Planted Cichlid tank tips

Looking for tips to set up a planted cichlid tank. I'm very new to this and I'm brand new to the forum. I understand that plants and cichlids can be challenging but that's why I want to do it. I'll be starting out with a 65 gallon tank. What would you suggest for this type set up? What species of cichlids? I've done tons of research but nothing speaks with more authority than real world experience.

 

Welcome to Fishlore!

There are some cichlids that won't bother plants.

What are the dimensions of the tank?

I keep South American cichlids (blue ram, keyhole cichlids, angelfish) and a West African cichlid (Pelvicachromis kribensis, related to P. pulcher sold in most stores) with plants with no issues.

 

Welcome to Fishlore!

There are some cichlids that won't bother plants.

What are the dimensions of the tank?

I keep South American cichlids (blue ram, keyhole cichlids, angelfish) and a West African cichlid (Pelvicachromis kribensis, related to P. pulcher sold in most stores) with plants with no issues.

The tank dimensions are as follows (at least this is what I'm thinking, won't be buying until Saturday).
18.4"L x 36.4"W x 25"H

 

Hello! If you ever worry about cichlids digging, you can keep plants in pots. Someone suggested it to me and ferts are a lot easier to put in/check on now. If I ever need to nuke the tank with some iffy chemicals, I know I can pick them up and put them in a QT without worry.

Just be sure to keep the pot secure. My cichlids knocked/rolled some before I dug them into the substrate. It gave me quite a heart attack whenever I heard something crash in my tank!

 

The tank dimensions are as follows (at least this is what I'm thinking, won't be buying until Saturday).
18.4"L x 36.4"W x 25"H

A 36" tank isn't big enough for many cichlids, but you still have options!

What about something like this?

1x Angelfish or 1-2x festivums
2x Keyholes or other dwarf cichlid pair
8x Corydoras sterbai
12x Rummynose tetra or other warm water schooler

 

A 36" tank isn't big enough for many cichlids, but you still have options!

What about something like this?

1x Angelfish or 1-2x festivums
2x Keyholes or other dwarf cichlid pair
8x Corydoras sterbai
12x Rummynose tetra or other warm water schooler

Figured this out last night so today I went out and bought a standard 55 gallon tank. Now I'm looking into filtration.

 

What kind of cichlids did you want to keep?

 

What kind of cichlids did you want to keep?

I was thinking about African species but the more I read the less I think this is the way to go.
(Bear with me, I'm very new to all this and I'm learning as I go.)

 

Yeah, African rift lake cichlids and planted tanks don't mix. You could do a West African species? I keep a species of kribensis in a planted tank.

 

Yeah, African rift lake cichlids and planted tanks don't mix. You could do a West African species? I keep a species of kribensis in a planted tank.

I REALLY appreciate all your help with this. I researched west African species and I think I'm going to follow your recommendation.
The question now is, where do I find these fish? Do they carry them in chain stores?
What else can I stock with Kribs?

 

Kribs should be found pretty easily. If you're in the US or Canada, check Petsmart. They usually carry kribs.

Would you consider ordering fish online?

What about something like this?

2x Kribs
1x Rainbow cichlid
12x Congo tetra or Diamond tetra
15x Rummynose or cardinal tetra

 

Kribs should be found pretty easily. If you're in the US or Canada, check Petsmart. They usually carry kribs.

Would you consider ordering fish online?

What about something like this?

2x Kribs
1x Rainbow cichlid
12x Congo tetra or Diamond tetra
15x Rummynose or cardinal tetra

That's actually a heck of a list. My wife and I like all those fish AND we just dicovered to LFS's that stock more exotic species.
Would a few Cory's and a plevo be okay with these guys?
Instead of the rainbow, what about a couple Bolivian Rams?

 

The only issues with stocking those fish with kribs is that they kribs can be a bit territorial aggressive when breeding. What about this instead? You won't see as bright coloration from the krib or ram if they're kept as singles, but it'll likely be more peaceful that way. Cories have no concept of territory, and you don't want them to get beat up by two pairs of breeding cichlids. Make sure there are lots of caves for each fish to choose from. Small, unglazed terra cotta pots from a garden or hardware store would be great for that

Option #2
10x Congo or Diamond tetra
12x Rummynose or cardinal tetra
1x Krib
1x Bolivian ram
6-8x SterbaI or Bronze cories
1x Clown pleco

Option #3
10x Congo or Diamond tetra
12x Rummynose or cardinal tetra
1x Krib
2x Bolivian ram
1x Clown pleco

If you wanted to do blue rams (German blue, gold, electric blue) instead of Bolivian rams, you could do that.

 

I've currently got standard neon tetras, black neon tetras, a bolivian ram and an albino cory all hooning around together with some plants that are straight in the silica sand. No probs yet.

 

The only issues with stocking those fish with kribs is that they kribs can be a bit territorial aggressive when breeding. What about this instead? You won't see as bright coloration from the krib or ram if they're kept as singles, but it'll likely be more peaceful that way. Cories have no concept of territory, and you don't want them to get beat up by two pairs of breeding cichlids. Make sure there are lots of caves for each fish to choose from. Small, unglazed terra cotta pots from a garden or hardware store would be great for that

Option #2
10x Congo or Diamond tetra
12x Rummynose or cardinal tetra
1x Krib
1x Bolivian ram
6-8x SterbaI or Bronze cories
1x Clown pleco

Option #3
10x Congo or Diamond tetra
12x Rummynose or cardinal tetra
1x Krib
2x Bolivian ram
1x Clown pleco

If you wanted to do blue rams (German blue, gold, electric blue) instead of Bolivian rams, you could do that.

Just a quick update. I have the filter and the gravel in place to start cycling today. Also, while looking for the filter at my LFS, I found a very healthy pair (male and female) of German blue Rams. I couldn't resist. They're currently in my 10 gallon watching their new home being built.
I know that's a small tank for the Rams, they're doing great though and it's only for a short time. I just couldn't resist.