A planted African tank?? The fishies don't think so!

[fish head )'>]

So I thought I would try a planted African cichlid tank.

The fish have a different idea on aquascaping.


I know that some of you got it to work. I just do not have the right kinds of fish to make it work; to many herbivores.

 

[toehead11183]

i understand your troubles. i tried plants with my africans and the pulled them up. the only thing i had do ok were some potted amazon sword and an 'onion plant'. i removed the swords with the potting material from the pot and stuck them in holes in rocks. plants are possible but you must add the fish to them planted tank when they are young so they can be used to plants

p.s. what is the blue cichlid in the second photo. my wife has one and i want a possitive i.d.

 

[Honda12]

The best plant that I have found that works well in an african tank even with herbavors is jungle valsanaria. It is a very tough plant with strong roots.

Blue fish in the second pic is a Sciaenochromis fryeri.

 

[fish head )'>]

Mr. ToeHead, we have a winner!
Yes, it is an "blue ahli"
I have some onion plants in another tank, I will give that a try (potted or in rock). thanks you all.

 

[Dreamsofpeace54]

i also tryed with no luck, keep me posted on if the onion works.

 

[Muske]

I've had mild success w/ Jave Fern and anubis. I think the hard water makes the plants unhappy. Not to mention the constant grazing by the fish. The plants seem fine for a few months, but very little new growth and discoloring. I've come to terms with this and buy cheaper plants to use short term, and diet supplement.

 

[fish head )'>]

TAKE TWO: I put one of the smaller onion plants in there with the "Christopher Lowells" of the fish world.

 

[fish head )'>]

I've had mild success w/ Jave Fern and anubis. I think the hard water makes the plants unhappy. Not to mention the constant grazing by the fish. The plants seem fine for a few months, but very little new growth and discoloring.

I have some anubis of a few types in some other tanks and may try that too. I was hoping for a long grassy look. I have not done jave yet.
I have hard water and yet the plants have done fine for me. I do not know too much about plants. I am just happy that I can't over water these house plants!
thanks.

 

[tyl089]

use annubias in pots and strong lights. or anchor them in your rockworks.

 

[merc123]

That's a nice tank.