Planted AFRICAN CICHLID Tank - Did my Plants Survive?

About 6-weeks ago I planted my Lake Malawi tank with a bunch of Anubias! In this video I give an update on how the plants faired, and show how they are looking now.
Timestamps:
0:54 - Why I added plants to my African Cichlid Tank
2:20 - About the plant I chose
3:40 - How the plants went
8:06 - Quick update on my African Cichlid Fry
8:51 - Update on the Florida Swamp Tank! (with mollies)
10:12 - Reptile One fog machine Setup
12:07 - Upcoming plans
If you enjoyed the video make sure you give it a like!!
Leave a comment below letting me know what you think :D
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Happy fish keeping :D

[@biancadcosta736]

Hi Kaity! I’m from Melbourne. And you have inspired me to get into fish keeping again. I love how hard you work to keep your fish tanks looking beautiful. Thank you for your content! 😊

[@Kaityscichlids]

Awwww, that is so amazing to hear!! Thank you so much 😊🙏🏻 I really appreciate it!

[@justincase733]

Kaity I just came from Joey's channel. HOLY SMOKES THESE TANKS ARE SMOOOOOTH ASF.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! Nice to have you here 😁

[@chadcallaway8019]

I tried it . Well that's when I realized my VC10 species is known to eat drift wood. Everyone left the plants alone but the VC10 removed all 3 of my test anubus in like 30 seconds!! I'm jealous of Katy having plants lol

[@Kaityscichlids]

Omg nooooo 🤣🤣 that's so disappointing!! My venustus did that to an expensive moss I tried to add once lol

[@darrenmurray7204]

Great tanks Kaity. I have malawi cichlids and just love them

[@madisonglattli9748]

So excited to see the upcoming America content! I may be biased as I live in Atlanta but you should definitely come see the Georgia Aquarium. Also, wouldn’t balloon mollies (or any Molly) have been selectively bred from the native Florida ones? So you were technically right. I recently got into plants as well despite having a horrible track record with them, but I love how they look and will try my best, fingers crossed!😅

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hahaha, I like the way you think 🤣🤣 I think you are right! And thank you 😁 I'm really excited, I'm definitely leaning towards Georgia Aquarium

[@tylerb6251]

​@@KaityscichlidsI highly recommend the whale shark swim if you can book a time slot w the aquarium. It fills up fast but was a super cool experience.

[@Scibbles_YT]

⁠@@Kaityscichlidshi kaity i love your videos i literally live like 20 or so minutes away from all the aquariums you go to it’s so awesome seeing a Australian creator at familiar places. It would be so cool to see you round some day 😊❤❤❤

[@YouGotTricked]

What you can try is adding mini monstera/peace lily to help with nitrates aswell and also anubuias are okay with hard water just need to add more plants and add fertilizer w/o nitrate to help the plants grow

[@Krishnath.Dragon]

Balloon mollies are a cultivar, they've been specifically bred to look like they do. However, the species Poecilia sphenops, is native to Florida.

[@mattphillips6714]

Kaity don’t bother adding fertiliser because Anubis is too slow growing to use it and you’ll cause an algae bloom instead, if you go down the route of Val use root tabs as it’s a fast growing plant that will thrive but stay away from liquid fertiliser or you’ll lose control of the Blackbeard algae.. Anubis and Java Fern are known as epiphytes like Air plants and Bromeliads..❤

[@deanholmes6354]

Great video kaity

[@webera]

all the best for your trip!

[@walfredjimenez6415]

Thanks for the update! Cheers from Florida and yes the Georgia aquarium is amazing!

[@roohollahyeylaghiashrafi7095]

Thank you kaity, I'm always waiting for your aqua education ❤

[@michaelprince7825]

Awesome updates on all your tanks! I can't wait to see what content you come up with when you go to the states.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏🏻 I'm so excited!! 😁

[@evilone543]

Nice update. Have fun on your trip!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😁😁🙏🏻

[@anthonyeveler4820]

I’m so excited for more videos the tank looks amazing.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁🙏🏻

[@dark_lord3095]

I would have a taller tank for the mollies. However, I would also raise the water level in the current tank and replace the val with another native species. Vals look better in a tall tank and with current blowing them around. But then, that's just me here in NZ. The Orlando Eye has a great aquarium to visit, I loved it. Also, has other attractions.

[@DuzzyDobbin]

You and Adrian are my viewing this morning. Great vid. Regards Duzzy🇦🇺

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thanks Duzzy 😁🐟🐟

[@johnwoodall3791]

Hello from Dallas Kaity after a quick turn around at home I'm back here again until tomorrow, then back home. Fantastic viewing this & as always Very Professional approach to what you do. I can't get over the Clarity of the Tanks you have & the Fish are obviously Very Healthy as the colours are spectacular. Well done & got some really great hints from this on Plants. The Peach Face I think it is looks very tame. The Shelves & Tanks truly Awesome looking, Congratulations on this Video as very Entertaining & Educational. With Respect. John.

[@mondraymondo]

Hi Katy I appreciate your passion for cichlids

[@aquarium.talktv]

Great video Kaity!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you Gordon 😁

[@user-ks7zz6qf8v]

Good luck for you kaity fish ♥️

[@TheAlmighty.Z]

Can’t wait to see the collabs!! Have fun in the States!!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁

[@donhabel1590]

All your tanks look great keep up the good work 👍

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@markr9984]

Hi Kaity, hello from Adelaide again. I have anubias in my African cichlid tank. I've never bothered with fertilising them, I'd be worried it might affect the fish. Have a great trip to the US, how exciting!

[@Hummingbirder1]

06:36-08:07 & 12:06 to the end it seems to be a video catering to meeeeeeeeeeee😍🤩🦜🦜🦜. Also: I like the look of that planted tank. Fingers crossed the experiment continues to go well. The cichlids sure looks good!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁😁 and hahahaha, always got to include a bit of Laila in there. The little cutie 🦜🦜🦜🥰

[@Simply4Aquatics]

I like the swamp tank for sure.

[@HAL-cp4mt]

Loving the deeo substrate.

[@IronTiger84]

Great video Kaity 🤩‼️ Tanks look amazing ‼️ plants 🌱 are a nice addition and hopefully help lessen your water changes. The Molly tank is one of my favorites I’ve seen lately

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much Joey 😁😁 I'm really loving the Molly tank too!

[@derekkennedy7346]

My fish store here in Canada they got the same smoke setup as you but I noticed you're using like a steam you should maybe try a smoke machine with vegetable glycerin instead of the Steam going upwards the vapor from the smoke machine will lay on the water and it looks really cool and the vapor will not hurt the fish love your videos keep up the great work

[@hussblacksmith5417]

Awesome great informative video. Thank you

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@MrEvilmitch]

Cichlid tanks look amazing. And the rack is Definitely nice too ..................the tank rack 🫣

[@sirwilliam7988]

We welcome you with open arms here in Texas Kaity. Now, the molly tank is looking amazing. The mister just sets it off. I love everything about this tank. And of course, the Tangs are growing like crazy. You've done such a wonderful job. Can't wait til the next video.

[@shybibeau8968]

Tangs?? Did you mean tanks?! She DOESNT have saltwater lol

[@sirwilliam7988]

@@shybibeau8968 No, it's short for tanganyika.

[@walmeid900]

Que aquário incrível ! Parabéns!!

[@brianp6180]

Greetings from Florida ! Love the Florida swamp tank. I’m like you I struggle with plants. I May try again. Thanks for the inspiration. I enjoy your channel

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁😁 I'm glad it's given you some inspiration!

[@shybibeau8968]

I don’t even understand how people struggle with plants as for houseplants all you have to do is put them in a good potting soil or mix of like peat moss, pine bark and perlite or vermiculite and fertilizer twice a year once coming into summer to help them bloom out with new leaves and growth as well as going into winter to help push them along in the months they wouldn’t normally grow in outside and then like water once a week and basically just keep up a little with maintenance like cutting back leaves or roots which can also be propagated plant the rooted ones in soil and the none rooted ones in water and they’ll literally grow new roots in water when repotting it’s literally so easy to keep houseplants just a few good tips this is what I do and it works for me and I’m sure it’ll work for you too if you have any questions I’m always here to chat kaity!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@sharpygsxr]

Thanks fo rthe update Kaity, i did the same thing on my new cichlid setup and like you got a bit of black algae round the edge of the anubias leaves. Personally i dont mind the look and will notice the fish nibbling on it the odd time so its all good. Laylas little tantrum did make me laugh :D

[@Kaityscichlids]

Hahaha, she is always having tantrums 🤣 and that's awesome 😊 I don't mind it either, I think it looks pretty cool!

[@ryanmael24]

Looks real good 👍

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊

[@amiremadian6716]

The aquariums in your garage are very beautiful, especially the one in the middle of the kitchen. How big the cichlids are. Congratulations, your work is amazing.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏🏻

[@noelmangion6316]

Hi Kaity im from Australia located in Wollongong NSW the tank is looking amazing keep doing what you are doing love all your videos can’t wait for the next video to come out ♥️

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you sooooo much 🥹🙏🏻🙏🏻 I really appreciate it!

[@nathanhoveyaquatics]

I've actually kept Mbuna and haps in a pretty well planted tank. I got lucky with a little extra work and they never ate them. I know they love to dig so I put small/tiny ish rocks around the plants to deter them from digging.

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's good to know!!

[@nathanhoveyaquatics]

@@Kaityscichlids if ya wanted to I believe I have video of some plants with cichlids on my channel. I'm not good at videos but I'm trying lol. It'd be towards the beginning of the videos.

[@sergiomorales9264]

Love your tanks 😊❤

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏🏻

[@93kristof]

You won't be able to put enough anubias in there to make a dent in the nitrates, this tank has a huge bioload. If you want help with it you need emersed plants - peace lilies, a large monstera, pothos, most tropical house plants really - or floating plants. Preferably both. They'd also have to be fairly big, with good access to light and micronutrients as well.

[@markjamson3824]

Great set up java fern good for Malawi's that can be glued to rocks

[@Kaityscichlids]

Oh yes!! I forgot about java fern!

[@waynebernitt2806]

If you had of said you were putting a stone alligator scull in your thank i would have been less than impressed. But seeing it, its awesome. Very Jurassic pond.

[@tyliful]

beautiful tanks. can't wait for vids from usa.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@FITV61582]

😊😊I love the African cichlids tank with the plants 🪴 cool thnxs for sharing

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁 I'm glad you enjoyed it!! 🐟🐟

[@FITV61582]

Your 👍🏾 welcome anytime kaity

[@HowardVex]

Beautiful tanks. I have an overcrowded 60 gallon Malawi aquarium and await a 150 I recently ordered to expand. My tap water comes out 20-40 ppm from the tap. I have several anubias growing well. For the first time ever, I can easily keep my nitrate near zero. The addition of Purigen completely eliminates the issue. Had to change it weekly at first and I still do 30% water changes weekly, but if Purigen can do this in my water, it is surely worth a try.

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's fantastic!! What a great result!

[@flower_bone8122]

My Java fern has been doing amazing with my pseudotropheus saulosi cichlids, nothing destroyed and it's been over a year 🎉

[@ARod-br2ui]

That venustus is gorgeous. I can only hope and pray 🙏 mine will achieve that size and beauty some day!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! She is so beautiful and big now! She's about 3 years old

[@dingodave3966]

Looking great Kaity. I have some Anubius my African tank also and other than wiping the leaves they’re all good. Laila is a little legend btw. 🐥

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you heaps 😁🦜🦜

[@shybibeau8968]

Girl please get some plants in that fry tank to combat the algae or some thing like a “clean up” crew i.e snails, shrimp (I love the look of cherries in a tank) , or a small dwarf Corydora or two in both tanks actually but the swamp tank has some plants in it and that’ll definitely help like ai said a little bit goes a long way in tanks like that I’ve found personally just an idea or a little incentive lol ❤❤❤

[@3lsufan]

Come to Kansas City for a Chiefs game!! Also got a bomb aquarium in our zoo!

[@TheFlaminghater]

If you want to reduce nitrates naturally without water changes, terrestrial plants will out perform aquatic all the way. Terrestrial plants aren’t limited by CO2 like aquatic plants are. Pothos is the most popular, but there is a pretty long list of plants that will grow with their roots in the water. Peace lillies, monstera, lucky bamboo… SerpaDesign made a great video on it. There are plenty of 3D printed plant pots that hang on the side of the tank that you can stuff plants into. As long as the roots stay in the water and the leaves out they will suck out those nutrients.

[@Kaityscichlids]

They are great tips, thank you!!

[@kylem.4114]

I have decent luck with Vallisneria spiralis in my Malawi tanks. It's native to Africa and can thrive in high pH KH environments. You can use ceramic weights to help them stay put until their roots establish. In my experience beard algae actually likes high flow.

[@RiusoD]

You should check out the Chattanooga aquarium if you are going to Georgia its just across the border

[@7Makowski7]

The aquarium in Atlanta Georgia is fantastic. Be sure to check out the dolphin show too!

[@Kaityscichlids]

That would be cool!!

[@juliaforsyth8332]

Dolphin shows in this day and age?

[@odanhammer]

the tanks are looking good( outside of the one mess😂) looking forward to seeing your north america trip , and those colabs. lastly good luck picking between atlanta and texas, personally would pick texas based off opinions ive heard. but have fun, and safe travels

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@nitesh_am]

The tank is looking beautiful now, I didn't expect the anubias to survive. Hopefully with the algae gone, it'll look much better.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Me neither 😱😱 Thank you heaps 😊🙏🏻

[@65FullMoon83]

Great work Kaity! Try some Vallisneria plants sometime. As you stated its native to both Lake Tanganyika & Lake Malawi. If you go to Texas? Check out the Dallas World Aquarium. It's something to really behold!

[@lynnrobertson4657]

Beautiful thanks for the update 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺❤

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@renedecquir1931]

If you decide to come to Texas Consider Aquarium Design Group in Houston. Luis Navarro used to work at Aquarium Design Group. Also please go see Vibes Aquatics KZbinr (Eddie)in Austin Texas

[@sakilmansuri5736]

Lovely❤

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊

[@JustTruth-dt9uy]

You are working hard, may Allah grant you more success in this work

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you so much 😊🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@gonzosmugzy]

Love you...❤

[@mikefritz4111]

U got to go to a bass pro shop. They are amazing.

[@BurkosFishingAdventures]

Love your work Kaity. Your so beautiful..

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏🏻

[@user-rk3ue9wz8l]

You should try growing pothos, peace lilies and maybe a monstera on the cichlid tank, it will help with the nitrate level.

[@zomdieEp]

Hey kaity since you’ll be coming to Florida, you should try to get a tour at imperial tropicals! Big African cichlid farm

[@Kaityscichlids]

That would be cool!!

[@sheikhshakib55]

Fish are happy and me too❤

[@Kaityscichlids]

😊😊😊

[@aeyboyscak7681]

สวยงาม

[@qcaquaholic]

If you go to Atlanta, you will WANT to take the 2 hour or so drive up I75 North to Chattanooga, TN. Atlanta has the big tank with the whale shark and a couple other cool things, but I found it kind of underwhelming. I was literally done looking at everything in about 2 hours, and it was crowded that day. The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is breathtaking. I didn't want to leave. They also have fantastic American native exhibits. The Georgia Winery is a great place to stop at on your drive back down to Atlanta. It's not too far after crossing the border back into Georgia.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Oooo, thank you for the recommendation! That sounds amazing!

[@laurag1076]

Laila!!! ❤

[@tadhgoloingsigh4812]

Hi Kaity, just thought I would reach out about your nitrate problem. I have let all algae grow on my rocks. Started brown then green then black and now it’s going green again and my nitrates have always been super low. I expect it’s because the algae is doing what it does best. I think it looks quite ok and natural like a lake Malawi biotope. Also all my fish graze on it 24/7 which is nice. If you decide you want to try another way.

[@jay-remedy-plz]

Anubias grow slowly so moderate the Fertilizer and keep the lights down. ✌🏻 Also Florida Flagfish are a favorite. Check them out.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you for the tips!

[@Signis30]

Kaity, go to the Georgia Aquarium!!!! You won’t regret it!

[@user-ei6pd2un6n]

Nice video Kaity. If you want to fertilize, I would only recommend potassium from the macronutrients and micronutrients. Nitrate and phosphate not, as there is certainly enough in the water. Have a good time in US 🧡

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😊🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Grissle209]

Fast growing Stems, Floating & Emersed plants is what you need. Slow growing plants will do next to nothing 😢, everyone makes this mistake ❤

[@DoctorKlenk]

forget it with african cichlids, they'll destroy stem plants or floaters

[@Grissle209]

Not if there in a separate sump…

[@DoctorKlenk]

@@Grissle209 she has a cannister so out of the question..

[@Grissle209]

Point being a few slow growing plants will do practically nothing to reduce nitrates

[@mrcarl5481]

Kaity’s Mollies 🥰

[@Kaityscichlids]

😊🐟🐟🐟

[@the88tench3]

Awesome video! The planted cichlid tank is looking great, the plants are doing really well in there! Florida tank is looking awesome too! Will have to send this to my friend who has a cichlid tank to show him as that would work really well with the Anubias! Think you should be ok without the fertilizer, as they should be getting plenty of nutrients as is, and would also mean you'd have to mess around with the lighting etc to keep it all in balance and the algae at bay. Hope you have a great time on your USA trip, are there any visits in particular you're really looking forward to?

[@Kaityscichlids]

I'm really looking forward to Florida!! 🐊

[@rikardfriberg9529]

I have an Amazon sword with my Malawi cichlids. It is working fine. They seem to like hiding between the big leaves. I have noticed that it is hard to introduce new plants to an established tank. They are so used to their environment, so whatever change there is they try to restore it to the shape that they have scaped. But if you introduce Malawis to an established tank with plants, they seem to leave them alone and just adapt to the new environment.

[@Kaityscichlids]

That's good to know!

[@Jmontastic]

Anubias and other epiphytes love alot of POTASSIUM. You can try half of the recommended dose and see how they do, then go up. Daily dosing of Liquid CO2 could help slow the blackbeard algae. Also, your lelupi fry tank probably needs to have half the amount of light.. lol unless algae is for the fry then that makes sense. That fogger gives that shallow tank a cool vibe.

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you 😁 Hahaha yes, it's just a bit too much light on the fry tank 🤣

[@ChrisWijtmans]

Hello Kaity, Your algae tank looks nice and you look beautiful too. Are you going to get Vallisneria for your tanks?

[@Kaityscichlids]

Thank you!! Probably not for the Malawi tank because I don't think it'd match as well. I would consider Java Fern for the Tanganyikan tank though 😊

[@ChrisWijtmans]

@@Kaityscichlids ooh java gern grows big and multiplies a lot, at least it does for me. They like substrate and low ph.

[@bethanysummers3377]

My hubby put anubius in his 6ft, they ate the lot....he has alot of Africans tho. Your Florida tank would look good in your house if u have room. How's the pond going during winter? Can't wait for your US videos!

[@Kaityscichlids]

Oh noooo 😱 I'm so glad they've left it alone so far!! I wouldn't have room in my house right now but one day when I have more space I'll have more tanks inside for sure! And the pond is going well, I'm going to add some more fish to it when I get back 😁

[@revathim7177]

What is the aquarium filter that you using?

[@Kaityscichlids]

I've got two Fluval FX6 filters on the Malawi tank!

[@spp2000]

Hi Kaity, have you tried adding purigen to your Tanganikan tank? If not, try putting in 3 bags into your sump and be prepared to be wowed. I think you have used it in the past, but just curious if your preferred the brownish hue instead.

[@Kaityscichlids]

I have!! My tanks go through phases where I have Purigen and UVC's on and get magnificent clear water. Then I don't replace the Purigen or the UVC bulbs and they grow some algae and go brown 🤣 I'm just waiting to get back onto my clear water cycle (that is my preference)

[@sschario60]

80% weekly water change? WOW. Happy for your plant success, Kaity. My mbuna tank has refused every plant I've tossed in over the span of several years - anubias, Java fern, Vals. I hope to learn something new (to me) from your experiment. Will your Malawi fish allow enough plant growth to make a difference in the nitrate level? 🤞Safe travels. Enjoy your stay here in the States.

[@Kaityscichlids]

I'm keen to check that too, it's going to be interesting to see!! Thank you heaps 😊🙏🏻

[@martinespericueta67]

Thanks for the update on your tanks! & welcome soon (again) to my country of the United States of America :)

[@Kaityscichlids]

I can't wait 😁😁

[@martinespericueta67]

@@Kaityscichlids We all can't wait either!

[@mammierenae]

Hi Katy have you thought about an algae eater? I have a golden Chinese algae eater and I have No algae issues at all. My coconut blends right in to the white sand. And he does an amazing job. He is aggressive so he can hang with my cichlids.

[@Kaityscichlids]

I've actually got 3 bristlenose catfish in there and they used to eat the Blackbeard algae when they were smaller but they stopped! I've never tried a Chinese algae eater though

[@Boja23]

Just get some nerite snails in, easy peasy. Maybe 10 if you want the black beard algae gone fast. I don't know much about about african cichlids, like maybe they eat them, but they fixed all my BB algae problems.

[@SushantShrestha-ob6ro]

Hlo my cichlids is shaking seeing another cichlids why any reason ???

[@forestpassion4464]

Hi i don't know why my comment didn't show here but i like this video specially your molly fish i think you have to find place for it in your livingroom🙂 i hope this comment will show here 💕🐡🐟🐠

[@Kaityscichlids]

Awwww, thank you 😊🙏🏻 I am really loving the Molly tank too! I don't think I would have space though 😭 Maybe one day when I get more space!

[@nocturnalblack8462]

Kaity..what kind of african cichlid in the middle of the tank at 2:04 ?

[@Kaityscichlids]

That is a Trewavasae Mbuna! They are one of my favourite types!

[@rajadey4919]

Vallisneria. It prefers hard water.

[@ChrisLocke1969]

I had a 300g cichlid tank, and added a refugium underneath in an old sump tank - marvelous solution, otherwise yes, say bye to your plants soon, sorry.

[@user-pm8vj7fn4l]

🐟🤩👍💯

[@animablo]

Is it not allowed in your country to keep Channa?

[@richardtaijeron8838]

Hope the mister doesn’t weaken the board above it with moisture or mold 🤔🌺🤙🏾

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

a little pothos growing up out the tank will suck all the nitrates out

[@amiremadian6716]

😍👌👍

[@rc_car_adventours]

i think you are also good with birds...why not set-up an aviary as well???...that would be cool to see

[@Kaityscichlids]

I would love to do that once I have more space!

[@dixsigns1717]

💚💚💟💟💚💚