help on plants?

[mtdewlover]

I got my 55 gallon tank, and now am thinking about making it a planted tank. Again I have african cichlids. First off is this a bad idea to have a planted cichlid tank?

Next, I don't know all too much about plants. I know I have to get co2, lots of light, plant substrate, a bubble counter, and a regulator. Anything else I'm missing here? I'm getting a canister filter.

Also, should I add nutrients? If so what kind, how much, and how often. Should I start right away or wait awhile to add nutrients based on my plants need. I'm confused! Also, will I need some sort of fish to clean algae? Any suggestions, sites to visit. Anything would be great!

Thanks

 

[semper fi]

cichlids and plants do not go together. africans ar diggers and are always uprooting the plants. need to secure the plants in some way. also most cichlids look at plants as a free salad bar. swear you can see them drooling! with africans the hardier or tougher plants do well as they are not eaten.

moving this to the plants section so you can get answers about plants.

 

[Aulonochromis]

Mbunas will destroy just about any plant, but Peacocks and Haps are alot easier on plants. Good plants for rift tanks are Java Fern, Anubias, Vallisneria. It's not impossible to have a planted African tank with the right fish and plants.

 

[Lateral Line]

Put your plants in pots, then when, (not if), they dig them up, they aren't damaging the root ball badly. Most cichlids will chew on plants - it's just what they do.