Target Parameters
Temperature: 80-86°F. pH: 7.5-8.0. Hardness: 9-20 dGH (medium-hard to hard). Ammonia: 0. Nitrite: 0. Nitrate: under 30 ppm.
Flowerhorns are hybrid cichlids and tolerate wider parameters than wild species. But stable parameters always beat perfect ones.
Weekly Maintenance
40-50% water change weekly. Use prepared water at the same temperature and treated with dechlorinator.
Vacuum the substrate thoroughly — flowerhorns produce massive solid waste that traps under decor.
- ✦Hold the fish in a separate container during major decor moves.
- ✦Clean filter media in old tank water, never under tap.
Filter Maintenance
Rinse filter sponges in old tank water once a month. Replace mechanical pads every 2 months. Never wash all media at once — it crashes the cycle.
For canister filters, deep clean every 3 months. Check impellers for wear annually.
Emergency Response
Ammonia spike: 50% water change immediately, then 25% daily until 0. Add Seachem Prime to neutralize ammonia temporarily.
Nitrite spike: Same response plus aquarium salt at 1 tsp per 5 gallons (helps fish handle nitrite).
pH crash: Identify cause (dead fish, organic decay), large water change with prepared water at correct pH.