looking for good plants to go with cichlids

[new2ovas]

fairly new to aquariums - just got a 90 gal that I want to start up with some cichlids - either Africans or south American.

haven't quite decided on the types of fish in the tank yet but was wondering if there are a few plant types that I should be focusing on.  I was reading somewhere that some cichlids eat plants and love to dig so I need to be aware.

Anyways, I was just wondering if someone can give me the lowdown on what plants I should or should not consider when starting up this tank.

Thanks again

cheers

[fischkopp]

Welcome to OVAS!

It is not so easy to give a recommendation on plants if you havent decided on the fish yet.

I general, setups for african rift lake cichlids wont have many plants; the ones you use need to be sturdy and will be mostly attached to rock and wood since those cichlids like to dig. Also, the plants need to stand the high hardness and pH in these tanks. Ferns, anubias and vals will be your candidates that worked well for others.

South american (dwarf) cichlid tanks can be heavily planted, unless you get bigger species that may like to dig around as well. Most plant will grow well in south in softer and acid south american water, given you provide them with the right amount of light and nutrients. Any recommendation on what plants to use will be based on that.