Choosing the appropriate tank size for Jack Dempsey fish is essential to ensure their health and natural behavior. These fish are active swimmers and naturally territorial, so they need ample space to claim territory and move freely. A 55-gallon tank is generally the minimum recommended for a pair of adult Jack Dempseys. However, a larger tank—ideally 75 gallons or more—is preferable, particularly if you plan to house multiple fish or include additional tank mates. A 55-gallon setup can also accommodate a few Pictus catfish and a plecostomus alongside the pair, especially while the fish are still young. As they grow larger and more active, upgrading to a 75-gallon or larger tank will provide the space needed for long-term comfort, healthy growth, and territorial harmony.
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium 55 Gallons, Includes LED Lighting, Filtration, Heater and Accessories
The Tetra 55 Gallon Aquarium Kit offers a spacious environment ideal for accommodating more fish or a wider variety of species, while helping maintain a stable water temperature. This all-in-one kit includes a 55-gallon tank, EasyBalance Plus, TetraMin fish food, AquaSafe water conditioner, energy-efficient LED lighting, a 6” fish net, a 200W heater, a WPF 60 filter, a stick-on digital thermometer, two 24” Tetra hinged hoods, two plant multipacks, a decorative boxwood plant, a TetraCare brochure, and a detailed instruction sheet. The tank measures 48.25″ L x 12.80″ W x 20.90″ H, weighing 79 lbs when empty and up to 521 lbs when filled with water. Pairing it with the Perfecto Majesty Stand (ASIN: B00BUFU77U) ensures proper support and adds convenient storage space for aquarium supplies.
YITAHOME Heavy Duty 55-75 Gallon Aquarium Stand
Durable Metal Aquarium Stand for 55–75 Gallon Tanks – Built-In Power Outlets, Storage Cabinet for Accessories, Supports Up to 880 lbs – Grey Finish – Ideal for Fish or Turtle Tanks
Amazon Review Snippets
55 Gallon Tank Set Up
5.0 out of 5 stars Great kit! Great price! Came packaged properly with foam inserts throughout the box on the inside and outside of the aquarium that arrived securely and in one piece. bryce glarborg
5.0 out of 5 stars This tank kit is great It came with the necessities to get started: the tank, heater, and the filter which is powerful and quiet. Couldn’t be more pleased. And the fish like it too. Lynda C.
55 Gallon Aquarium Stand
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!! Exactly like the picture!! Mireya Cleveland
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Sturdy This was easy to put together and is very sturdy. Rex Green
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Transform Your Aquarium: The Perfect Light-Plant Duo for Thriving Fish & Flora!
Creating a vibrant underwater ecosystem starts with two essentials: lighting that mimics nature and plants that purify water. After testing dozens of products, these solutions delivered stunning results in LANDEN 90P 44 Gallon Rimless Low Iron Aquarium Tank that is planted a tank:
- LANDEN Aquarium Stand and Cabinet, for up to 44Gal Tank,
- Fluval Plant 3.0 LED Planted Aquarium Lighting, 32 Watts, 24-34 Inches
Bulletproof Plants: The Cichlid-Proof Trio
| Plant | Why Cichlids Don’t Destroy It | Water Parameters |
|---|---|---|
| Anubias | Grows on rocks/driftwood | pH 6.5-7.5 |
| Java Fern | Bitter leaves deter nibbling | Temp 75-82°F |
| Vallisneria | Deep roots anchor in sand | Medium hardness |
Bonus: Attach Anubias to Texas holey rock – cichlids can’t uproot it!
Amazon Review Snippets
- 5.0 out of 5 stars This aquarium is pure eye candy. Koda Pierce
- 5.0 out of 5 stars Best quality” 44 Gallon Stand Kristin G
- 5.0 out of 5 stars “Fluval Plant 3.0 LED Planted Aquarium Lighting Worth every penny!” Brad
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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for your support!
- Gravel or sand: Use fine gravel or sand for New World Cichlids—(Most prefer digging)
- . Plant Substrate is needed to plant live plants. Jewel Cichlids are okay with live plants
- Breeding caves: Clay pots, coconut shells, or resin structures help stimulate spawning. Drift Wood (29 to 40 gallon) size & Driftwood Large Pieces (55 Gallon) Recommended: Aqua KT Breeding Caves African Cichlids. Slate for New World Cichlids.
- LANDEN Iceland Black Lava Stones for Planted Tanks
🧪💧 Best Water Treatments for Healthy, Breeding Cichlids
Water quality isn’t just important—it’s everything when breeding cichlids. Even slight ammonia or chlorine levels can ruin your spawning success and fry survival. That’s why consistent water treatment is non-negotiable.
🧪 My Recommended Water Treatment Routine:
🧬 API FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT-Helps monitor water quality.
API Quick Start – Adds live nitrifying bacteria to jumpstart your cycle or stabilize new tanks.
➤ API STRESS COAT-Treat your tap water, and provide a safe environment for freshwater fish instantly and easily with API STRESS COAT Freshwater Aquarium Water Conditioner.
🌊API STRESS ZYME -Keeps Aquarium Clean
API MELAFIX Freshwater Fish Bacterial Infection Remedy-Prevents Disease breakout.
It’s Smart To Be Proactive!
The best way to keep your aquarium clean is to maintain good water quality. This will keep your fish strong and vibrant, as well as preventing disease.
How Do I Maintain A Healthy Environment?
It is important to test your aquarium water weekly to verify good quality in addition to a bi-weekly partial water change of no more than 25% to help reduce toxic buildup, remove debris the filter missed, and replenish the oxygen available to fish.
How Do I Take Good Care Of My Aquarium & Fish?
- Feed & observe fish daily
- Test water quality weekly
- Change 25% water every 2 weeks
- Restore your ecosystem monthly
Amazon Review Snippets
- 5.0 out of 5 stars Must have aquarium test kit” Richard Westendorf
- “5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic product API Fresh Start” Tired Eeyore
- “5.0 out of 5 stars API is great for conditioning plant water” Mrs Matika
- “5.0 out of 5 stars Good product to keep tank healthy Stess Zyme” Zoey B
- “5.0 out of 5 stars Saved my two betas API MELAFix” RK
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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for your support!
🎯 The Best Foods for Breeding Cichlids – Maximize Growth & Fry Survival
Breeding cichlids? Nutrition is your #1 tool for boosting fertility, color, and fry survival. The right diet stimulates natural spawning behavior and ensures your fry grow fast and healthy.
🩸 Hikari Frozen Bloodworms – Rich in iron and irresistible to cichlids. Stimulates breeding response and conditioning.
🦐 Brine Shrimp– Loaded with protein and omega-3s. Ideal for fry and adult conditioning.
❤️ Beef Heart – A high-protein powerhouse. Use in moderation for peak breeding condition.
🧊 Primary Breeding Food
🔁Supplement with Northfin Cichlid Formula
🧠 Pro Tip:
Feed live/frozen foods 3–4 times per week and use pellets for daily maintenance. Rotate for best results. Clean water + clean diet = better breeding.
Amazon Review Snippets
“Wow, after trying several different fish foods, my fish attack these cubs as soon as they hit the water. They even eat everything off the floor of the tank when they sink! FINALLY found a food they love!!!!” Angela Martin
“My fish goes crazy with this freeze dry shrimp. It helps their color pop, they get so much redder!” Luiz Olivera
“I feed these beef heart flakes to juvenile discus about 1 – 2 inch started middle April they have grown very well & filled out with High protein & do not cloud water. “ Diedre Garfield
“Norhfin Great brand of food. We use it all the time.” Brandon Wood
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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for your support!
“Creating a stable environment for cichlids starts with two critical components: filtration and heating. Whether breeding Jack Dempseys or managing Jewel cichlid aggression, here’s how to choose and optimize equipment for success.”
1. Filter Selection: Power Meets Precision
Why a Canister/HOB Filter?
- Adjustable Flow: Cichlids thrive in strong currents but need adjustable settings for fry safety 1.
- Bio Media Capacity: High-quality biological filtration reduces ammonia spikes (critical for territorial fish
Top Pick: Fluval 407 Canister FilterPrecision Heating for Your Aquarium
Precision Heating for Your Aquarium
That’s where the Eheim Jager 250W TruTemp Submersible Heater (17”) shines. Designed for tanks up to 80 gallons, this German-engineered heater is a trusted choice for both novice hobbyists and professional aquarists alike.
- ✅ Wattage: 250W – ideal for tanks up to 80 gallons
- ✅ Length: 17 inches – suitable for deeper tanks
- ✅ Adjustable Temperature Dial – from 65°F to 93°F
- ✅ Shatterproof Laboratory-Grade Glass
- ✅ TruTemp Calibration Ring – for precise adjustments
- ✅ Fully Submersible & Waterproof
- ✅ Automatic Safety Shut-Off when water level drops
Amazon Review Snippets
“Excellent Filter!!!!!! 5 out of 5 stars” Donald Dauman
“5.0 out of 5 stars Instalación fácil” Sebastian Ramirez
“5.0 out of 5 stars Best heaters out there.” Paul
“5.0 out of 5 stars This heater is reliable. Blondie
Affiliate Disclaimer:
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for your support!