior and temperature, remove uneaten food |
| Weekly | Test nitrate, change 25 to 50 percent of the water, vacuum, clean glass |
| Monthly | Rinse filter media in tank water, check hoses and impeller, trim plants |
| Every 6 to 12 months | Replace worn sponges gradually and check the heater |
Frequently asked questions
How much water should I change in a cichlid tank?
Most cichlid keepers change 25 to 50 percent weekly. Heavily stocked mbuna and oscar tanks often need the higher end.
Should I clean my gravel every week?
Vacuum the open areas weekly. You do not need to dig under every rock each time.
Can I use tap water for water changes?
Yes, as long as you treat it with a water conditioner that removes chlorine and chloramine, and match the temperature.
What you will need
- Water changer hoseDrain and refill from the sink.Check price on Amazon
- Gravel vacuumPulls waste out of the substrate.Check price on Amazon
- Algae scraperKeeps the glass clear.Check price on Amazon
- Water conditionerTreats tap water on every change.Check price on Amazon
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