Aquaria Guide:
Basic tools for Aquarium
**PH Test Strip Kit to test water ph.
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**Soft water/planted Aquariums
pH: 5.5 -6.7
**Hard water/African Cichlid Tank
PH: 7.5 - 9.0
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**TDS Meter to test water hardness and total dissolved solvents.
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**Soft water/planted Aquariums
TDS: 130 - 170
**Hard water/African Cichlid Tank
TDS; 300 - 400
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**Heater for stable temperature.
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**LED light for mimicking sunlight.
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**Air stone/Filter or surface aeration is must for oxygen to dissolve in water.
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**Don't use chlorinated water from government bodies that comes from tap water.
Use a de-chlorinator or use stored water to avoid chlorine poisoning.
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**Do not introduce hard water fish in soft water and vice-versa.
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**Maintaining the correct pH levels, promotes good health and gives vibrant color to the fish.
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**Dissolved Minerals are very important in hard water aquaria. Hence avoid plastic in aquariums and use natural rocks.
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**Rocks/cement statues and certain types of sand placed in aquaria increases pH and hardness of the water.
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**Do not introduce a single Cichlid or other territorial fishes into an existing community tank. Add a minimum of four or more to an existing tank or a new tank to avoid aggression.
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**A minimum of 25% of water needs to be replaced every week.
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**Avoid changing water and cleaning filter at the same time.
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**Fish need at least 6 hours of light and a stable temperature,
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**It is Recommended for all Cichlid species to at least stock a minimum of 4 - 6 similar sized and similar colored fish from the same species, as any fewer than four would lead to territorial fights and loss of fish.