rwood

Hey all,

I've just purchased a brand new, ridiculously big, 6'x2'x2.5' tank. Love how big it is. However I would really like to be able to keep African Cichlids (amazing fish) and also have some plants in the tank.

I have heard that african cichlids don't go all that well in a planted tank but I was hoping some people have had experience with this before and may know of methods to keep plants with cichlids or at least certain types of plants?

List all you can think of as I want to put a lot of effort into this tank (on uni holidays atm so I only have work to worry about - much more time to put effort into my tank!)

Thanks for anyone who can help!

Dino

Anubias and the larger val species are better at taking the abuse that Rift cichlids put out.

Most folks just skip live plants and use silk or plastic.

rwood

Excuse my lack of knowledge but what type are val plants?

Butterfly

Vals=Vallisneria
http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_...ia&type=Search
Java Fern is another tough plant
http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_...rn&type=Search
Carol

neverendingninja

There is also CRH, or Cichlid Resistant Hairgrass. However, I have not been able to find a scientific name for it. But, one problem besides the fish eating the plants, is that they are large, fast fish, often times darting from one side to another, and have complete and total disregard for your aquascaping abilities, and will rip the plants up in no time.

But, if you can find a way to anchor them well, then you should definitely try some of the aforementioned plants. Also, java moss should do fine.

Butterfly

Anubias, Java Fern and Bolbitis can be attached to wood and rocks so since their not planted in the substrate can't be uprooted.
Carol

rwood

Any ideas for a good method of anchoring plants in the gravel? I'm planning on getting a fair few logs etc. around the tank so I'll have the anubias/java ferns on them though I would like to have some backdrop plants as well (the vals). So these would need to be anchored well

rwood

Also - with Java Moss; how difficult would it be to get it to cover the entire rear glass of the tank? I've seen this done before and it looked amazing.

neverendingninja

I don't think it would be too difficult. The main reason I haven't attempted this is because I need clearance for my heater and filter intakes. I think it may be easier if I had a canister filter with inline heater(one day!), but I know that without the wall, my intakes get clogged with moss every 4 days or so already.

Supposedly, java moss is about the most invasive moss, which makes it the easiest to grow, as well I suppose.

rwood

it grows well enough on glass? Doesn't need any support?

rwood

Yet another question - how do plants go growing when you are cycling a tank? Is there any problem with doing that?

Butterfly

Heres how to grow a moss wall.
http://www.killies.com/Mosswall.htm
Carol

jsalemi

www.aquariumplants.com has some plant anchors that work pretty well; I'd post a link direct to them, but I'm having trouble getting into their site right now. You can find them under planting accessories when you get in there.

rwood

I think I'll give the moss wall a shot straight up and keep vals and plenty of anubias on driftwood. I think that should look fairly good once it's all set up. Thanks guys