Setting Up a Planted & Aquascaped Tank For African Cichlids

One aspect of the aquarium hobby that always rubbed me the wrong way was the advice that African Cichlids cannot be kept in a planted tank. I am not saying that this advice is wrong as these fish are notorious for nibbling at, uprooting, and generally destroying most aquarium plants. However, these fish are just so colourful and active that they would make a planted tank even more stunning. Turns out that with a bit of creativity, African Cichlids and plants can be made to coexist successfully.

Let’s get to the nitty-gritty details of how to do just that.

Benefits of a Planted and Aquascaped Tank for African Cichlids

A planted and aquascaped tank offers numerous benefits for African Cichlids, both in terms of their physical health and overall well-being. Here are some key advantages of setting up such a tank:

• Water Quality Enhancement: Live plants in the aquarium contribute to improved water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, metabolising organic waste, and oxygenating the water through photosynthesis. This helps in maintaining stable water parameters and reducing the accumulation of harmful substances, resulting in a healthier environment for the fish.
  
• Natural Filtration: The presence of live plants assists in biological filtration by hosting beneficial bacteria on their surfaces. These bacteria help break down harmful ammonia and nitrite compounds produced by fish waste, converting them into less toxic nitrate. This natural filtration system aids in keeping the water safe and suitable for the cichlids.
  
• Oxygenation and Aeration: Through photosynthesis, live plants release oxygen into the water, promoting higher oxygen levels. Adequate oxygenation and aeration are crucial for the well-being of fish, ensuring they receive sufficient oxygen for respiration and reducing stress levels.
  
• Visual Appeal: Planted and aquascaped tanks create visually stunning displays that can be enjoyed by both aquarists and spectators. The combination of vibrant plants, carefully arranged rocks, and other decorative elements adds aesthetic value and creates a captivating focal point in any room. The stunning colouration of African Cichlids takes it to an unprecedented level.

• Alleviation of Aggression: The introduction of plants and aquascaping elements in the tank can help diffuse aggression among African Cichlids. By providing multiple hiding places and breaking the line of sight, plants act as natural barriers, reducing territorial disputes and minimising stress-induced aggression.
  
• Natural Diet Supplement: Some African Cichlids are herbivorous or omnivorous and may graze on certain plant species as part of their diet. Live plants in the tank can serve as a supplemental food source, providing natural grazing opportunities and enriching their diet.

Selecting Suitable Plants for African Cichlid Tanks

When selecting plants for African Cichlid tanks, it’s essential to choose species that can withstand the specific water conditions and behaviours of these fish. African Cichlids are known for their active nature, digging habits, and occasionally nibbling on plants. Therefore, it’s important to consider the following factors when choosing suitable plants:

Hardy and Robust Species:

Opt for hardy plant species that can tolerate the higher pH and hardness levels typically found in African Cichlid tanks. Plants that are adaptable and resilient to fluctuations in water parameters are more likely to thrive in this environment.

• Anubias: Anubias species, such as Anubias barteri and Anubias nana, are popular choices for African Cichlid tanks. They have thick, leathery leaves that are less likely to be damaged by the fish, and they can be tied or glued to rocks or driftwood to prevent uprooting. They can also tolerate the water parameters needed for African Cichlids.
  
• Java Fern: Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is another robust plant that can withstand the digging and grazing behaviours of African Cichlids. It can be attached to rocks or driftwood, and its thick leaves make it less susceptible to damage.
  
• Vallisneria: Vallisneria species, like Vallisneria spiralis or Vallisneria americana, are popular choices due to their tall, grass-like leaves. They provide vertical structure and create a natural-looking background in the tank.
  
• Amazon Sword: Although African Cichlids may occasionally nibble on Amazon Sword (Echinodorus species), it can still thrive in the tank. This plant has broad, sturdy leaves that can withstand some grazing as it grows quite quickly.

• Java Moss: Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) is a versatile and hardy plant that can be attached to rocks or driftwood. It provides additional hiding places for the fish and helps to create a more natural-looking environment.
  
• Floating Plants: Consider adding floating plants such as Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) or Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides). These plants can provide shade, create visual interest, and help diffuse the light in the tank. Make sure regularly prune them as these can quickly cover the entire surface of the water, blocking any light from reaching the lower half of the aquarium.

African Cichlids will uproot or nibble on plants to some extent, especially if they are not provided with sufficient hiding places or suitable tankmates. This is where the hardscape elements come in but before we get to that, let’s look at the substrate.

Choosing the Right Substrate for African Cichlid Tanks

Choosing the right substrate for African Cichlid planted tanks is vital as it not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the aquarium but also plays a role in maintaining water quality and supporting the plants and the fish. When selecting a substrate, consider the following factors:

• Sand or Fine Gravel: African Cichlids, particularly those from the rift lakes like Lake Malawi or Lake Tanganyika, are accustomed to sandy or fine gravel substrates in their natural habitats. Using sand or fine gravel as the substrate helps replicate their natural environment and allows them to exhibit their natural digging and sifting behaviours.
  
• Avoid Sharp or Abrasive Substrates: As African Cichlids may dig and sift through the substrate, avoid using sharp or abrasive materials that could potentially harm them. Smooth and rounded substrates are ideal to prevent injuries.
  
• Consider Colour and Composition: African Cichlids are known for their vibrant colours, and choosing a substrate that complements their appearance can enhance the visual appeal of the tank. Substrates in natural earth tones like sandy beige or light brown often work well. Additionally, substrates composed of natural materials like aragonite or crushed coral can help maintain stable pH and hardness levels, which are essential for these fish.
  
• Substrate Depth: African Cichlids often engage in digging and creating territories. Providing a sufficient substrate depth of around 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) allows them to exhibit these behaviours and establish their territories comfortably.
  
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance when choosing a substrate. Some substrates may trap debris or waste, making it more challenging to maintain water quality. Choosing a substrate that can be easily vacuumed during regular water changes helps keep the tank clean and the water parameters stable.
  
• Mixing Substrates: If you desire a more complex or visually appealing setup, you can consider mixing different substrates. For instance, you could have a sandy area for digging and a separate section with crushed coral or aragonite to maintain alkaline water conditions.

Thoroughly rinse the substrate before adding it to the tank to remove any dust or debris.

Lighting Requirements for Planted African Cichlid Tanks

While African Cichlids are not typically known for requiring intense lighting like some other plant-focused aquarium setups, providing adequate lighting is still important to support the growth of live plants. Here are some considerations for lighting in planted African Cichlid tanks:

• Moderate to High Light Levels: While African Cichlids themselves may not have specific lighting requirements, live plants in the tank require moderate to high light levels for photosynthesis. This means selecting a lighting system that can provide sufficient brightness to support plant growth.
  
• LED Lighting: LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are a popular choice for planted aquariums, including African Cichlid tanks. LED lights offer several advantages, such as energy efficiency, adjustable intensity, and customizable colour spectrums. Look for LED fixtures specifically designed for planted aquariums to ensure they provide suitable light output for plant growth.
  
• Colour Temperature: The colour temperature of the lighting can affect the appearance of both the fish and plants. Opting for a lighting system with a colour temperature in the range of 6500-8000 Kelvin (K) is often recommended for planted tanks as it provides a balanced spectrum of light that promotes plant growth and showcases the natural colours of the fish.
  
• Duration and Consistency: Establishing a consistent lighting schedule is important for plants to thrive. Aim for a lighting duration of 8-10 hours per day, simulating a natural day-night cycle. Using a timer can help automate the lighting schedule and ensure consistency.
  
  
• Light Distribution: Consider the placement and arrangement of the lighting fixtures to ensure even distribution of light throughout the tank. This helps prevent shadowy areas and promotes uniform growth of plants.
  
• Plant Requirements: Different plant species have varying light requirements. When selecting plants for your African Cichlid tank, consider their specific lighting needs and choose species that are compatible with the available lighting intensity. Some plants may thrive in lower light conditions, while others may require higher levels of illumination.
  
• Balance with Fish Needs: Strike a balance between the lighting needs of the plants and the well-being of the African Cichlids. Avoid excessively bright lighting that may cause stress or discomfort to the fish. Providing areas of shade or floating plants can help create shaded spots for those fish that prefer dimmer lighting.

Regularly monitor the growth and health of the plants in your tank to ensure they are receiving adequate light. Adjust the lighting intensity and duration as needed to maintain a healthy balance between the plants, fish, and overall aesthetics of the tank.

Aquascaping Techniques for African Cichlid Tanks

Here are some aquascaping techniques to consider for African Cichlid tanks:

• Use Rocks and Driftwood: African Cichlids naturally inhabit rocky environments, so incorporating rocks and driftwood into the aquascape is a great way to replicate their natural habitat. Use stacked rocks or create caves and crevices to provide hiding places and territories for the fish. Ensure that the rocks are securely positioned to prevent them from toppling over. These hardscape elements not only make the aquarium more interesting to look at, but they also serve the double purpose of diffusing some of the aggression that would otherwise be all aimed at the plants.

• Arranging Plants Strategically: Place taller plants towards the back or sides of the tank to create a natural-looking backdrop. Utilise hardy and robust plant species mentioned earlier that can withstand the fish’s behaviour and secure them to rocks or driftwood to prevent uprooting.
  
• Create Visual Depth: Use a combination of different-sized rocks, driftwood, and plant heights to create depth and dimension in the aquascape. This can make the tank visually more appealing and provide different levels for the fish to explore and establish territories.
  
• Consider Open Swimming Spaces: African Cichlids are active swimmers, so leave open spaces in the aquascape to allow them to move around freely. Avoid cluttering the tank with too many decorations or densely planted areas.
  
• Substrate Variations: Consider using different types or colours of substrate to create visual contrast and mimic the natural environment. For example, a sandy substrate can be used in open areas, while a darker or coarser substrate can be placed around rock formations.
  
• Natural Rock Formations: Mimic natural rock formations found in African rift lakes by using rocks of various shapes and sizes. Create layered or sloping arrangements to provide interesting focal points and create a visually dynamic aquascape.
  
• Incorporate Caves and Overhangs: African Cichlids appreciate caves and overhangs as hiding places and spawning sites. Utilize rock formations or specially designed caves to provide secure hiding spots for the fish. Make sure that everything is secured properly using epoxy or aquarium-safe glue.

Maintain a balance between aesthetics and the fish’s well-being. Regularly monitor the aquarium to ensure the aquascape is functioning well and providing a suitable environment for the African Cichlids.

Creating Hiding Places and Territories for African Cichlids Using Plants

Creating hiding places and territories for African Cichlids using plants can be a challenge due to their aggressive behaviour. However, by choosing hardy and robust plant species such as Anubias, Java Fern, Vallisneria, and Amazon Swordplants, and securing them to rocks or driftwood, you can create denser vegetation clusters that serve as hiding spots and territorial boundaries. Floating plants like Water Sprite or Amazon Frogbit can also provide additional cover near the surface.

Incorporating cave-like structures using rocks and decorating them with plants softens their appearance while offering shelter for the fish. Monitor the fish’s behaviour and make adjustments as needed to ensure the plants remain intact.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting in Planted African Cichlid Tanks

Planted African Cichlid tanks present some unique challenges due to the aggressive nature of the fish and their tendency to uproot or damage plants. However, with proper planning and troubleshooting, it is possible to overcome these challenges. Here are some common issues that may arise in planted African Cichlid tanks and some troubleshooting tips:

• Plant Damage and Uprooting: African Cichlids may nip, uproot, or damage plants. To address this, choose hardy plant species with tough leaves and root structures that can withstand the fish’s activity. Secure plants to rocks or driftwood using plant-safe adhesives, fishing line, or plant weights. Additionally, consider creating plant clusters and denser vegetation to minimize the impact of any damage. African Cichlids also tend to have unique personalities. Some individuals will be more aggressive and will always destroy plants no matter what you do. In such cases, the only option is to relocate the offending fish to a different tank.

• Substrate Disturbance: African Cichlids are known for digging and rearranging the substrate, which can dislodge plants or bury their roots. To mitigate this issue, use larger and heavier substrate materials such as gravel or sand that are less prone to disturbance. Ensure a sufficient layer of substrate depth to anchor plants and consider using plant weights or mesh grids to protect delicate root systems.
  
• Nutrient Competition: African Cichlids are voracious eaters, which can lead to increased nutrient levels in the tank. This may result in excessive algae growth, negatively affecting the health of the plants. To address this, maintain a proper balance of nutrients by providing adequate filtration, performing regular water changes, and monitoring nutrient levels. Consider using liquid or root fertiliser specifically formulated for planted aquariums to supplement the nutrient needs of the plants.
  
• Algae Growth: Algae can be a common challenge in planted African Cichlid tanks. To control algae growth, ensure proper lighting duration and intensity, as excessive light can promote algae. Implement a consistent cleaning routine to remove any excess waste or debris that may contribute to algae growth. Introduce algae-eating tank inhabitants as natural helpers in keeping algae under control taking care to ensure that they are compatible with African Cichlids. The only suitable option I would recommend is the Bristlenose Catfish.

By addressing these common challenges and implementing appropriate troubleshooting techniques, you can do the impossible – successfully maintain a thriving planted African Cichlid tank.

FAQ

Can African Cichlids be kept in a planted tank?

Yes, African Cichlids can be kept in a planted tank, but it requires careful planning and consideration of the fish’s behaviour and specific plant species.

What are the benefits of having plants in an African Cichlid tank?

Plants provide various benefits such as natural filtration, oxygenation, and aesthetic enhancement. They also offer hiding places, territories, and visual barriers that can help reduce aggression and stress among the fish.

What types of plants are suitable for African Cichlid tanks?

Hardy plant species like Anubias, Java Fern, Vallisneria, and Amazon Sword are commonly used in African Cichlid tanks due to their ability to withstand the fish’s activity and aggression.

How should I maintain water quality in a planted African Cichlid tank?

Regular water testing, proper filtration, and routine water changes are crucial for maintaining water quality. Monitoring ammonia, nitrite, nitrate levels, and adjusting filtration accordingly will help create a healthy environment for both the fish and plants.

How can I prevent African Cichlids from uprooting or damaging plants?

Secure plants to rocks or driftwood using plant-safe adhesives, fishing line, or weights. Choose hardy plant species and create dense clusters to minimise the impact of fish activity. Additionally, providing ample hiding places and territories using rocks and caves can divert the fish’s attention from the plants.

What should I do if I encounter algae problems in my planted African Cichlid tank?

Algae issues are common in planted tanks. Implement a consistent cleaning routine, control lighting intensity and duration, and consider adding a couple of Bristlenose Catfish.

Can I use fertilisers or supplements for plant growth in my African Cichlid tank?

Yes, you can use liquid or root fertilisers specifically formulated for planted aquariums to supplement nutrient requirements. However, be cautious not to exceed recommended dosage, as excessive nutrients can lead to algae problems.

Conclusion

Setting up a planted and aquascaped tank for African Cichlids can be one of the most unique things you can do in the hobby. By carefully selecting suitable plant species, providing the right substrate, lighting, and creating hiding places, you can create a natural and harmonious environment for both the fish and the plants.

While challenges such as plant damage, substrate disturbance, and algae growth may arise, they can be overcome with careful planning, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Regular pruning, nutrient management, and managing aggression through strategic aquascaping techniques are key to maintaining a successful planted African Cichlid tank.

It requires patience, observation, and adaptation. As you gain experience and understanding of the specific needs of your fish and plants, you can create something truly unique and unbelievable.