live plants and heaters?

[goldentiff]

I have a 55 gallon w/2 african cichlids, 2 black convicts, 4 blue gourami, a common pleco (aprox 6-7"), a couple of black snails and one apple snail.
I don't know the sex of any of my fish.

I would love to put a live plant in there but have never used them before.
What is the best kind of plant that a beginner can start with and is there any specific I need for them?

Also my tank temp. is usually about at 74". Do I need a heater? and if so what kind should I get and how do they work?

 

[marks69]

you should have a heater with cichlids. i keep mine about 80. you could start with a sword plant, the roots are big enough to stay planted. if you go with a bunched plant the fish will dig it up all the time.
gl

 

[Star_Rider]

Java moss, java fern anubias are some good beginner plants..also amazon swords

 

[goldentiff]

Great, I think I'll start w/the java fern. Do I need any special type of gravel or light?

Also I looked at some heaters, which brand do you guys find works best, and how do you regulate the temp. when the heater instructions I read say you have to turn on/off?

 

[hsherman1986]

i started with amazon sword plants, and they are very nice. They provide good cover for those that like the dimmer lighting. I now have three amazon swords, two micros swords, a valisanarius (SP?), a couple others that I am not sure of the names, and one huge plant I just bought today, not sure what it is called. Looks kinda like the amazon sword, but MUCH bigger!! The mollies and neons absolutly love it!