Helium- Lauren Blake Proffitt- Caring for African Cichlids

While on Helium today, I read three essays about caring for African Cichlids. The top ranked essay was not the best essay I have ever read but it definitely deserved it place in this competition. I really learned a lot more than I already knew about the subject. What intrigued me most was the particular placement of the rocks. The first essay did have a few typo's but overall it stuck to the topic at hand and was very useful with the information given. The author used some personal experience but only as an example of what they were trying to explain. The second essay I read was the middle ranked essay. It seemed to me to be what the author specifically did to take care of their cichlids. It wasn't very clear if the authors pet cichlids were African or from another section of the family. Therefore, I am not quite sure that I could say this essay redeemed itself by staying on topic. Mostly, I find it distasteful that the writer would drop brand names left and right. I understand that she obviously finds these products to work the best but it was slightly off topic. The lowest ranked essay was very unorganized. It didn't even start on topic so it most certainly did not stay there. It also was very unhelpful on the care of any type of cichlid let alone on the care of an African cichlid. If I were to write an essay on this topic, I would first explain what is the best tank environment for the cichlid and then proceed to explain the maintenance for the tank and the fish. I would include diet and any special needs such as lighting.