Caring for Malawi Cichlids
Temperature:
74-82
pH:
7.8 – 8.6 (alkaline)
Carbonate Hardness (KH):
8-15 °dH (high buffering capacity).
Malawi Cichlids require conditions that replicate their native environment in Lake Malawi, Africa. Males are territorial so if males and females are kept together beware that they will fight, often causing injury or even death. An all male set up is one option, because when males do not have females present then the aggression is significantly reduced. Another option is to select different species and ones that won’t interbreed, as each male then won’t feel threatened by a similar looking male. The joy of keeping and breeding a variety of Malawi Cichlids and seeing females holding young can then be achieved.
Setup and maintenance tips
- Substrate: Use sand or smooth gravel, often mixed with crushed coral or aragonite to help buffer the pH.
- Decor: Provide plenty of rock piles and caves for territories, as these fish are territorial.
- Filtration: Requires strong filtration and frequent, partial water changes.
- Buffering: Use buffers or calcareous materials (like coral) to keep pH and hardness stable.
- Stability: Maintain stable parameters; avoid drastic shifts in temperature or chemistry.