Alan Silver wrote:

Hello,

I'm just setting up a new cichlid tank and want to add plants. According
to Tropica's web site, the three types of plants mentioned above are all
fish-proof and should do OK in low light conditions.

The tank is 24" high, so I can't have plants that need high lighting due
to the depth. I was wondering what lighting level I would need to keep
plants. I'm not bothered for huge growth, just healthy plants that don't
get covered in algae.

Anubias and Java fern are better off NOT planted in the substrate. Most
people tie them to driftwood, stones, etc. This means they can be raised off
the bottom.

Tank specs :

24" cube
water will be hard (using crushed coral as substrate)
pH aiming for about 8.0
Twice weekly 10% water changes will be done

Save some work and change 25% or more per week.

Don't know what else to add. Any advice on how to set up the lighting
would be appreciated. The LFS recommended a blue light in addition to
the usual white as this brings out the cichlid's colour well. Don't know
if these add to the light for the plants, or if they are just for fish
decoration.

Blue lights are typically designed for corals or other inverts. Plant bulbs
are typically 5000-7000K. Great plants can be had at http://www.ahsupply.com