help on plants?

[mtdewlover]

I got my 55 gallon tank, and now am thinking about making it a planted tank. Again I have african cichlids. First off is this a bad idea to have a planted cichlid tank?

Next, I don't know all too much about plants. I know I have to get co2, lots of light, plant substrate, a bubble counter, and a regulator. Anything else I'm missing here? I'm getting a canister filter.

Also, should I add nutrients? If so what kind, how much, and how often. Should I start right away or wait awhile to add nutrients based on my plants need. I'm confused! Also, will I need some sort of fish to clean algae? Any suggestions, sites to visit. Anything would be great!

Thanks

 

[Reiner]

Hold your horses don't go out yet and buy all that stuff. There is quiet a few plants out there that don't need any of those special things. Most of the high maintanance plants are unsuited for African cichlids anyways. Go with low tech plants. A double strip light with 2x 48" bulbs will be more then enough lighting for Anubias nana or barteri. They like to be tide to rocks not planted in the substrate. You could also try Java fern again tide to a rock or other ornaments in the tank. For substrate I would use regular play sand. Most african cichlids like to dig and they will be forever thankfull for sand. For planting in sand substrate you could try Valisneria gigante or Cryptocoryne wendetti or African onion plant.
Try www.aquaplant.org for more suggestions

 

[mtdewlover]

Nutrafin Natural Plant System

Anyone heard of this Nutrafin Natural Plant System? I talked to a guy with this awesome planted cichlid tank and he says to get this. Wondering if anyone else has tried it?

 

[Lazonby]

There's no need to get into CO2 unless you're pretty demanding about your plants and you're willing to do a lot of pruning. Here's my 100g tank with no CO2 and 4-40watt NO-flo bulbs (sorry about the dark pic):

http://members.cox.net/singularity11/100cacichlid.jpg

Plants:
3 Cryptocorne Wendtii's (red)
2 Amazon swords
Jungle Val
Echinodorus tennellus
Anubias barteri
Anubias nana
Anubias hastifolia (not in photo)
Tiger Lotus (it's grown in very well

I do use Flourite as the substrate. I fertilize with TMG and macros.

 

[125gJoe]

Java Ferns should be ok for most Cichlids. I hear the plant is very bitter to most all fish. It's a low light plant and needs to be above the substrate, like tied to driftwood or rocks, terra cotta pots, etc.
Java Ferns look good too....