From Planted tanks, to Chichlids

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I am actually trying to do the opposite to convert my rock caped cichlid tank to a plant scaped tank. I kept cichlid for many years so I know enough about fish, but I am a novice in plants. I tried plants many years ago and failed badly. This time, I am determined to get it right.

My plan is to grow only non-substrate plants such as African and Java fern, and Anubias glued to rock. I have large cichlid that dig so there is no chance for substrate plants. The one exception is a potted Crypto wendtii because I want a red plant. Attached are pics of my planted 75g in working progress set up 2 weeks ago.

I am not happy with the appearance now as it is not lush. As you can see, some Anubias leaves are browning on the edges, and the Crypto is melting away, but hopefully it is only a temporary acclimation issue. But overall, I think I need bolder leaves to match the big cichlid.

The OP asked if he should get a GT or FH in his planted tank. I have kept both, and I am affirmative that GT is fine, FH is not. GT will dig, but won't destroy plants. GT is only mildly aggressive, and can coexist with tankmates. FH is an angry loner, and will destroy tankmates and objects in its sight including unprotected heater.

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I like both fish. I find FH to be a single cichlid fish and he will also go after plecos. Mine have not bothered too much my loaches or synodontis. You can get them w/out huge humps - see my pic at 12". I've always purchased pet shop returns that my wife falls in love w/, but there are some real beauties on Aquabid. There is something nice about having one fish and not having to worry about fighting. That said, as much as I love my FH, I wish I had gone the route of a Trimac, Amarillo, or Barred Midas in my 135.

I love GTs as well. You also have a better idea of what it will turn into. If you want the Gold Saum, you can find those pretty easy in pet shops or online. I'd only purchase wild caught or expensive ones online if you are looking for the "true" GT. I have only kept single specimens, so can't tell you about breeding.

I would not go bare bottom. Besides visiual issues, you miss out on cichlid behavior. I have recently tried pool sand and love it. It is cheap, doesn't compact, but is small enough that not too much stuff gets down in it. I can tell, as when I stir it, the tank doesn't get too cloudy. The main advantage to me of a bare tank is eliminating scratching in an acrylic tank.

Good luck - I don't think you can go wrong w/ either.
 
Yes, there is an aging pair of Cryptojeros paramensis that have bonded for 5+ years, never divorced.

The tank is 75g, here are other inhabitants, so the bioload is very high. I have been doing 75% WC every week, and with plants, I plan to cut it down to 50% weekly.

10" V. Bifas
10" Green Terror
5" C. Panamensis x 2
4" Aulonocara x 3
2" Leulupi x 7
3" Lamporlogus Elongatus
4" EBA x 2
3" C. Nanoluteus x 2

I just took pics of my spawning EBA. It's amazing they can hold against crowded tankmates.

The GT and Bifas are raised together from juvies. Except for ritual bickering with each other and against the bonded panamensis and EBA, they get along peacefully.

I am a newbee in plants. Do you think my browning anubias will recover, all they are doomed. The pH is around 7.5 and as said, it has heavy bioload.

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I love the EBAs - I need to think about getting some of those. I think your anubia can recover - my fear w/ the plants is that w/ such a heavy bioload and low CO2, you may get to a point of having a good bit of algae on the plants. It looks beautiful now though.
Looking at your Panemensis, I need to give them a second thought as well.
 
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