Real or artificial

[Matt_B]

Ok.... I need someone to help me out with this one...

I have already tried growing live plants once or twice before but I failed.... I do know why though, because of insufficient lighting.

I am soon going to be buying some convict cichlids ... (deffinitly) And maybe a JD.... (hopefully). So i'm wondering whether to buy another light and lighting unit and grow some real plants or whether to just buy some authentic artificial ones?

Please help me out thanks Matt B

 

[trevo878]

JD's usually tear tanks apart. The only decorations you can really put in a tank with them are large rocks. However, if you're willing to take a risk, go right ahead and try plants!

Trevo

 

[Matt_B]

OK so I just found out that I wont be having a JD did'nt know how big they grew ...

Any cichlid i can have in 3ft with convicts or should i just have them on there own?

 

[houndour]

if you do have fish that tend to rip plants apart, then you could try anubias. Its quite thick leaved.

Any cichlid i can have in 3ft with convicts or should i just have them on there own?

You're asking the wrong people.

As for your original question. Most people on here would say go for real plants as this is a planted forum It's down to you really.

If you pick the right plants (low light level) you won't need much maintenance in plant terms...I'm taking a guess that you have about 1 watt per gallon? You can grow Java Fern, Anubia and Java moss. With a nice piece of bogwood you can produce a really nice aquascape.

If you want a lush fully planted tank with higher demanding plants then you need more light. More light = more nutrients and possibly CO2.

Having live plants is rewarding I think and I thoroughly enjoy it.