How to Decorate an Aquarium for African Cichlids

Using the right decorations in an aquarium allows African cichlids to act as they would in nature. Many fish owners enjoy watching fish interact in an aquarium. These interactions are often how the fish live their daily lives in the wild. This connection is furthered with decorations that fool the fish into thinking they are home. While pet store fish are bred and born in captivity, their habits remain those of their free relatives.

Things You'll Need

  • Coral
  • Drift wood
  • Rocks
  • Fake plants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cover the bottom of the tank with crushed pieces of coral. The colorful substance will be decorative and assist in keeping the water levels right as they dissolve. Use at least 2 inches of coral to cover the bottom.

    • 2

      Place treated drift wood around the tank. In the African cichlids natural habitat, African lakes, drift wood is used by the fish to hide and lay eggs.

    • 3

      Create caves and coves. African cichlids are territorial and like to hide. Commercially created caves and coves provide a place for the fish to act on their natural compulsion to hide and claim a territory.

    • 4

      Add fake ferns. Because the African cichlids like to dig in the rocks along the bottom, live plants may be difficult to grow. Adding fake ferns gives the fish additional places to hid and call home while adding color to the tank.