Which plants are safe from cichlids?
Which plants are safe from cichlids?
I've had great success with easy care live plants in two of my tanks, and I'm eager to add them to my upcoming African cichlid tank as well as my existing South American cichlid tank. I've tried introducing Anubias and Java fern to the South American tank, but unfortunately, they get devoured by the cichlids overnight. I'm searching for some cichlid-proof options that are also low maintenance. Would Marimo Moss Balls be a viable choice? Are there any other plants that can withstand cichlids?
Re: Which plants are safe from cichlids?
Cichlids and plants, it's a tough mix. Depending on the type of cichlids you're dealing with, you might not find any plants that can withstand them. I've found that thicker-leaved Anubias can work with some species, but it's not a guarantee.
My experience with Rams has been pretty positive - they've never given me trouble with plants. However, I've never heard of Africans being compatible with live plants. If you're determined to try, you might consider using larger plants in pots, but I'm not optimistic about the outcome. It's a challenging situation, and you might be better off investing in high-quality artificial plants to avoid the hassle.
My experience with Rams has been pretty positive - they've never given me trouble with plants. However, I've never heard of Africans being compatible with live plants. If you're determined to try, you might consider using larger plants in pots, but I'm not optimistic about the outcome. It's a challenging situation, and you might be better off investing in high-quality artificial plants to avoid the hassle.
Re: Which plants are safe from cichlids?
Vallisneria is a good choice for Africans due to its preference for hard water.
However, the real challenge lies in the fact that Africans are notorious diggers, constantly rearranging their environment to suit their needs. Moreover, they require a high flow rate, which can be detrimental to many plant species.
In my experience with a 100-gallon mbuna tank, I've found that a hardscape-only setup works beautifully. The tank is filled with rocks, caves, and a sand substrate, providing ample opportunities for the Africans to dig and create their own landscape. While plants aren't necessary for their happiness, they do enjoy grazing on algae, which I allow to grow in controlled amounts.
Considering these factors, I would recommend opting for a hardscape-only setup for an African cichlid tank.
However, the real challenge lies in the fact that Africans are notorious diggers, constantly rearranging their environment to suit their needs. Moreover, they require a high flow rate, which can be detrimental to many plant species.
In my experience with a 100-gallon mbuna tank, I've found that a hardscape-only setup works beautifully. The tank is filled with rocks, caves, and a sand substrate, providing ample opportunities for the Africans to dig and create their own landscape. While plants aren't necessary for their happiness, they do enjoy grazing on algae, which I allow to grow in controlled amounts.
Considering these factors, I would recommend opting for a hardscape-only setup for an African cichlid tank.
Re: Which plants are safe from cichlids?
Vallisnera does indeed thrive in hard water, making it a suitable choice for African cichlids. However, there's a major issue with keeping plants in an African cichlid tank - these fish are notorious diggers and love rearranging their environment. High flow rates also pose a challenge, as many plants struggle to cope.
My personal experience with a 100-gallon mbuna tank has led me to adopt a hardscape-only approach. The tank features a sand substrate, numerous rocks, and caves, but no plants. While Africans don't require plants to be happy, they do enjoy grazing on algae that's allowed to grow.
In hindsight, I think hardscaping is the way to go. It allows you to create visually stunning setups that showcase the natural beauty of these incredible fish. After all, African cichlids are truly breathtaking creatures, and it's a shame to distract from their splendor with struggling plants.
My personal experience with a 100-gallon mbuna tank has led me to adopt a hardscape-only approach. The tank features a sand substrate, numerous rocks, and caves, but no plants. While Africans don't require plants to be happy, they do enjoy grazing on algae that's allowed to grow.
In hindsight, I think hardscaping is the way to go. It allows you to create visually stunning setups that showcase the natural beauty of these incredible fish. After all, African cichlids are truly breathtaking creatures, and it's a shame to distract from their splendor with struggling plants.
Re: Which plants are safe from cichlids?
Agreed, that is spot on, you can do some wonderful looking things with hard scaping and if you are looking to do it for your own viewing pleasure, I'd say it's a trade-off. Cichlids are stunning, but I've always found that tanks with some visual depth, where not everything is immediately visible, can be just as captivating.
Re: Which plants are safe from cichlids?
Considering the type of Africans you're dealing with, their natural habitat is often plant-scarce. For instance, Lake Malawi mbunas thrive around massive rock formations, devoid of live plants. Instead, you'll find rocks, caves, sand, and algae.
I'm less familiar with cichlids from Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria, so I'd appreciate input from someone more knowledgeable about their natural environments.
Replicating a fish's natural environment is, in my opinion, the way to go. Combine that with proper water management and tank maintenance, and you'll likely end up with happy, healthy fish. Nature tends to prevail when you try to work against it.
I'm less familiar with cichlids from Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria, so I'd appreciate input from someone more knowledgeable about their natural environments.
Replicating a fish's natural environment is, in my opinion, the way to go. Combine that with proper water management and tank maintenance, and you'll likely end up with happy, healthy fish. Nature tends to prevail when you try to work against it.
Re: Which plants are safe from cichlids?
Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm still relatively new to live plants, but I've really grown to appreciate their aesthetic and the role they play in maintaining a clean tank. I've since added them to a couple more tanks, and I have to say, it's been a great addition. The African tank is almost cycled now, and I think the hardscape decor looks great - I'm looking forward to the fish bringing some color to the space.
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