cichlids and plants

[cawah]

Hi! I finally got the fish tank! I am aiming for south american cichlids. Anyway, my mom really like plants. I don't really care, but the thought of plants/CO2 scares me. And the guy who delivered the tank said that cichlids don't really do well with plants. I am just wondering, are SA cichlids compatible with plants? If so, which plants are best?

Thank you!

 

[supahtim]

from what i've heard, plants wouldn't stand a chance with SA cichlids.

nice picture of the yellow tang btw! is it yours?

Tim

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Its possible to keep them. What about some Anubias on driftwood/rocks or Java ferns. Easy to keep, doesn't NEED CO2 or a lot of lights and can be kept down by heavy things.

So yes it is possible with some, but plastice or silk plants are preferred by more cichlid keepers.

 

[Managuense]

depends on the species, but many (if not most) SA species are NOT herbivorous in nature, so i dont see too much of a problem with them actually "eating" them, but digging is of course another story.

 

[wayne]

Yes, which cichlidsHundreds of species of cichlid are fine with plants, and hundreds aren't. The CO2 addition may or may not be a problem

 

[Cichlid-Man]

I keep Anubias and Amazon Swords no problem WITHOUT CO2 so...you might give it a try.

Like said above really the only thing you gotta watch is the digging. They won't always eat the plants just dig the roots up.

 

[cawah]

ahh ok, i will try someo f the plants suggested. thanks for the help! mom shall be happy. My spring break is going to be filled with fish! =D

 

[cawah]

oh yeah, i am aiming toward severums and blue acaras. It is a 135 gal tank. I avent decided how many of each yet. Also, havent decided if i want some other kinds of fish too.

 

[CoNMaN]

135 wow, you could have alot of fun with that, glad you got your plant issue resolved

 

[steve535]

java fern, water onion,larger vallisneria,larger echinodorus,most broad leaf cryctocoryneand of corse anubias all work with most cichlids.like everyone says anchor them well with stone.unless you get tilapia's or a good amount of african cichlids your plants should not get eaten.just remember cichlids have there own sense of deckorating .