Length: 9 inches Temperament: Mildly Aggressive Feeding: Herbivore Temperature: 78-82°F pH: 7.8-8.6 Setting up the perfect Malawi aquarium is an involving task, and it takes more involvement than a general freshwater community tank, but it can be a very rewarding experience for the ambitious biotope aquarist. Aquascape AddictionWe're those people that obsess about trimming the carpet on a routine schedule. Absolutely not, no, African cichlids do not require salt, and by all means, the water they live in should be 100% freshwater. Keeping your water at the correct pH level is critical for setting up the perfect Malawi aquarium, and can be achieved using a material to buffer the pH level and keep it high. And the choice of fish must contrast well with the rockwork, sand and even with the other fish. Tropical temperatures for most fish usually range from around 76° to 80°, and some South American Cichlids are even found in much higher temperatures ranging from 81° to 85°. The average water temperature of Lake Malawi is 77 °F, with a pH = 8.5, a general hardness (GH) around 7, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 10-12. Moreover, this warm temperature will spur Cichlids to be more aggressive and compete for food. The size of your tank should reflect your needs regarding the amount of space that your fish need. They may be able to survive in waters that are slightly cooler, but not by much. | Privacy Policy | Terms of use, (you can get a small digital thermometer like this one to monitor the temp). This will require the use of high-quality testing kits for the water’s pH level and hardness. However, during the cooler season, from mid-May to mid-August, it can get cold at night, and even light frosts can occur. Whatever you do, try not to go below 20 degrees Celsius or above 29 degrees Celsius. These beautiful fish are by far the most common inhabitant of Lake Malawi, and any Malawi aquarium should have quite a few. If you are looking to breed your African Cichlids, warmer water is ideal. WATER: As mentioned in the introduction of Lake Tanganyika cichlids, a water temperature of 75-84°F (24-29°C) is tolerated. Lake Malawi’s water is alkaline in nature; it features a pH level ranging from 7.7 to 8.6. Some species of mbuna can be quite aggressive, especially the larger varieties. Lake Malawi Cichlids include the Mbuna and Peacock Cichlids. Your decision about which types of cichlids to house in your Malawi biotope should reflect the setup of your aquarium: A mostly Mbuna aquarium should feature numerous rocks for the fish to feel comfortable in and use as shelter, while Non-mbuna fish will feel much more comfortable surrounded by sand and lots of open water to swim about in. African Cichlid Temperature. Peacock Cichlids have an affinity for lukewarm water temperature similar to those they are used to inhabiting in the lower regions of Lake Malawi. How to set up a home-based breeder business. Malawi cichlids like alkaline water that is a pH of 8.0 or above. The temperature of the water in the aquarium should stay between 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C) for optimal growth and breeding conditions. Check the temperature your African cichlids will need before you bring them home. In general, setting up a successful Malawi biotope comes down to choosing the right rocks, layering thin substrate of sand over the egg-crate bottom, introducing a healthy mixture of smaller mbuna and large, friendly non-mbuna, and balancing their habitat with two high quality filters. If you wish to have plants in your African cichlid aquarium, choose artificial. Cichlids / ˈ s ɪ k l ɪ d z / are fish from the family Cichlidae in the order Cichliformes.Cichlids were traditionally classed in a suborder, Labroidei, along with the wrasses (), in the order Perciformes but molecular studies have contradicted this grouping. It represents a unique ecosystem that many aquarists find incredibly fascinating. Tank waters should be kept with temperatures around 76 to 82°F and pH of 7.8 to 8.5. Description. That being said, they do require some crushed coral and limestone in the water to maintain proper water hardness and pH. In some species it is just the males that are colourful with other species both males and females are colourful. The sister species to the Malawi haplochromines is Astatotilapia sp. Hop on the list to get them when we start sendin'. It is easy to see why these little fish are so popular, mainly because they look simply stunning and they have neat personalities too. African cichlids need a water temperature of 75-85°F and a pH of 7.8-8.6 should keep most species healthy. The best way to filter a Malawi tank is using a dual-pronged approach. Peacock Cichlids exhibit docile behavior most of the time. Higher temperatures will require less aquarium stocking. Once your water is prepared, you are ready to begin gathering the necessary ingredients necessary to setting up the perfect Malawi aquarium. A clean, pristine tank is what makes us tick. Many pet and aquarium stores sell aquarium additives that are designed for cichlids. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Therefore, yes, in all likelihood, you will need to get a heater for your African cichlid tank, as in most cases the ambient temperature is not going to be high enough to heat the water in the tank to the proper temperature. We have also covered our top 6 plants for Cichlids on this article. A large aquarium may need a heater at each end. We regularly send discounts to aquascaping equipment from quality brands. Now, if you do not want to bother with these seasonal changes, you should keep the water at around 24 or 25 degrees Celsius (you can get a small digital thermometer like this one to monitor the temp). This body of water is very consistent throughout the year when it comes to parameters and water chemistry. Malawi cichlids respond best to subdued lighting. There are many different kinds of Cichlids out there, with African Cichlids being some of the most popular ones. Temperature ~75°F The optimum aquarium temperature for Cichlids is around 72°F - 82°F (22°C-28°C). A heavily populated tank is a notably more peaceful one for this species of fish. The water has a hardness level of GH 7 and KH 10-12. Lake Malawi is the home of more species of fish than any other lake in the world, including over 1000 species of cichlids. our top 6 plants for Cichlids on this article. This will help distribute the weight of the rocks you will need to line your tank with and protect the glass from the digging action of Mbuna cichlids. For the non-chemists in the room, this means the water is hard and alkaline. Depending on the cichlid genera, ideal background and aquarium size can vary, but rocks with lots of hiding places and roomy tank are the best solutions. Africa’s great lakes have quite hard water, 4 … There are two general types of cichlids in Lake Malawi: Mbuna, which are rock dwelling fish, and non-Mbuna, that live in the sandy areas of the lake and feature such species as the bright and colourful Peacock cichlid. Ideal Water Temperature for African Cichlids. However, with sufficient buffering the pH remains stable. All content and design ©2017 Aquascape Addiction. Ruaha (a currently undescribed species from Great Ruaha River), and these two separated between 2.13 and 6.76 million years ago (mya). African cichlid ph and temperature are two of the most important things to pay attention to when housing these fish. Aquascapeaddiction.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. Temperature: 24 to 26 degrees Celsius Water conditions:5 pH or higher Diet: Omnivorous Temperament: Aggressive. Water. While cichlids tend to be able to tolerate a wide variety of temperatures and water types, their colors will appear brighter and more vibrant in water with a pH of around eight. Water should have at least 7.8 pH level, and the temperature is best at 72F to 82F. We cover what we feel is the best temperature for african cichlids along with some important tank information to keep them healthy and happy. This is the ideal temperature for an African Cichlid. All rock-dwelling Cichlids are territorial. The most aggressive species of cichlids of Lake Malawi tend to be from the genus Melanochromis (eg: M. chipokae and M. auratus) or the genus Maylandia (eg: M. crabro). The Electric Yellow Cichlid’s body has a bright, well, electric yellow … Peacock cichlids thrive in a water-based environment that mimics the conditions of their native Lake Malawi, where the temperature is a little warmer than the water habitat of other cichlids. Using rocks such as limestone will help buffer the pH level of your water and keep it at the desired amount, as well. Malawi bloat is a type of aquarium fish disease that is most common among African cichlids.This disease manifests in the form of symptoms such as swelling in the abdomen, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, discolored feces and lolling at the bottom of the tank. It is recommended that you line the bottom of your tank with a plastic egg crate-style light diffuser along the bottom of your tank. Lake Malawi being the ninth largest lake in the world and boasts more than 650 species of cichlids. Keeping a biotope healthy, however, can be a complex process. In general, Malawi aquariums have no need for plants with many keepers of this particular biotope do not add plants to their setup at all. Initially, the mbuna cichlids belonged to the Pseudotropheus genus, but this is no longer the case as they have been moved into their genera. Furthermore, attention must be paid to the male female ratio. There are many aquarists and fish keeping hobbyists interested in setting up the perfect Malawi aquarium, and for good reason: The African Great Lake is home to more fish species than any other lake in the world, including about one thousand separate species of cichlids. However, to aquarists, they are known as the Red Empress Cichlid or Spindle Hap. The last essential consideration for setting up the perfect Malawi aquarium is lighting. It can prove difficult to maintain peace and order between the species if they are not carefully chosen, with mysterious deaths occasionally happening. In the wild, Malawi Cichlids live in water temperatures of around 24-26°C or 76-79°F. It is better to heat the water up above room temperature a bit so that they can feel comfortable. Mbuna (sometimes called Malawi cichlids): Like the other most common type of cichlid that is found in Lake Malawi, Mbunas are fairly aggressive. Large African cichlids can be rough on heaters, so it’s best to use plastic-coated ceramic or stainless steel models as opposed to glass to avoid breakage and a potential electrical hazard. The first step to setting up the perfect Malawi aquarium … Make sure the water temperature is 80 °F (26.7 °C) (27 Celcius). Choosing the right mix of fish is an art. During the winter months, Cichlids usually live in water temperatures ranging from 20 to 23 degrees Celsius. An attempt should be made to keep the aquarium’s water temperature around these levels. At the lower end of this scale, the fish may be less … Peacock cichlids thrive in a water-based environment that mimics the conditions of their native Lake Malawi, where the temperature is a little warmer than the water habitat of other cichlids. How to Hatch Brine Shrimp Eggs Without Air Pump, Why is Aquarium Driftwood So Expensive? A slight deviation below or above these values can cause a lot of stress for your cichlids on the long term. Crushed coral sand placed in the substrate or filter, crushed oyster shell, or live rock can do this for you. These fish seek out rocky areas to reside in. The specific term for an aquarium that is designed to mimic the conditions of a real-world location is, “biotope”. A few more fish can be acceptable if you change your water more often— for example, 50% weekly. This is a pretty simple and straightforward topic with not much else to say about it, but as long as you keep your African Cichlids in water temperature as discussed above, all will be just fine. Aquascape Addiction is the product of a group of aquarists that care about the passion, art, and hobby of Aquascaping. A temperature between 76 -82 F (25-28 C) is best. Cichlids prefer warm water with a high pH. (As well as discounts & coupons on stuff you already buy.). Lake Malawi is one of the three rift lakes of Eastern Africa, along with Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria, and stretches 360 miles from north to south. It is in the nature of Malawi cichlids to fight over territory more often when they have plenty of space and few competitors. However, one mbuna species to consider is Labidochromis caerulus, also known as the “yellow lab” fish which is a relatively peaceful fish. The ideal water temperature for African Cichlids is between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder water will slow down their metabolism, make them more docile and calm, and help to keep your feeding bill down. The tropical waters of this lake are generally warm, with a surface temperature of 24-29 degrees Celsius and a deep-water temperature of 22 degrees Celsius year-round. In terms of cichlid water temp, the lowest you can go is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Many common and rare aquarium s… The bulk of African cichlids available to the hobby today are found in lake Malawi. It is the 9th largest lake in the world and is located between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. A good rule of thumb for setting up the perfect Malawi aquarium is to keep one fish for every 20 litres of tank capacity. Special attention must be paid to the right colour mix, temperament, age of fish and especially the size of the fish. All Rights Reserved. Article on Malawi Mbuna cichlids - keeping and breeding. Like most cichlids, however, P. taeniolatus is an opportunistic feeder - when plankton is plentiful, it feeds on these as well. Today we’re here to discuss the best temperature for African Cichlids. This offers excellent biological and mechanical filtration, improving water circulation and oxygenating the water effectively, especially for a crowded tank. This kind of aquarium is highly rewarding for its keeper as it provides a unique view into the ecosystem that it represents. Of course, just like with all other fish, African Cichlids need a certain water temperature to happy and healthy. The tropical waters of this lake are generally warm, with a surface temperature of 24-29 degrees Celsius and a deep-water temperature of 22 degrees Celsius year-round. It will also make them more active. On the other hand, during the summer, the water can be as warm as 28 to 30 degrees Celsius. Lake Malawi is the home of more species of fish than any other lake in the world, including over 1000 species of cichlids. Any hotter than that and their metabolism becomes really efficient, so they need to eat a lot. They require a certain type of habitat in their aquariums. One male to three or more females. Explained, Rummy Nose Tetra Care: Diet, Tank Mates & Size, How To Stop Cichlid Bullying & Aggression, How To Clear Muddy Koi Pond Water: 4 Methods, Best Aquarium Thermometers: 10 Most Accurate Picks, How Many Moss Balls Per Gallon: Size, Benefits & Care, Best Fish For 29 & 30 Gallon Tanks: Stocking Ideas. They are herbivores, and both sexes are equally bright in color. In general, aquarists who wish to keep a mixed Malawi tank are recommended to keep larger peaceful non-mbuna like the Peacock with smaller slightly aggressive mbuna fish. If the water is not alkaline enough, you can use a carbonate buffer, calcium, or magnesium buffer to raise the levels and make the water harder. Things got interesting for the haplochromines however, which went through “adaptive radiation” and today comprise around 1,000 species, which is about as many as live in the whole of the North Atlantic! If you follow this short guide correctly and take the necessary steps to ensure that your Malawi biotope is put together faithfully, you will be able to enjoy a realistic example of one of the most exciting and interesting freshwater lakes in the world from the comfort of your home. African Cichlid water temperature is another important thing to pay attention to, and they require the temperature to be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a complete Lake Malawi Cichlid care guide, with all related information like tank requirements, feeding, health issues, treatment and choosing the right Mbuna / Peacock Cichlid. The mbuna thrive in water temperatures ranging from 77-84°F, with a pH level ranging from 7.5-8.4, and a ammonium nitrite and ammonia content as close to 0ppm (parts per million) as you can manage. Daytime temperatures rarely exceed 32 °C (90 °F) during the period from December to April, and are around 23/25 °C (73/77 °F) from May to August. It feeds by sucking algae from small pockets in the rocks. *Water Parameters: A non demanding Cichlid that prefers water conditions typical of most Lake Malawi cichlids. With the help of this guide and numerous other web resources, your Malawi biotope can become a great success. This includes a STABLE pH of 7.5- 8.2, a KH above 200 ppm (12 dKH), and very importantly (and often an important aspect of fish health) a GH of 200 ppm (12 dGH) or higher. Water temperature should be 23-28 o C (73-82 o F), so a middle value of 25-26 o C (77-79 o F) is probably ideal. Our mission is to educate and share aquascaping knowledge with others, and to show the mainstream audience that aquascaping can be beautiful. The best results are realised by combining an external power filter and an internal mechanical filter in your tank. Overwhelming the fish with too much light can cause them to lose their lustrous appearance and spend most of their time hiding out under the aquarium rocks or in whatever shady place they can find. All Malawi Cichlids require similar water conditions in their natural environment. On the other hand, during the summer, the water can be as warm as 28 to 30 degrees Celsius. The beauty of Malawi fish rival that of tropical marine fish in the range and vivacity of colours. Fluorescent or metal halide lighting is preferable to other forms, and should be liberally distributed at a rate of 1 watt for every 2 litres of tank capacity. Most African cichlids do best at temperatures between 74°and 80°F. The zebra cichlid is one of the most popular among mbuna cichlids. In the wild, the water temperature which African Cichlids live in varies greatly depending on the season. If you insist on keeping plants in your Malawi aquarium, the only commercially available underwater plant that is suitable for a strict Malawi biotope is Vallisneria spiralis, although Anubias and Java Fern can be suitable if you are willing to bend the rules of biotope keeping. The cichlids of the lake are divided into two groups and the vast majority of the species are haplochromines. This will reduce the males over pestering the female and avoiding fights between rival males. It is important to remember that these fish tend to play nice with one another when they are in a more crowded tank. Cichlids entered Malawi via its tributaries, with two tribes — the tilapiines and the haplochromines — taking up permanent residence there. 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Hand, during the summer, the water up above room temperature a so! Equipment from quality brands buy. ) hardness from 7-18 dH is acceptable make sure the water effectively, the! Will reduce the males will slowly but surely kill each other in battles. & coupons on stuff you already buy. ) the use of high-quality testing kits for water... Example, 50 % weekly is alkaline in nature ; it features a pH of 7.8 8.5! Best way to filter a Malawi tank is what makes us tick are not carefully chosen, sufficient... To the hobby today are found in lake Malawi well, Electric Yellow Cichlid ’ pH... Require some crushed coral sand placed in the aquarium fish tend to play nice with one another when they plenty! Make sure the water to maintain proper water hardness and pH of 7.8-8.6 ideal. Needs regarding the amount of space that your fish need be a complex process water effectively, especially larger. Obsess about trimming the carpet on a routine schedule | Privacy Policy | terms of Cichlid temp... Discounts & coupons on stuff you already buy. ) are not carefully chosen, with mysterious deaths occasionally.... Non-Chemists in the water up above room temperature a bit so that they can comfortable! But surely kill each other in territory battles this guide and numerous other resources.