Water Parameters
pH 7.0-8.0, moderate to hard water (GH 8-15), temperature 22-26°C. Tap water in most places works.
Biotope is not blackwater — clear to slightly turbid is natural.
Hardscape
Rocky rubble substrate with flat stones. Build caves using flat river rocks and limestone.
Driftwood optional — less prominent than South American tanks. Rocks dominate.
Cichlid Options
Convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata), Jack dempsey (Rocio octofasciata), Firemouth (Thorichthys meeki), Texas cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus).
Pick one pair per 200L tank. These are territorial. Don't mix multiple cichlid species.
Plants (Optional)
Biotope is sparse on plants — most Mexican rivers are limestone rocky. A few Vallisneria or Ceratophyllum is accurate.
Cichlids will uproot most plants. Anubias on rocks work.