plant question

[manram]

Hey guys I am in the process of setting up my 130 gallon Malawi Cichlid aquarium( Kadango,Azureus, Red Empress and Sulphur Head), and I want to have a planted tank. I have read mixed reviews on the subject of having Cichlids with plants( i am going to try anyway). To my understanding an ideal ph for such aquarium would be around 8 so that narrows down my options to a select few. Apparently Java Moss and Fern, Anubias and Giant Vall can withstand the alkaline waters. Has anyone out there had success with plants in a similar aquarium? Also can any recommend where the best place to buy such plants , I live near Calgary. Thanks everybody:FishOnDaHead:

[Pamelajo]

I can't speak for this type of aquarium, but using java fern and anubias which prefer to be tied to something will be good choices if the cichlids like to root around, the worst I think I think they can do is redecorate/rearrange regularly. Unlike plants that are planted being constantly pulled or dug up. They also do not need special light requirements, just low light. Mine do very well in tanks with regular flourescent bulbs. Check out our auction there were some plants for sale there, just can't remember what kind.

[Melody]

You can make quite a nice garden with the tied plants. There are several varieties of both Java Fern and Anubias to keep things interesting. My fave Java Fern is Windelov and I don't think they grow an Anubias I don't like, from small to tall. I also like Bolbitis heudelotti. They can be tied to anything at all, so you can get creative there too with ornaments, driftwood, shells, etc.

Watch the auction (http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/ClassAuction/) for plants. Otherwise, I've heard several times over that Pisces Pet Emporium on McKnight Trail in Calgary has an awesome plant collection.

I'd love to follow along with whatever you try, if you have time to post about it. I'm sure those trying planted Cichlid tanks in the future would find the info useful.:yes: Good luck!

[sass]

Check out African water fern, or Bolbitis heudelotii.
Neat looking plant, I'm sure it won't get eaten.
It grows similar to java fern, as from a rhizome.
I have a small plant I got from a good friend around here, it does well in my extremely
hard water although it is a slow grower for me.