| Choosing a cichlid aquarium goes hand in hand with | | | | stand has the space and facility to house and |
| choosing your cichlid fish. The size of the aquarium | | | | external filter or two in the cupboard beneath the |
| depends on firstly the size and quantity of the | | | | aquarium. I would always recommend an external |
| fish you want to keep in it. You must be aware | | | | filter for a cichlid fish tank as these tend to be |
| that some cichlids can eventually grow to over | | | | more powerful and cichlids are very messy fish. |
| 12" in length and can live for over 15 years. | | | | This also means that you can clean the filter |
| Thoroughly researching your choice of cichlid fish | | | | without causing too much disturbance within the |
| will give you an idea of the size the various | | | | tank. The fish will be happier and love you all the |
| species can grow to and for how long they live. | | | | more for it. |
| The aquarium itself will need to be large enough | | | | Most modern cichlid fish tanks usually come with a |
| for the full grown adult African cichlids you wish | | | | purpose built display stand or cabinet and hood. |
| to keep while being an appropriate size and shape | | | | The hood helps to muffle the sound of trickling |
| for the space you have available for it. | | | | water and also keeps flying pests out of the |
| When choosing a cichlid aquarium you should also | | | | tank, while the cabinet is usually strong enough to |
| give consideration to the thickness of the glass | | | | hold the immense weight of water and |
| and the way the aquarium is constructed. It will | | | | somewhere to keep the external filters and other |
| need to withstand the weight of the water and | | | | accessories that you will no doubt accumulate. |
| possibly any rocks or gravel you decide to place | | | | These stands or cabinets are generally available in |
| inside it. You should ensure that the cichlid | | | | a choice of colours that can match in with most |
| aquarium is manufactured by a reputable brand | | | | decors and furniture. This is important as you |
| name company. Brands such as Fluval, Rena, | | | | don't want your show piece sticking out like a |
| Juwel or Oceanic are recommended. The overall | | | | sore thumb. |
| size of the aquarium is a major consideration and | | | | Finally just step back and take in the overall |
| for cichlids it should be a minimum of 75 US | | | | appearance of your chosen aquarium. It is |
| Gallons. | | | | important to take into account all these practical |
| You should also give some thought to the overall | | | | considerations but do you like the look of it? One |
| height of tank and stand as it is going to be | | | | thing my wife pointed out when we were looking |
| difficult if you cannot reach the bottom of the | | | | for aquariums was the sealant used to hold the |
| tank when it comes to cleaning time. | | | | glass together. Some were black, some were |
| Another consideration of choosing a cichlid fish | | | | white and some were translucent. One aquarium |
| tank is the filtration you will be using. Does it have | | | | had removed the need for sealant at the front |
| a built-in internal filter or does the tank come | | | | altogether by using curved glass for the front and |
| equipped with an under-gravel filter. Ideally the | | | | sides. |