Creating a happy environment for cichlids

[olixo]

Hey Everyone,

So I've got the basics down.


Right size tank
Crushed Coflake Marine substrate for a stable PH
Extra filtration for a 10x hourly water turnover
Rock Scape for ample hiding spots

I'm looking to go the extra mile now. What else can I add to make them thrive?

Some ideas I've come across include:
Air Stones for increased oxygen levels
Wave surface agitators for water movement
Coloured lights for visual stimulation
Any other suggestions are welcome

[sidthy]

It really depends on the specific cichlid species you're dealing with. Some might appreciate an air stone or a wave surface agitator, while others might not care about them at all. Coloured lights can be a nice addition, but it's not a necessity for all cichlids.

[olixo]

It really depends on the specific cichlid species you're dealing with. Some might appreciate an air stone or a wave surface agitator, while others might not care about them at all. Coloured lights can be a nice addition, but it's not a necessity for all cichlids.

Looking at Peacocks, I've heard they're quite the sight. Considering them for my tank, would love to hear thoughts on what they need to thrive.

[florant]

Hey Everyone,

So I've got the basics down.


Right size tank
Crushed Coflake Marine substrate for a stable PH
Extra filtration for a 10x hourly water turnover
Rock Scape for ample hiding spots

I'm looking to go the extra mile now. What else can I add to make them thrive?

Some ideas I've come across include:
Air Stones for increased oxygen levels
Wave surface agitators for water movement
Coloured lights for visual stimulation
Any other suggestions are welcome

You've pretty much got the essentials covered. Peacocks are big on free swimming, so they'll appreciate all that space to roam. Adding some ocean rock wouldn't be a bad idea either, helps keep that PH high.

[detroit]

What's your water GH like? Peacocks need it to be high, like really high. Crushed coflakes can help but you gotta make sure it's enough.

Tank size is also important. I'd say you'll need at least a 4 ft tank for these guys.

If your GH is too low, there are ways to raise it. I found this guide from fishlab.com that explains how to lower it, but you can apply the same principles in reverse. It's all about aquarium chemistry and water hardness.

There's also this guide from aquariumcoop.com that explains pH, GH, and KH in simple terms. It's really helpful for beginners like me.

If you're interested in learning more about Peacocks, I found this profile on seriouslyfish.com. It's got some great info on their habitat and care.

And if you're struggling with GH, Seachem's Cichlid Lake flour is a great product to use. Just follow the instructions for Lake Malawi and you'll be good to go.

[olixo]

Thanks for the info, really helpful.

I'll go through all those links, appreciate it.

I'm in Dubai, so the water's naturally hard, but I need to get a test kit to know the exact GH.

My tank's 4 feet, 65 gallons, so size-wise I'm good.

I saw some beautiful OB peacocks at the LFS - yellow and blue, pink and blue, about 1-1.5 inches, and some strawberry and Ruby reds, 3 inches. Since they're in the same tank at the store, can I mix them in my tank too?

[detroit]

Hey Everyone,

So I've got the basics down.


Right size tank
Crushed Coflake Marine substrate for a stable PH
Extra filtration for a 10x hourly water turnover
Rock Scape for ample hiding spots

I'm looking to go the extra mile now. What else can I add to make them thrive?

Some ideas I've come across include:
Air Stones for increased oxygen levels
Wave surface agitators for water movement
Coloured lights for visual stimulation
Any other suggestions are welcome

4ft is good especially if it's 4ft by 2ft.

If they are from the same Peacock family and since your LFS mixed them together, usually it should be fine.

But you might want to find out more information about the species to ensure compatibility when they grow up.

Also, make sure they are of the same size and grow up to the same size to prevent bullying and aggression.

I know some African Cichlids that have stripes like goldenly are extremely aggressive and are not suitable.

However, since you've got a mix of OB Peacocks with yellow and blue, pink and blue, strawberry peacocks, and Ruby reds, it's worth researching each species to ensure they're all compatible in the long run.

[whetu]

I always go with a fine lime chip base for my African cichlid tanks, it's a surefire way to get the hardness just right.

[willie32]

Hey Everyone,

So I've got the basics down.


Right size tank
Crushed Coflake Marine substrate for a stable PH
Extra filtration for a 10x hourly water turnover
Rock Scape for ample hiding spots

I'm looking to go the extra mile now. What else can I add to make them thrive?

Some ideas I've come across include:
Air Stones for increased oxygen levels
Wave surface agitators for water movement
Coloured lights for visual stimulation
Any other suggestions are welcome

OB Peacocks are hybrids, not a specific species - the 'OB' refers to Orange Blotch, the first hybrids to be sold. Are you planning a mixed Peacock tank with males and females, or an all-male tank?

If you're open to other options, I found this article on Mbunas really helpful for understanding which species mix well and which to avoid. It also gives you a good idea of stocking levels.