How to Make a Beautiful Cichlid Tank

Choose a long-style tank versus a tall tank. Cichlids tend to stay in the lower level of their habitats, below a height of one foot, so a taller-styled tank is a waste of space.

Opt for a tank at least 20 gallons in size. The actual dimensions will depend on how many cichlids you plan on occupying the tank, but generally speaking, one to two cichlids will do well in a 20-gallon tank while each additional cichlid will require approximately five additional gallons of space.

Rinse the tank completely before setting it up. Do not use any soap or cleanser as residue may remain and cause catastrophic problems for your cichlid. Give the inside of it a quick scrub with a white (typically softer) scrub pad purchased from an aquarium store where you can be sure it won̵7;t be treated with any harsh chemicals.

Choose a place for the tank to reside permanently and place it on a stand strong enough to accommodate the final weight of the tank and its contents. Make sure to pick a spot where the tank receives some light, but no direct sunlight, or else algae growth may cloud the water and cover the glass.

Apply background wallpaper to the outside of what will be the back pane of glass of the tank. Lightly apply clear, non-toxic glue to the background choice to adhere it to the glass or, if it̵7;s only a picture, tape the corners to the back of the tank out of sight.

Wash the gravel or rocks you̵7;ve selected for your cichlid tank by swirling the gravel with some water in a bucket with your hand. Pour out the cloudy water and repeat until the water no longer gets cloudy after swirling. Include different colors of gravel or add baubles like glass beads or gem-like plastic stones for added effect.

Arrange any decor items you have selected. Cichlids enjoy hiding spaces, so terracotta pots that are mostly or completely whole, half pipes of PVC painted with designs using a non-toxic paint, or store-bought castles and aquarium items that allow for the fish to swim through are perfect touches.

Place some bushy plastic plants in a bunch in one end of the tank, but not completely up against the glass. Select colors that complement the rest of the decor. Two or three should suffice, depending on the size of your tank.

Prepare the tank water by filling buckets of water with tap water and allow them to sit for a few hours. Though there are many treatments that can be added to water to make it more tolerable for fish, cichlids are generally a hearty bunch and tap water that is okay to drink should be okay for cichlid life.

Place the filtration system -- also set up to the manufacturer̵7;s instructions -- on the back of the tank; do not plug it in yet.

Lay a flat rock or small plate in the gravel in the center of the tank. Slowly pour the water from the buckets into the tank over the flat surface. Doing this will prevent the gravel and decor from being disturbed by the addition of the water.

Set the heater, as directed by the manufacturer's instructions. The tank should be about 80 degrees F, so allow the heater to adjust, checking the tank over the course of a couple hours to ensure consistent temperature.

Select fluorescent lights for your tank̵7;s lighting system within the tank hood. Fluorescent lights will not generate too much heat and help to bring out the natural color of your fish.

Plug in your filtration system and, using the clean cup, pour water over the filter to help encourage the water flow. Once it is going properly, allow the tank to sit and operate for at least 24 hours so the tank may stabilize before introducing your cichlid(s).