My new cichlid aquarium setup

[tunnel4]

I've been toying with the idea of a planted cichlid tank, but I'm aware they can be super tough on plants. Has anyone out there had success with this setup? If so, I'd love to know what plants you've used that have managed to thrive. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

[floriana]

You'll probably be better off going with artificial plants, like plastic or silk, since they're pretty much guaranteed to trash any live ones you try to put in.

[kalevi]

You might want to give Java fern a shot, or Vallis - my cichlids wrecked the Vallis, but it's worth a try, right?

[Brighton9]

I've had similar issues with my Severum cichlid, it's been a real plant destroyer. I've tried live plants, they get dug up or eaten, and even plastic ones aren't safe - it just loves to dig them up.

[magera]

Mine seem to coexist with anubias nana just fine, had a little nibble at first but I guess they didn't like the taste since they leave them be now.

[mizonix]

It really depends on the cichlid type, I've had java fern and vallis in with my Tanganyikans and they've left them be. One of my Brevis males can be a bit of a handful, occasionally going after the java fern next to his shell - not eating it, just giving it a push. I reckon he thinks it's encroaching on his territory, pretty funny to watch. The julies are quite entertaining too, they love grazing on the algae bits on the java fern leaves.