Aim for 10 additional gallons (38 L) for each fish if you’re planning on giving your fish some companions. Parrot cichlids like to have several hiding places along the bottom of the aquarium, so a taller tank wouldn’t help. [1] X Research source

You should set up your fish tank about a month before you plan to add your fish. Because a tank needs time to build up the good bacteria and establish a natural cycle for the fish.

Don’t leave the lights on for more than 12 hours per day. Too much light for too long can encourage the growth of deadly cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green “algae”). [9] X Research source Change the lightbulbs if they’re a year old. [10] X Research source

If the phosphate levels get too high, add a phosphate-removing material to your filter. For high levels of nitrite, clean all debris from the tank with a siphon vacuum. Then, clean out your filter thoroughly. Remove a third of the water in the tank and replace with with clean water. [12] X Research source If you notice cyanobacteria growth, install balanced bulbs that emit 6,000 to 14,000 kilowatts. Lower the tank temperature to 76 °F (24 °C). Change 10 percent of the water every other day until nitrite and phosphate return to normal. Use a testing kit to measure their levels. [13] X Research source

Not worrying too much about green algae growing on decorations. It’s generally harmless. Cleaning brown algae growing on the tank, with a sponge or algae magnet. Use a siphon vacuum to remove any algae growing on decorations or the substrate. [14] X Research source Recognizing algae blooms. Green, cloudy water is the telltale sign. Replace all of the water. Clean the entire tank and its components thoroughly. Install a diatomic filter to remove any lurking algae and prevent recurrences. [15] X Research source

If the spots don’t disappear after three days, put your fish in a quarantine tank and add cupramine (copper solution) to the water. Follow the instructions on the label. Keep the copper levels at 0. 2 ppm. You can measure copper levels with a salifert test kit that you can find in hobby stores. [18] X Research source Kill off the Ich in the original tank with aquarium salts, which you can buy in pet supply stores. Add one teaspoon (5 g) per gallon (4 L) of water every 12 hours for 36 hours. Let the salt remain in the tank for 7 to 10 days. [19] X Research source