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Anyone know if Hydrocotyle leucocephala will be able to survive in a cichlid tank since it is a floating plant? Mine seem to stay at the bottom of the aquarium. Seem that plants have failed in a cichld tank since cichlids like to dig around in the substrat.

I am testing this out and have had it in my cichlid tank for about a week now. My cichlids are still young though. I don't know if it would work with breeding ones.

I was thinking that it would give the cichlids cover from above and make them feel more secure.

I wouldn't think the Hydrocotyle wouldn't need CO2 injection to do well either since it is floating on the top of the water and getting CO2 maybe from the air above. Lighting requirments would not be as high either since the plants are so close to the lighting and not submerged in the water.

I'd say give it a go. Also try java ferns mounted onto rocks or driftwood

The Amazon Nut...

Yeah, I have heard about people using java fern before. Not sure if it was with Convicts and JD's though. I met one guy who used them with his Africas.

Right now I have barely 1 wpg with a 40W bulb on a 55gal. Even with a java fern I might need a little more light than that. Since these Hydrocotyles are floating plants, they would be right up there by the lighting and I would have to worry about upgrading.

java fern should be fine in that kind of light.

If the Hydrocotyles is up by the light its worth a try, just dont plant is down into the substrate.

The Amazon Nut...

i would say that they will tear them appart, since it's a very delicate plant. if you want a floating plant for cychlids go for silvinia or or frogbit.

The Hydrocotyle doesn't seem too deilicate to me. Most leave reach about 2". Right now the JD's seem to hang around in it. We'll see.