Water Parameters (made simple)

I will write this very simple so you can understand it quickly.

FIRST: You have ammonia
SECOND: You have Nitrites
THIRD: You have Nitrates

When setting up a new tank you will first see ammonia rise (then drop), then nitrite rise (then drop), then you will have nitrate, the last phase BUT you will see it rise and then drop. You want to keep your nitrates below about 20 to 30ppm at all times.

What your goal is to get ammonia and nitrites to 0ppm, then a nitrate reading of 20 to 30ppm.


pH: You want to have a nice sturdy pH. If it fluctuates you will have problems and this needs to be dealt with. You can use chemicals but I’m always very hesitant about using chemicals in the aquarium, if all else fails that would be my last resort.

You can use baking soda to keep it stable; you can use a crushed coral substrate, use texas holey rock. These will all raise your pH but for African this is what they need however, Central American Cichlids don’t need a high pH but it’s best to have a stable pH then one that fluctuates.

Cichlids are strong fish and will adapt to any water parameters as long as they are stable. If not my opinion is not to mess with it.