Plants for a starter

you are pretty limited because of the high PH that you should have in the tank to host those cichlids.

I had some anubias, java fern, and java moss in the tank, and they grew very nicely. They don't need much light either. one thing though, java moss grows quickly, and you might get fed up of it, so think about whether or not you want to deal with it..
good luck dude.
 
I went out and bought some java fern today! Thanks guys! They unfortunately didnt have any java moss. I'll have to look harder for it. I would like to see how that does in the tank. I think it may get eaten but my fish gotta eat ya know!
 
try cryptocoryne balansae

I don't know much about chiclids, but you've got hard wate,r high pH, am I right? I recently had to move w/my tank, and man, the water is rock hard here. Most of my plants are still looking sad 4 months later, but the Crypt took off. It's Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae. Good-looking plant. Might take a while to get growing though, but it's rather easy to keep. For a pic, check on my website below, under Plant ID.

http://aquaplants.web1000.com/
 
I live in a land of 10000 lakes. Water hardness is pretty high here. Has any one tried potting plants in small terracota pots (Size:just an Oz or so) with the plant root covered with riversand, place the potted plant on the glass base and use gravel to cover the pot and the rest as substrate? Just like putting terrace to create level difference ?
 
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