What's the SA/CA natural habitat like?

[cobra29svt]

Hey guys & gals,
Did a little searching on google last night & come up a little short. I'm setting up a 120-gallon & was unsure of their natural habitat. Is it rocky like some of the Africans? Tree branches & such? I will have SA & CA in the tank, so I'm aiming for something that will kinda be suitable for both if there is such a thing. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Modest_Man]

South and Central America are two very large areas of land. Depending on the species you plan on housing the natural habitat could be vastly different.

You need to be more specific.

 

[GTbEaSt]

SOft water, Driftwood, Plants. thats about it. Make like amazon river type of look.

 

[Amphilophus88]

SA and CA are very different.

 

[ceeej31]

SA and CA are very different.

^ this
not mention that there are several types of habitats within each

 

[Sab_Fan]

no kidding ... you need to narrow it down, there are multiple possibilities between and within SA and CA ...

what species of cichlids are you considering?

 

[Didgeridoo]

Ya I agree with Sab_fan, best to figure out what species you're looking to keep first and then plan around that. For instance if you choose angels and tetras, you wouldn't go a rocky riverine setup.

 

[cobra29svt]

South and Central America are two very large areas of land. Depending on the species you plan on housing the natural habitat could be vastly different.

You need to be more specific.

Gotcha. Not looking to create an exact biotope, just trying to find a good compromise for all or most of the inhabitants.
I have the following:
Jack Dempsey
Parachromis Friedrichsthali
Convicts
Yellow Head

 

[cobra29svt]

South and Central America are two very large areas of land. Depending on the species you plan on housing the natural habitat could be vastly different.

You need to be more specific.

SOft water, Driftwood, Plants. thats about it. Make like amazon river type of look.

Thanks!

 

[flowerpower]

Central and South America is covered in lime green 'estes' gravel. They sell it for $5 a bag at petco....
Alternatively, you can't go wrong with a mix of fine gravel and sand (light colored), some slate and a few nice pieces of drift wood.