wabash

I don't have GBR's or a tank big enough for them but have read enough that they interest me and may get a larger tank. Two points have me a little confused. It has been said over and over that they need a well planted tank with plenty ofcaves and hiding places.

Would a well planted tank of plastic plants suffice in that they would provide hiding places or are real plants required for water quality?

Caves implies only one entrance/exit such as the flower pots. Do they require something like that to feel secure or are tunnels and just general nooks and crannies enough?

capekate

Plastic or even better the silk artificial plants work fine if you cant keep live plants due to things like not having enough watt lights.
Tunnels... plant groupings... rocks are all good things for the fish to hide in, not really necessary to be caves. The GBRs like to swim around the bottom level of the tank and would IMO prefer an exit and an entrance so that they dont feel trapped.They like to hide around the base and thicket of plants as well.
They are sensitive fish and best to get after your tank is established enough to not run the risk of any fluctuations in your water perimeters.
They really are gorgeous fish.. best of luck if you decide to get any.

wabash

Thank you, excellent answer and the bonus is that it is exactly what I wanted to hear.

IIIHawKIII

Send me a PM if you find a good source. My local places don't stock them.

Steve420

I think Capekate has you pretty well covered.

I can tell you from personal experience that my GBRs are quite comfortable with only plastic and silk plants. My tank is not heavily planted at all. I also have (2) fake hollow driftwood logs that they seem to like swimming in and out of. They seem to like having an different places to enter and exit.

IIIHawkIII - Google Aquarium Adventure. They have a couple Illinois locations, an Ohio location, and a Long Island NY location. Myself and another local Chicagoan (wot-fan) have been able to pick up some really beauties there...both Male & Female (I've read a lot of people are having trouble finding Females)

iseefish

hello, i dont have too much experience with GBR'S. i bought 2 and 1 died 2 days after i got him but it looked like he had gill flukes and he came from the store sick. make sure you water is properly leveled an cycled and they like it a bit warm !! and then GET THEM !!but before you get them MAKE SURE they are breathing properly, it is easy to see when they are having problems breathing. once they are DOWN THEY ARE DOWN. it is hard to recuperate them. they are gorugeous and mine is not shy at all!!! he has where to hide but he stays out looking for something!! jejeje