Tank questions

[jamjarjames]

i know this is probably a stupid question to ask but why are cichlids tanks so sparsely planted some even have no plants a all.

Also can i use a sand substrate with these fish?

and can i use driftwood and slate in the tank

thanks

 

[peifc]

It all depends on what kind of cichlids you are keeping in the tank to be able to keep live plants.

Yes, you can use sand substrate with cichlids.

And yes, you can use driftwoods with them.

 

[snakeskinner]

a lot of cichlids are good at uprooting plants because they love to dig in the substrate. Some are also vegetarians and will simply eat the plants. it really depends on the fish as peifc stated and how you put the plants in the tank. If you were to use large rocks or pots to put the plants in, you can use them with more types of cichlids but for the most part, they don't care for plants anyway. Kyle

 

[simbadda]

my 2 ruby rams don't bother the plants. But from what I can tell, and this will concur with what the others are saying. Most cichlids like to plow through substrate. Most likely in search of food.