Rocks or Plants?

[Scougie]

I'm very tempted to replace most of the plants in my tank with rocks and driftwood. I'm trying for a root effect look. Will my fish be happy with this? You can see what I have on my sig. For example I know the Angels like the Vallis so I'd keep a bit of that but everthing else might go. What do you think?

 

[Tempestuousfury]

The angels and the labyrinth fish would problem like to have lots of plants. it's the type of environment that they live in.

Just a long as you have patches of plants, it should be fine, but the tall, flat shape of some of the fish you have is because of the fact that it makes it easier for them to swim in their "homes."

 

[Scougie]

I was thinking of lots of caves, lots of vertical thin driftwood (like roots) and lots of Vallis as the only plant? What do you think would I get away with it as you've described?

 

[Tempestuousfury]

In truth, I see no use for the caves. For the most part, the fish you have wouldn't frequent them, and they don't breed in caves.

The driftwood shouldn't be bad, though, since South American cichlids and labyrinth fish live in stagnant swamps or acidic water. teh driftwood should help with that.

 

[Tempestuousfury]

I also noticed that you have females and a male betta in the same tank. You're not having problems with that, are you?

Oh, and the plec should enjoy the driftwood, so the driftwood is a good idea.

And from what little reading I've done on rainbows, they don't breed in or need caves...

 

[Scougie]

Hmm so it sounds like from what your saying that if I change my look that drastically I also need to change my fish? I want the cave and wood look cos I think it looks cool does anyone have any pics of a similar set up?