| Basically African cichlid aquarium is best decorated by | | | | The last step in aquascaping your tank is to purchased |
| making a simulation of its natural habitat in the wild as | | | | plastic or real plants. Your choice will greatly depend on |
| possible. This is so to make cichlids comfortable and | | | | the keeper. If time is not possible it is best to pick |
| secure. | | | | plastic plants since live plants require constant care not |
| Therefore, when setting up the tank the question | | | | only that cichlids like to nibble on live plants. However, if |
| should be what makes and African cichlid feel | | | | live plants are dearly preferred an Amazon sword is a |
| comfortable and secure when it comes to their | | | | good idea and matched it with maybe a couple of |
| environment? They like to live in a habitat that has lots | | | | fake plants. That should do the trick. Plants can add |
| of hiding place as a refuge area for smaller fishes as | | | | color and beauty to the aquarium as well as a |
| well as for territorial purposes for the bigger species. | | | | hideaway for cichlids. Place the plants in bunches or |
| The first rational thing to do is to read books, searched | | | | clumps it would look more natural and useful too. If |
| online for information about its natural habitat and then | | | | fake plants are used buy only the natural colors like |
| when sufficient info's has been gathered start planning | | | | green. Avoid using colorful ones like blue or yellow, |
| out the materials to be used. | | | | although they come in nice colors but they do not |
| Basically, Lake Malawi is sandy in some areas thus a | | | | mimic the natural habitat of an African cichlid. |
| crushed coral or sand substrate is adequate. Crushed | | | | Here's a few list of other materials that might be |
| coral help raise the pH in the aquarium water. If sand is | | | | useful: |
| preferred, I suggest the use of Tropical Play sand. | | | | 1. Driftwood - this would look natural and lowers pH. |
| Whichever substrate is chosen, make sure that they | | | | 2. Shale, flag stone, slate - these are good for forest |
| are properly washed before placing in the tank. | | | | and rift lake cichlids. Very good as caves and over |
| Now what rocks are appropriate for your African | | | | hangs but are not natural for Lake Malawi cichlids. |
| cichlid aquarium? Tufa rock may be used it is also | | | | 3. Small shells - good for shelter and spawning and |
| known as salt water base rock but if honey comb | | | | may increase pH level. |
| rock is available this is a much better choice. Honey | | | | 4. Clay pots - Not natural for Lake Malawi but are |
| combed rocks consist lots of holes and tunnels which | | | | great for spawning and shelter. |
| smaller fish can use for hiding. Once the rocks are | | | | There are many decorations that may be used for |
| bought, make sure to anchor it safely and sturdy in its | | | | African cichlid aquarium just bear in mind to create the |
| place that will not be easily moved by the agility and | | | | environment with natural effects as to where your |
| aggressiveness of African cichlids. | | | | particular cichlid originates. |