Plants And Cichlids

[fatheadminnow]

Well I just got my taxes back today, so I will be able to start buying plants for my tank and will be getting a piece of bogwood too

I know Cichlids and plants don't really mix, but I also know that there are some plants that can be planted with Cichlids.

I just want to know what plants I could plant in my tank with my Cichlids?

I would also like to get some plants that float on top of the water.

I also need to know what size/wattage light I will need, if I will need a CO2 pump, and what kind of fertilizer I will need to have.

Thanks for the help in advance!
Tank and fish are in my sig.
-FHM

 

[RedeyesUK]

Heh, reminds me of the first time I tried plants in my cichlid tank.

I put in a couple of swords, and some duckweed. The swords did alright, but I came out the next morning to find the duckweed stripped down to a few bare twigs floating at the top!

I've kept swords in my tanks since then (although not at the moment), and they've survived. I wouldn't say thrived, but they've done OK. Basically, you're looking for anything with broad leaves and deep roots, as they'll take a fair bit of punishment. And be prepared to do regular replanting exercises!

 

[fatheadminnow]

Heh, reminds me of the first time I tried plants in my cichlid tank.

I put in a couple of swords, and some duckweed. The swords did alright, but I came out the next morning to find the duckweed stripped down to a few bare twigs floating at the top!

I've kept swords in my tanks since then (although not at the moment), and they've survived. I wouldn't say thrived, but they've done OK. Basically, you're looking for anything with broad leaves and deep roots, as they'll take a fair bit of punishment. And be prepared to do regular replanting exercises!

Thanks for the reply!

Yeah my Metriaclima Estherae Cichlid loves to dig a lot, so I bet he will love to dig under the plants...lol

-FHM

 

[thomasp9021]

maybe potted plants would be best

 

[kj23502]

You can put the plants in small pots and put the pots in the substrate. Try java fern or Java moss. Both don't require much light or co2 and have stood up to my fish. Look further back in this african section. There are other posts about plants.

Please Can we sticky something about plants w/africans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[fatheadminnow]

You can put the plants in small pots and put the pots in the substrate. Try java fern or Java moss. Both don't require much light or co2 and have stood up to my fish. Look further back in this african section. There are other posts about plants.

Please Can we sticky something about plants w/africans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay...I will look into those plants!

I agree...there should be a sticky about plants!
I would make one...if I had any clue what plants would go a long with Cichlids...lol


Would floating plants work well with a Cichlid tank?

-FHM

 

[fatheadminnow]

Heh, reminds me of the first time I tried plants in my cichlid tank.

I put in a couple of swords, and some duckweed. The swords did alright, but I came out the next morning to find the duckweed stripped down to a few bare twigs floating at the top!

I've kept swords in my tanks since then (although not at the moment), and they've survived. I wouldn't say thrived, but they've done OK. Basically, you're looking for anything with broad leaves and deep roots, as they'll take a fair bit of punishment. And be prepared to do regular replanting exercises!

Do you know the scientific name for the sword plants?

Thanks!
-FHM

 

[fatheadminnow]

This is what I got out of everything for now.
Does this sound good?

PLants
-Sword Plants
-Java fern
-Java moss
-Anubias

Does anyone know where I can get these plants?
Would Petco or Petsmart have any of them?

Thanks again!
-FHM

 

[kj23502]

Yea petsmart has them where I am

Try a local chain first. Support your local whenever possible. Can build wonderful friendships

 

[RedeyesUK]

Do you know the scientific name for the sword plants?

Thanks!
-FHM

Echinodorus sp.

There's various different varieties, some are probably more suitable than others. I've got no idea what particular type mine is, so I can't help you there!