Need help on massive cichlid planted project.

I am aware that the air pump does not produce oxygen Sorry I should have said what I thought which is breaking the surface of the water. Can the water be oxygenated without a powerhead actually breaking the waters surface but rather just causing ripples? Say one were to use a powerhead which broke the water surface and created bubbles or white water. Would this serve the same purpose as an airstone in contradicting the co2?

 

LOL no worries, yes the water can be oxygenated without the surface being broken. Yes if the powerhead just creates ripples in the surface this will be more then enough.

Yes if you use a powerhead that actually does break the water surface then yes it will be the same as using a airpump with airstone to contradict the excess co2

 

As ek mag vra wat kos daardie Co2 set as n mens hom so koop?

 

New they go from R1230- R1500

 

Im thinking maybe I should get my green fingers with my 4 foot for a month or so then move to the 5 foot. But all the above still applies.

 

You really don't need Co2 to have a nice planted tank. When I first started I was under the impression Co2 was the way to go and I did try it for a few months, but if you don't have plants that explicitly need it then you can do without the expensive equipment. I have actually found that my low tech plants grow better without Co2.

 

Only reason I want to use the co2 is because I have the kit lying atound snf I like diy set ups and expetiming.

 

I agree with Reedfish. Planted and Cichlids is a no no. You can try Anubias and Java Fern as they are bitter plants but good luck.

 

Hi.... Like the idea allot so I hope you have more luck than I did.. When I tried it a while back the plants where fine but they did get uprooted and this is where my troubles started. I'm running a sump and all the plants got sucked into the overflow, almost flooding everything... So just watch out for that if your running a sump. Other than that... GOOD LUCK.... Maybe also look at some plants that can be tied to rocks or pieces of wood? Did not try that. I gave up and just started a planted tank on its own. Now I've got best of both worlds....