Are plants ok to place in a cichlid tank?
Yes, but it depends on the type of cichlids you keep. Since many cichlids dig in the gravel, it is quite possible that your fish will uproot your plants, and the herbivorous cichlids may even eat your plants. If your cichlids chew up your plants, bits of leaves and roots can clog filters. THINGS TO CONSIDER: • Lighting: Some plants require lots of light in order to survive while some cichlids may not be comfortable with a lot of illumination. • Algae Outbreaks: Due to the high levels of phosphates in the hard water and intense lighting required by the plants, algae breakout is a concern. Regular water changes and chemicals like Algae Fix™ will greatly reduce the amount of algae growth. You can also add a pleco to help minimize the algae buildup. • Research what plants will thrive with your mix of cichlids. Herbivorous cichlids should not be kept with soft plants because they will devour them. Vegetarians can be discouraged from nibbling on your plants by keeping them well fed. Blanched