are there any types of plants that could survive in an african tank? i was thinking maybe a well rooted anubias plant because it has thick leaves. all of my cichlids are very small. do you think they would still trash the anubias? i am reluctant to experiment because anubias cost so much. any input would be great
plants with africans
- Thread starter beavertayl1
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Anubias might be done, i'm not sure if it will tolerate the high Ph of the african tank. In mine I have loads of Valliserneria.
http://naturalaquariums.com/plants/valgigantea.html
Its a hearty plant that the fish dont like the taste of. In the pic is Giant Val, which is nice because it grows along the top of the tank and sheilds the fish from strong light which they dont like. There is also other kinds of Vallis, all being pretty much okay in African tanks.
I also have Java fern in my tanks which does really well and likes to be attatched to rocks in the same way anubias does. The fish dont like the taste of this either, usually.
And of course algae is good to let grow on the rocks because the fish like to eat it.
With these plants the only problem you might have is if the fish decide to dig beside the plant it might be uprooted. I reccommend putting a few rocks around the bases of the plants just to make sure they dont come out.
HTH
-Diana
http://naturalaquariums.com/plants/valgigantea.html
Its a hearty plant that the fish dont like the taste of. In the pic is Giant Val, which is nice because it grows along the top of the tank and sheilds the fish from strong light which they dont like. There is also other kinds of Vallis, all being pretty much okay in African tanks.
I also have Java fern in my tanks which does really well and likes to be attatched to rocks in the same way anubias does. The fish dont like the taste of this either, usually.
And of course algae is good to let grow on the rocks because the fish like to eat it.
With these plants the only problem you might have is if the fish decide to dig beside the plant it might be uprooted. I reccommend putting a few rocks around the bases of the plants just to make sure they dont come out.
HTH
-Diana
It really depends on your fish if they will decide to eat the plants or not. I haven't been able to keep any live plants in my african tank as the fish will eat them don't to the roots in a few days. I have tried java fern, anubias and vals with no luck.My fish like them all 
But i have seen lots of african tank with lots of plants so you'll just have to try it out and see if it works for you.
But i have seen lots of african tank with lots of plants so you'll just have to try it out and see if it works for you.The best solution if you want plants in a African tank IMHO is to get plastic or silk plants.....I have some beautiful silk ones in my 80 gallon and give it a "deep sea" look against the black background I have. I really do not think there is any real plant a African doesn't like or will dig up!