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Established in February 2002, this 155 gallon, All-Glass, bow-front, African Cichlid aquarium is just one of many freshwater and marine aquariums designed and maintained by the Drs. Foster & Smith Aquatic Services Staff. |
In addition to affording our customer service specialists the opportunity to apply and advance their knowledge of the hobby, these are the aquariums where we put new products to the Doctors' test before offering them to our customers. We invite you to take a closer look at this beautiful aquarium display dedicated to African Cichlids.
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Primary Population |
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All Cichlids were added simultaneously as juveniles to an established aquarium.
Several Cichlids have since paired off and bred, increasing the original population. |
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Diet |
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Feeding times: Daily, between 9-10 a.m. and 4-5 p.m. |
Structure
To best fulfill the needs of these beautiful, intelligent, and territorial fish, we designed the caves and nooks to create a healthy, secure African lake biotope. 20 flat and approximately 20 variously shaped stones (3"-6" in diameter) were used in constructing the numerous caves/shelter areas, and medium/large multi-colored gravel was spread 2"-3" deep throughout the aquarium floor.
Water Conditions
Water, treated by reverse osmosis with
R/O Right powder, was added to remineralize the water and buffers were added to adjust alkalinity and pH. Additives/supplements (used after a water change or when pH drops) include:
Water testing with
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Master Test Kit (tests for pH, high-range pH, ammonia, nitrite, and hardness). African Cichlids prefer higher pH, dH and temperatures than other freshwater fish. Parameters of the African Cichlid aquarium should include:
- pH 7.8-8.5
- dH 10-15
- Temperature 72°-82°F
Aquarium Specifications
Maintenance
Daily:
- Feed fish
- Check water level and fill if needed
- Check filter operation, clean if flow rate is slow
- Check water temperature
Weekly:
- Test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and alkalinity
- Add buffer if needed
- Clean magnum filter
Bi-weekly:
- Clean inside/outside aquarium glass, glass canopy, and strip lights
- Perform 25% water change
Monthly:
- Change carbon in Magnum Filter
- Rinse all media in Eheim with non-chlorinated water
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PRODUCTS RELATED TO:
New Aquarium Set-up
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