Plants And Cichlids?

[kiwi210]

I want to add some live plants to my south american cichlid tank but I was told they will eat the plants. Is this true or just a rumor? 

 

[RRaquariums]

What kinda cichlids do you have specifically?

 

[kiwi210]

What kinda cichlids do you have specifically?

blood parrots

 

[RRaquariums]

Well there not as bad as say convicts.

Anubias is ok if it's attached to rocks or wood that way the cichlids can't dig it up they may still nip at it but generally they don't seem to like eating it.

java fern is another I've had some success with again if it's tied to rocks or wood.

Those are the two main ones I'd go with I'm sure there's others that would work but I like those two the best because they thrive without being in the soil and they can do well with lower light levels.

 

[kiwi210]

Well there not as bad as say convicts.

Anubias is ok if it's attached to rocks or wood that way the cichlids can't dig it up they may still nip at it but generally they don't seem to like eating it.

java fern is another I've had some success with again if it's tied to rocks or wood.

Those are the two main ones I'd go with I'm sure there's others that would work but I like those two the best because they thrive without being in the soil and they can do well with lower light levels.

Thanks! I'm planning on adding more south american cichlids soon to my tank. Which ones should I avoid if I plan on growing plants? 

 

[RRaquariums]

Well given the amount of South American cichlid types it would be better for you to tell me what you are looking at adding
Also how big is the tank? And how many cichlids do you already have in it?

 

[kiwi210]

Severum, Jack Dempsey, Oscar, or Discus.
 
Not adding all of these, just a few I'm interested in! 

 

[RRaquariums]

Out of those I'd go with the jack dempsey.

 

[kiwi210]

Would the others eat the plants? I really like the discus and severum. 

 

[RRaquariums]

I love both of those two but not the best tank mates for the bloods

 

[kiwi210]

Then that might call for another tank setup 

 

[RRaquariums]

If you go with the discus I'd put them in a species only tank because they require such good water conditions.
But that's just my opinion

 

[kiwi210]

That was my plan, they look great when there's a few of them together! Especially the Discus!