I used to have plants with a community tank, but now that I have cichlids I've been told they're not a good idea. Has anyone had any success mixing plants and cichlids? If so, what kind of plant?
Cichlids and plants
- Thread starter dent20
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Lupin
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- Sep 21, 2006
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The only cichlids fit for planted tanks are angelfish, discus, kribensis and dwarf cichlids from South America. Any plants that grow on woods and other decors are fine with Lake Tanganyikan shelldwellers as are Malawi cichlids with the exception of those who are predominantly vegetarians(mbunas). Any cichlids that tend to dig the substrate should definitely be avoided.
I have Onion plant and Java fern in my Malawi tank, and they don't really bother them. I think the trick is to add the plants before the cichlids, that way they're just part of the scenery.