If you are going to house cichlids do like i did buy some eco complete cichlid gravel.They also make the sand if you like it better.It will cycle your tank and keep the ph on the high side like cichlids like.And if it is jewel cichlids then you can keep them with amost any of the other cicklids that get around 4 to 5 inches,without any problems.Just make sure you make them plenty of hiding places while still leaving them plenty of room to swim.Hope this helps..
My 40 gallon breeder tank has..
2 - Red Zebra
2 - Blue jahanni
2 - hybrids
2- Yellow labs

but as for the water no special treatment same as with any tropical just higher P.H.
Try to keep the P.H atleast around 8.0 to 8.4 and you will have no problems..

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Im not sure,But something on this board smells fishy!