ok... i can tell you what im doing as my convict and firemouth just laid eggs 3 days in to my project..
first make sure there all alone in there own tank.... next feed cichlid-waffers and live feeder fish........ give them a sandy bottom and 2 flower pot plus a few flat rocks just in case. next turn temp up to 85F.... then in 1 day turn temp down to 75F then repeat..