I had raised Cichlids for over 20yrs before I caught the SW bug. They are very easy to care for. I fed them flake and pellets. When they got larger I would occasionally feed them guppies or goldfish. Just like lionfish we should not overfeed them. They are pigs. I did a 10% water change once a month using untreated tap water. I would just let the water sit out over night. I never heard of R/O for aquariums before I was turned on to MAAST. I used HOB filters that I changed the cartriges about once a month. Also Cichlids grow quickly and will need a larger tank.