Can You Ever Have Both?

[stanleo]

I love cichlids. They are gorgeous fish, lots of variety and very interesting to watch especially when they become parents. But I also love tanks full of plants! I mean lots of plants planted in the substrate and on the wood and just overgrowing everything. Can you ever have both?
 
I don't particular like the rocky setups that as far as I am aware are needed for cichlids. The reason I ask is that I eventually want to convert my 55gl SW into a cichlid tank when I get a 110gl for the SW.

 

[fluttermoth]

It's really only a few of the African cichlids that you can't/don't keep plants with; the Rift valley ones, blockheads, things like that. Don't forget that angels and discus are cichlids too!
 
The larger Central american ones are rough on plants, it's true, but most of the South American cichlids appreciate well planted tanks and have just as much character as the bigger ones.

 

[stanleo]

I didn't know discus were cichlids! Is a 55gl too small for them?

 

[HAMBONE]

I didn't know discus were cichlids! Is a 55gl too small for them?

55 gallon?? i'd say no..

 

[stanleo]

OMG Really?!?! I thought it would be too small for discus. I love those fish but thought I needed bigger for them. I am so getting a pair. If I can ever afford to upgrade my SW tank

 

[Noahsfish]

That's what I'm planning on doing once I get my 55g, discus and German blue rams. A cichlid tank I guess you could call it.

 

[HAMBONE]

OMG Really?!?! I thought it would be too small for discus. I love those fish but thought I needed bigger for them. I am so getting a pair. If I can ever afford to upgrade my SW tank

watch somebody who knows what they're talking aboot chime in and say that 55 gallons is too small..

That's what I'm planning on doing once I get my 55g, discus and German blue rams. A cichlid tank I guess you could call it.

nice..
german blue rams is a bold move.. a very bold move..

 

[attibones]

According to seriousfish:

Although Discus only grow to around 6″, they can grow to be as tall as they are long. A breeding pair should have plenty of space both horizontally and vertically, so a tank around 48″ x 18″ x 18″ (120cm x 45cm x 45cm) – 255 litres is recommended for a few juvenile fish or a pair of breeding adults.

 
They also prefer large groups. 

 

[stanleo]

watch somebody who knows what they're talking aboot chime in and say that 55 gallons is too small..

 
LOL I am always about that when I give advice.

According to seriousfish:
 
 

Although Discus only grow to around 6″, they can grow to be as tall as they are long. A breeding pair should have plenty of space both horizontally and vertically, so a tank around 48″ x 18″ x 18″ (120cm x 45cm x 45cm) – 255 litres is recommended for a few juvenile fish or a pair of breeding adults.

 
They also prefer large groups. 

That's more along the lines of what I thought I knew about them. Maybe I will get the 110 for FW! I like FW better than SW anyway. Again, if I can ever afford it.
 
There should be a smiley with empty pockets hanging out.

 

[attibones]

Yes, you should definitely get a 110 freshwater! While corals are beautiful, there is something unbeatable about a planted tropical tank.

 

[stanleo]

Yes, you should definitely get a 110 freshwater! While corals are beautiful, there is something unbeatable about a planted tropical tank.

I 100% agree with you! I just started a thread about this exact topic!

 

[attibones]

Oh my god, I'm psychic. But seriously, get a 110, then do about ten discus. Maybe ten would be too many, I dunno. I'm terrible at math and such.

 

[Noahsfish]

Oh my god, I'm psychic. But seriously, get a 110, then do about ten discus. Maybe ten would be too many, I dunno. I'm terrible at math and such.

Agreed, then you could keep discus without any worries, besides the obvious care level of discus.

OMG Really?!?! I thought it would be too small for discus. I love those fish but thought I needed bigger for them. I am so getting a pair. If I can ever afford to upgrade my SW tank

watch somebody who knows what they're talking aboot chime in and say that 55 gallons is too small..

That's what I'm planning on doing once I get my 55g, discus and German blue rams. A cichlid tank I guess you could call it.

nice..german blue rams is a bold move.. a very bold move..

I know, I've been debating for what seems like about 3 years now to make the move, finally going to dish out the RO.

 

[TallTree01]

I've seen large discus get to 20cm. IMO I think a 75 is a minimum. Most think 55 is ok though.

 

[TooManyChoices]

African Mbuna planted tank.

http/www.aquabotanic.com/?tag=yellow-fin-pseudotropheus-demasoni
 
The maintenance would kill me.