water parematers

just normal

My Ph is slightly above 7 like 7.4 I think it was high as 8.4 when I had some cement blocks in there Didn't hurt them but I didn't want it that hi. Temp 76-80 I think most if not all CA/SA are about the same water types if not can do well in the same water types.

General rule of thumb is that Central American cichlids like their water around neutral about 7, South American Cichlids prefer their water to be slightly to moderately acidic 6-6.9, African Rift lake (Tanganyika, Malawli, Victoria) Like their water to be alkaline 8 and above. Other African cichlids such as kribs and jewels like their water around 7. The few others from asia and such prefer their water to be slightly acidic to just above neutral. This is not saying however that these fish can not survive in other conditions, its just what they usually are found in for water conditions in the wild. About the only exception to that is the rift lake cichlids who NEED that alkaline water. Water temperature is dependant upon the species, though a good ambient temp would be in the high 70's, however again their are exceptions, Microgeophagus ramirezi a dwarf cichlid from south america needs their water to be no lowrer than the low 80s in order for their immune sytems and metabolism to function properly. Just as an example.