30 Gallon Tank flooring

[InthaCloudz]

This is my first actual fish tank without being a child and I want to raise some African cichlids. I was curious if I could put some live grass in there, and possibly some shrimp to live also ( didn't know if the pH levels match up). If so, I was checking flooring for my tank and I was looking into Eco complete substrates. I didn't know if I should get the plant substrate IF I can have all them living together or if I should just stick with the African Cichlids substrate.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Welcome to AA

Generally africans don't mix well with plants.. they like em too much. But, your tank is too small for most africans, except a few species of tanganyikans.

 

[InthaCloudz]

Okay thanks! What would he a good starter fish, but still aggressive for a tank with plants?

 

[mfdrookie516]

Most of your dwarf cichlids from south america would fit that bill. They'll get a little aggressive around breeding time, but generally peaceful otherwise. Apistogrammas, rams, or you could even look at kribensis which are an african cichlid, but nothing like mbuna, peacocks, and haps.

 

[InthaCloudz]

I'll have to read into that. Much appreciated!

 

[Fishkeeper26]

Shell Dwellers

 

[InthaCloudz]

So if I get, say the dwarf cichlid or the Kribensis, should I get the african cichlid substrate or should I get the plant substrate?

 

[Fishkeeper26]

African cichlid substrate

 

[Homedog98]

So if I get, say the dwarf cichlid or the Kribensis, should I get the african cichlid substrate or should I get the plant substrate?

You could do the plant substrate. The dwarfs are generally very good about staying away from plants.

 

[Fishkeeper26]

Doesn't it depend on the fish though? Because don't kribs spend a lot of time on the bottom?

 

[Homedog98]

Doesn't it depend on the fish though? Because don't kribs spend a lot of time on the bottom?

Partially, but as long as the gravel is fine (which Eco complete is) the cichlids shouldn't have a problem.

 

[Fishkeeper26]

Oh ok, I use fluorite and that's rocky so I thought it was the same texture