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Cichlids that don't destroy plants

13K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  Canadian Fish 
#1 · (Edited)
Looking for cichlids to add with my bala sharks. Jakiebabie kept oscars with balas, but I am trying a planted tank. So Oscars are out. Any Cichlids that won't destroy a planted tank.

I see the Blood Parrot Cichlid would get along with my fish, but have read conflicting info on how they get on with plants.

Looking to add some COLOR to my tank.

Thanks.

Rams are cool. Liveaquaria says they are difficult to keep. What is it that makes them so difficult? I see they need really warm water. That may make them incompatible with some of my fish.
 
#3 ·
Bolivian rams are rather easy to keep, but this completely depends on your experience in the aquarium world and your experience with keeping fish overall (not just this specific species).

Now to your original question, what plants are you wanting to add to the aquarium? Keyhole cichlids would probably be a good choice for a planted cichlid aquarium.
 
#5 ·
Cichlids will dig at the plants until they uproot them so if you pot and plant them extremely well then it's completely doable to maintain a planted cichlid aquarium, although it is indeed going to be a lot of work and it's very likely some of your plants are going to fall victim.
 
#6 ·
I have had some luck with plants ,location seems to be my issue, they Love to dig up the largest plant. thats near the popular corner, once uprooted some of them hang in leaves while it floats . More plants at the other end of the tank they simply let be .( probably shouldnt have said that out loud! :lol: ) Also should mention I have some plastic ones mixed in.
 
#7 ·
Funny, I thought I was the only one who had a "popular corner". My Rainbowfish are in a 55 and use about 20 Gallons most of the time. They're social and I think it's because from that corner they can see us in the living room.

I can see the same thing happening in my 220 already. All the cool kids hang out on one side, while a couple of misfits prefer the opposite corner. Swim around, darn it! I didn't put all this water in there for nothing.

I actually have a combination of live and fake as well.
 
#8 · (Edited)
Rams are cool. Liveaquaria says they are difficult to keep. What is it that makes them so difficult? I see they need really warm water. That may make them incompatible with some of my fish.
I think this is answered in our profile, click Mikrogeophagus ramirezi [the common or blue ram]. Bolivian Ram [M. altispinosus] is somewhat easier, and doesn't need the warmer temps.

On the initial issue, with Bala Shark I would not have any cichlids. The profile of the Bala explains why--their very active swimming which will annoy most sedate fish. I would go with some substrate fish and leave the beautiful Bala to themselves.
 
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