The Ultimate African Cichlid Aquarium Setup Guide

If you have a love for African cichlids like us, you’re probably gearing up for your own African cichlid aquarium setup. But, creating their ideal habitat takes a bit of know-how. From picking the perfect tank size to setting up the right filtration, there’s a lot to consider to keep your cichlids happy and healthy. 

But don’t you worry, because that’s why we’re here! Setting up a thriving African cichlid tank is easier than you might think, and with the right tips and tricks, you’ll have a stunning underwater oasis in no time! Let’s dive into the details!

The 6 Core Elements of an African Cichlid Aquarium Setup

Here are the key elements you must consider when setting up an African cichlid tank.

1. Tank Size and Dimensions

Say it with us — “size matters!” Why? Because African cichlids are active swimmers and they can be quite territorial. You’ll want a tank that’s at least 55 gallons (about 208 liters). Though, bigger is always better, especially if you’re planning to keep multiple cichlids of varying sizes.

Now, regarding the dimensions, a long tank rather than a tall one is ideal. A longer aquarium provides more horizontal swimming space, which is what cichlids prefer. The extra space also helps reduce aggression since it gives each cichlid enough room to establish its own territory.

2. Water Parameters

We want everything to be just right because water parameters impact your African cichlids’ health and well-being. These fish thrive in alkaline water! They prefer a pH between 7.8 and 8.5, so it’s important to regularly test — either manually or automatically — and adjust the pH if needed.

They also prefer hard water, with a hardness level of around 12 to 30 dGH, which mimics their natural habitat. Temperature-wise, aim to keep the water between 78°F and 84°F (25.5°C and 28.8°C).

3. Filtration

Filtration is a pretty big deal within an African cichlid aquarium setup. We want our finned friends to live in a clean and healthy environment, but African cichlids produce a lot of waste (one of the few factors impacting your tank’s bioload). 

So, you need a strong and reliable filtration system. That’s why a canister filter is often a top choice for African cichlid owners. That said, you can also use a combination of filters if that works better for your setup. 

The key is making sure the water stays clear and well-oxygenated without creating too much current, which can stress the fish. 

4. Lighting

Lights, camera, action! Your African cichlids are the stars of your aquarium, and the lights are there to enhance their beauty. Moderate lighting works best for these fish, bringing out their vibrant colors and creating a visually pleasing environment. 

Aim for around 8 to 10 hours of light each day to simulate their natural day-night cycle. This not only makes your cichlids look great but also helps keep their biological rhythms in check. 

Just make sure the lighting is balanced — too much light can encourage algae growth.

5. Aquascaping and Decor

When aquascaping the tank, try to keep your African cichlids’ natural habitat in mind. Start with a sand substrate, which mimics the lake beds they’re used to and allows them to dig and sift. 

You can add plenty of rocks and caves to give them hiding spots and territories. These items can help reduce stress and aggression among them. Plus, these structures make your tank look awesome.

Now, plants or no plants? That is the question. Our answer? Avoid using delicate plants, as cichlids might uproot them — instead, focus on those that can handle their active behavior (like Anubias).

6. Stocking Levels and Compatibility 

Last but not least, how many cichlids can you keep in one tank? Or, which fish are compatible with your African cichlids? Start with a tank size that suits the number of cichlids you want to keep.

African cichlids can be territorial, so overstocking can actually help diffuse aggression by giving each fish more space to claim as its own. Just make sure to choose species that get along well and are from the same lake, like Lake Malawi or Lake Tanganyika, to avoid conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got more questions? We have the answers!

What is the ideal tank size for an African cichlid aquarium setup?

At least 55 gallons. Larger tanks are preferred to accommodate their active nature and territorial behavior.

What type of filtration is best for an African cichlid tank?

A canister filter is best, as it can handle their bioload and maintain clean, well-oxygenated water.

How many African cichlids can I keep together in one tank?

It depends on the tank size, species compatibility, and stocking density. Overstocking can help reduce aggression but requires careful management.

Can live plants be used in an African cichlid aquarium setup?

While live plants can be challenging in an African cichlid aquarium setup, hardy plants like Anubias or Java fern can be used when attached to rocks or decor.

What are the common mistakes to avoid in an African cichlid aquarium?

There are various mistakes such as using a tank that’s too small, neglecting water quality, inadequate filtration, and improper stocking. All these can lead to increased aggression and stress.

Want more for your African Cichlid Aquarium?

Grab my book that covers ALL the information you need to ensure you have a successful African Cichlid Tank!

Aquabuildr Is Your Ultimate Guide to Any Aquarium Setup!

Okay, we get it — this was a lot of information, especially if you’re new to African cichlids. Well, lucky for you, we made all this information more easy and interactive with our Aquabuildr app!

Explore our Aquabuildr app — an app made for aquarists by aquarists. With its intelligent algorithm, you can easily build a custom tank tailored to your cichlids’ needs. Whether you’re starting from scratch or choosing one of their ready-made starter tanks, this app simplifies the process and ensures your fish thrive. 

Aquabuildr is free on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store — ready and waiting to help you create your perfect saltwater tank.