Can You Keep African Cichlids in a Planted Tank?

African cichlids, particularly those from Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika, are known for their vibrant colors, active personalities, and territorial behaviors. However, they are also notorious for digging up plants, nibbling on foliage, and being generally rough on a planted aquarium. Despite this, it is possible to successfully keep African cichlids in a planted tank if you choose the right plants and design your setup carefully.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of a planted African cichlid tank, the best plant species to use, and practical tips for creating a harmonious environment where plants and African cichlids can coexist.

The Challenge of Keeping African Cichlids in a Planted Tank

African cichlids, especially species from Lake Malawi, are notorious for their digging habits. They often uproot plants while creating territories or simply while searching for food in the substrate. Some cichlids, such as Mbuna, are also herbivorous and may nibble on softer plants. Because of this, not all plants are suitable for an African cichlid tank.

Common Challenges:

Digging: Many African cichlids love to dig in the substrate, which can easily uproot delicate plants.
Nipping: Some cichlids will nip at soft plants, especially if they are herbivorous.
Water Chemistry: African cichlids require hard, alkaline water (pH 7.8–9.0), which can be challenging for some plant species that prefer softer, more acidic conditions.

Benefits of a Planted African Cichlid Tank

Adding plants to your African cichlid tank can offer several benefits, both for the cichlids and the overall health of the tank:

1. Improved Water Quality

Plants help filter the water by absorbing nitrates and other nutrients, which can reduce the frequency of water changes and improve overall water quality. This is particularly beneficial in cichlid tanks, where high bioloads from their waste can cause nitrate levels to rise quickly.

2. Natural Territories and Hiding Places

African cichlids are highly territorial, and plants can help break up lines of sight and create natural boundaries between territories. This can help reduce aggression and stress among the fish.

3. Oxygenation

Plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which can help improve oxygen levels in the water, particularly in heavily stocked tanks.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

A planted tank adds to the visual appeal of the aquarium, creating a more natural environment that mimics the fish’s native habitat while providing cover for shy species.

Best Plants for African Cichlid Tanks

Choosing the right plants is key to success in a planted African cichlid tank. Look for hardy plants that can tolerate the cichlids’ digging, as well as plants that can attach to rocks and driftwood rather than being rooted in the substrate. Below are some of the best options:

1. Anubias

Anubias is one of the most popular plants for African cichlid tanks due to its tough leaves and ability to attach to hard surfaces like rocks and driftwood. Its rhizome should not be buried in the substrate, which makes it ideal for tanks where digging is common. Anubias is slow-growing but can tolerate the hard, alkaline water conditions preferred by African cichlids.
Light requirements: Low to moderate.
Care level: Easy.

2. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)

Java Fern is another hardy plant that can be attached to rocks and driftwood. It has thick, tough leaves that cichlids are unlikely to nibble on, and it does not require a nutrient-rich substrate to thrive, making it a perfect fit for a cichlid tank. Like Anubias, Java Fern can tolerate the alkaline water that African cichlids require.
Light requirements: Low to moderate.
Care level: Easy.

3. Vallisneria (Eelgrass)

Vallisneria is a fast-growing plant that can tolerate hard, alkaline water and creates a beautiful, grassy background. While cichlids may occasionally nip at it, its rapid growth ensures it recovers quickly. Vallisneria spreads through runners, which helps fill the tank with minimal effort.
Light requirements: Moderate to high.
Care level: Moderate.

4. Java Moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri)

Java Moss can be attached to rocks and driftwood, making it a safe choice for cichlid tanks where digging is an issue. It grows quickly and can withstand various water conditions, including the hard, alkaline water required by African cichlids. Java Moss also provides excellent cover for fry if you’re breeding cichlids.
Light requirements: Low to moderate.
Care level: Easy.

5. Sagittaria

Sagittaria is a hardy, low-growing plant that can tolerate the alkaline water conditions of an African cichlid tank. It grows similarly to Vallisneria, spreading via runners to form a dense carpet. Sagittaria is more resistant to digging than many other rooted plants, especially if planted in a deep substrate.
Light requirements: Moderate.
Care level: Easy.

6. Cryptocoryne (Crypts)

Cryptocoryne plants are slow-growing but develop a strong root system once established. While they may be more sensitive to water conditions initially, many species of Crypts can adapt to harder water, making them suitable for African cichlid tanks. Plant them in areas where digging is less likely to occur.
Light requirements: Low to moderate.
Care level: Moderate.

Tips for Setting Up a Planted African Cichlid Tank

While keeping plants with African cichlids can be challenging, it’s not impossible. Follow these tips to ensure your plants thrive alongside your fish:

1. Use Hardy, Non-Substrate Plants

Opt for plants like Anubias, Java Fern, and Java Moss that can be attached to rocks and driftwood instead of being rooted in the substrate. These plants are less likely to be disturbed by digging and provide a stable presence in the tank.

2. Secure Plants to Hard Surfaces

Use aquarium-safe glue or fishing line to attach plants to rocks and driftwood. This will prevent the plants from being uprooted during digging and will allow them to grow securely in the tank.

3. Provide Plenty of Rockwork and Hiding Spots

African cichlids, especially Mbuna, need plenty of rocks and caves to establish territories. Make sure there are plenty of hiding places and territories for the cichlids so that they don’t feel the need to constantly dig or move plants to create their own spaces.

4. Choose the Right Substrate

If you’re using rooted plants like Cryptocoryne or Vallisneria, choose a deep substrate that allows the plants to root deeply enough to avoid being easily uprooted by digging cichlids. Crushed coral or aragonite sand is ideal for buffering the pH and hardness of the water to suit African cichlids.

5. Monitor Lighting

Plants like Anubias and Java Ferns require low to moderate lighting, while others like Vallisneria may need moderate to high lighting to thrive. Ensure your lighting is appropriate for the plant species you choose, but don’t overdo it, as too much light can encourage algae growth, especially in a cichlid tank with high bioloads.

Best African Cichlids for a Planted Tank

While African cichlids are generally not considered plant-friendly, certain species are less destructive and can coexist with plants more easily:

Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara spp.): Peacocks are less aggressive than Mbuna and are less likely to dig up or damage plants.
Haplochromis: Haps are generally less aggressive diggers than Mbuna and can do well in planted tanks if given enough space and hiding spots.
Yellow Lab Cichlids (Labidochromis caeruleus): These are one of the more peaceful Mbuna species and can coexist with hardy plants in a well-structured tank.
Smaller Tanganyikan Cichlids: Some species from Lake Tanganyika, like Julidochromis or Neolamprologus, can do well in planted tanks as they tend to stay near rocks and caves rather than disturbing plants.

Conclusion: Creating a Planted Tank for African Cichlids

While keeping African cichlids in a planted tank can be challenging, it is definitely possible with the right plant choices and setup. By using hardy plants like Anubias, Java Fern, and Vallisneria, and securing them to rocks and driftwood, you can create a visually appealing and natural environment for your cichlids. Make sure to provide plenty of hiding spots and territories with rocks and caves to help reduce aggression and digging behavior.

Choose plant species that can tolerate hard, alkaline water, and focus on those that can grow without being rooted in the substrate. With careful planning and attention to the needs of both your plants and fish, you can successfully maintain a beautiful and thriving planted African cichlid tank.