Hi, I'm new to this forum and to cichlids. With that being said, let me just say that I am looking for any advice I can get on how to properly care for my cichlids. Thanks in advance and I look forward to chatting with you all.

Hello, and Welcome.

I'm still very new to this board, but not to fish keeping. The very first thing new fish keepers should understand is even though you may have set up a tank because it is beautiful, your entertainment comes last to the good health, and proper care of your new additions. Bravo to you for seeking advice!

Proper habitat, pristine water quality/conditions, and a proper diet are crucial to raising healthy fish. To advise you further we would need to know which species you have, how many, and the specs on your set up. (tank size, filters etc...)

Thank you for the welcome. I currently have a 46 gallon community tank-several different lovely babies call it home. I also have a 36 gallon bowfront which is not stocked at the moment. I have been keeping fish for several years, so I'm not new to the entire concept, however, I have always had community aquariums and have never owned any cichlids. I plan to make the empty 36 gallon a cichlid habitat. So, that is where I will be needing some help.

Welcome!

When starting a cichlid tank, be sure to do your research on any fish before bring home. Unlike most fish you will get at a store, Cichlids tend to get large and produce alot of bio waste. It's also a better idea to try and get them from a breeder, you can avoid alot of issues that way and have much nicer healthy specimens. Honestly you don't sound like you have enough space for anything other then African's or Dwarf Cichlids. Nina can help you if you go african's.

I'm sorry but I do not see a 36 as a suitable sized habitat for Cichlids, especially if you plan to have more than one. Personally I use a rule of thumb of at least 40/Cichlid. As Gpfifer stated, Cichlids do get big (excluding dwarves of course)and this would be what you want to house them for, what size they will be, not what size they currently are.

Welcome to our little community there are lots of very friendly and knowledgeable people on here, don't take any offence at what people may say, they are only just trying to help, I promise you that.

Hi and welcome

Hello and Welcome!

Hi and Welcome to the group.

Hello and Welcome