cognizant

When setting up an african cichlid tank, is it best to just use rocks, or can some wood and plants be added as well? Just wondering because I picked up a piece of wood in the pet store the other day whose shape I absolutely adore and would like t put into my tank, but I'm not sure if I should or not.

Thanks!

Slug

Wood and plants can be added. Though plant wise i would try and get something with tough leaves. Also some that can be tied down is good. Java Fern, Anubias both work well because they can be anchored to rocks and wood. Val would be another option.

But short answer, yes wood and plants can be used in an african tank.

MousePotato

It is my understanding that wood can bring down the pH in the tank, so I would check the water parameters first. Where I live our water is very hard and alkaline, so I don't worry about it, but yours could be different. If this is the case, there are ways of buffering the pH, but be aware.

sammy boy

wood brings down the ph? because mine is 7.6 and i need it to be 6.8-7.1 ish. and i didnt know how to do it.

MousePotato

According to SDS in another thread:

"Driftwood will only lower pH if the water possesses very little buffer. I have such hard water that the tanins in the driftwood have to chew through a ton of calcium before they can start lowering the pH. (simplistic explanation, but it works)"

Also, it is generally better to let your fish adapt to your pH than it is to mess with it. A fluctuating pH is harder on your fish than a constant, but less than ideal one. What kind of fish are you wanting to keep?

clinton1621

Take a look at this thread before you try to adjust your pH... as MousePotato said, a stable pH is best... messing with it generally causes more harm than good =(


Changing your pH

steveangela1

I would stay away from adding wood to an african cichlid tank. For a south american tank that you need the lower ph that is a different story, add all the wood you want as long as it is aquarium safe.