Who Gives A Fish Forums

Yo, if you're gonna add shrimp, throw in some moss balls or Java Moss. They love that stuff. And yeah, Tetras are cool but don't overfeed or they'll get lazy and pick on the shrimp.

rockyfox wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 4:17 pm Java ferns could be a good choice, they're pretty hardy and most fish tend to leave them alone.

I had java ferns in my tank, but they vanished, so I figured the cichlids must've gotten to them.

Looking for some Cichlid-friendly plants, don't want them to become a snack. What are some good options for a tank with these guys?

I've never had issues with hard water and light duration. The key is consistency. Pick a schedule and stick to it for at least a month before making changes.

I disagree with the split lighting idea. Plants need consistent light to photosynthesize properly. Stick to a single block of 6-8 hours.

I think it's best to separate the blue one to prevent further stress, but before moving it to the 20 gallon tank, we need to consider compatibility. What species is the blue cichlid, and would it get along with the platys and Cory catfish in the smaller tank?


Gonna take another shot at getting ...

I've got plenty of hiding spots and live plants for them to duck into.

Finally managed to get some photos of the fish. It was hiding, so that's why it took a bit. Still need to get a photo of another one that's been evasive, will post that one later.

I'll attempt to get a decent photo of the blue cichlid to see if you all can help me identify the species.

I'm glad you're willing to research more. The issue is that African Cichlids can have vastly different needs and temperaments. Some are pretty laid back, but others can be quite aggressive. Without knowing the specific species, it's tough to say whether it'll get along with your platys and corys.