Q: What are cichlids?

A:  Cichlids (pronounced "sick-lids") are fishes from the family Cichlidae in the order Perciformes. Cichlids are mostly freshwater fish. There are at least 1,300 scientifically described species, making it one of the largest vertebrate families. Numerous new species are discovered annually, and many species remain undescribed. Cichlids are found in many parts of the world, including the Americas, Asia and Africa. African cichlids are often very brightly coloured, especially when they are in breeding condition. Cichlids are territorial, so they need a spacious tank with plenty of areas to hide. Some species can be kept safely together in a community tank (particularly if they are mostly males), but others have incompatible water requirements and temperaments. 

Q: Where are you located and can I pick-up?

A:  Our shop is situated in Beenleigh, QLD. We encourage our local customers to visit us in store and pick-up orders!

62 George St Beenleigh QLD 4208. Ph (07) 3804 7324. Open Mon- Fri 9:30am – 5:00pm (Closed Tuesdays) Sat –Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Q: What size tank should I have?

A:  Aquariums of any size can house cichlids.  Smaller tanks (10-20 gallons) are appropriate for raising fry, where as a 30 gallon aquarium is suitable for many cichlid species and is a practical size for a small cichlid community.  Personally we recommend at least a standard 55 gallon tank.  This is the same as a 200lt tank. Remember once you add rock to your tank you will lose swimming space and oxygen. Smaller tanks heighten aggression between fish due to less territory to claim.

Q: What filter should I choose?

A:  There are so many different types of filters, not to mention all the variations on a filtration system one could devise with these. Because there are so many types, brands, and setups, I would recommend contacting us, so we can help see what best suits your particular aquarium set up.

Q: How many fish can I keep?

A:  The most common known rule for stocking a tank is - one inch of fish per gallon of water. While this type of calculation works as a rough estimate, it leaves plenty of room for error. The fish often are not fully grown when first brought home and many fish size and shapes vary. The full grown size of the specimen must be used in the calculation so always research the fish in question before making a decision, to determine it’s true adult size.

Another common ground for error is assuming the size of the tank is equivalent to the number of gallons of water it holds. A 50 gallon tank filled with gravel, rocks, plants, and an assortment of decorations does not hold 50 gallons of water. In reality the water volume is often ten to fifteen percent less than the size of the tank.

We always recommend about 1 inch of fish per 5 gallons just to be on the safe side.

Q: How do I acclimate my fish?

A:  This is a very important question. Every order will receive a step-by-step detailed instructions sheet on acclimating fish and water parameters. If you would like to view this instruction guide, please email us for a copy.

Q: Water changes & maintenance?

A:  A water change should be performed about every 2 weeks. In most cases 25% of the tank volume is sufficient. A good habit is to replace the water extracted while “vacuuming” the gravel. This will eliminate uneaten foods and other residues that settle on the substrate. Algae can easily be removed from the tank glass with an algae magnet or scraper. If you have live plants, remember to regularly remove any dead leaves.. Do not overfeed your fish as this will cause excess waste in the water. Aquarium maintenance must include regular cleaning of the filtration system as well as the interior of the tank. Cleaning the filter is usually a monthly task. The filtration system also contains "good bacteria" which aids in the breaking down of ammonia and balancing the nitrites in the tank, so rinse the filter quickly to remove large particles but do not be over-zealous in your cleaning. When the filter medium becomes too worn it will need to be replaced.

Q: What lighting should I use?

A:  For a "fish only" aquarium, a standard florescent light is all you need. Only live plants require greater lighting. The light only needs to be on for 8 hours or less each day. A light timer is always handy.

Q: What are your payment options and pricing policy?

A:  Payment can be made via paypal, direct deposit or credit card over phone. All prices are in Australian dollars, including GST and subject to change without notice.