Mbuna + plants?

[Deadeye]

I know this has been asked a million times, but here goes.
I have a 36 gallon bow front with 2 red zebras, an auratus, a johannii, and a demansoni. I just redecorated it with dragon and seiryu rock, and the top of the tank seems empty next to the tall rocks I used to have. I’ve been wanting to throw some live plants in there to fill up the top and break up the line of sight. I would want bamboo, but I’ve read mixed things on if it can survive underwater, and can’t find anything on if the mbunas will let it live.
I know java ferns, anubias, and vallisneria also tend to work.
So I guess the question is what tall growing plant can hold up to mbunas?

 

[Kelly_Aquatics]

The only plant I trust with my american cichlids is hornwart

 

[DJRansome]

Plastic.

I have tried java fern, anubias and vallisneria. None held up to my mbuna without getting tattered, in which case I did not like the look anyway.

I know you did not ask and I don't mean to offend, but I also don't think that stock plan will work in any size tank let alone a 36" tank.

If I wanted to do mbuna in a 36" tank I would go with a Chindongo saulosi species tank.

Minimum length recommeded for most mbuna and Malawi is 48".

 

[Kelly_Aquatics]

I cant even do plastic with my oscars here is a pic of what they did to my corner scape

 

[Deadeye]

Thanks.
I didn’t realize they needed 55 gallons until after I got them, but everyone seems happy.
I’ll probably just skip the plants. Any ideas for lightweight decorations for the top of the tank then?

 

[A201]

You might top off the decor with a branchy piece of Manzanita. It doesn't leach very much & won't adversely affect water parameters.