Help Looking for suggestions on using “cave” in scape

[Noahspapa]

Hello,

I’m working on a 29 gallon tank that is approximately 6 weeks planted. I scaped a cave into the hard scape and am now looking to choose what if anything to do with that space. Please let me know if you have any suggestions. Pics attached.

Thank you

 

[Art]

Hi,

I love the natural look of this aquascape. Great job.

Depends on what your intention was in creating it. I would leave it as I think it would create a nice contrast when the plants fill in more.

 

[Noahspapa]

Thank you Art!

 

[Art]

You're welcome. I'm sure other may have other ideas.

 

[Pepere]

I scaped a cave into the hard scape and am now looking to choose what if anything to do with that space.

Perhaps a bit of whimsy.. a little figurine of some sort. A ceramic frog or turtle, or gnome or a ceramic toadstool, a Roswell Alien…



If it was mine I would probably have a rotating cast of characters that I swapped from time to time. The grandkids would love coming in to see whats hiding in Pepere’s cave today…. They would likely bring home new candidates from vacations….

 

[Noahspapa]

Very interesting suggestion! Thank you!

 

[Noahspapa]

A supplier recommended I leave the cave open an add two dwarf cichlids. He thinks they would hang out and mate there. I’ve never kept a cichlids. I have a dwarf gourami, rummy nose tetras, green neons and leopard danios in there. Would that be an issue?

 

[Kwyet]

I think there may be trouble with the Dwarf Gourami, especially when the cichlids start mating. I don’t think there would be significant problems with the other fish, but you would want a plan B just in case.

 

[Noahspapa]

Thank you Kwyet. Do you think adding the dwarfs is a good idea though? Beyond the gourami which I could relocate? Do they damage plants?

 

[Kwyet]

I’ve only kept Bolivian Rams and German Blue Rams. Neither of those damaged plants, but they did dig out areas to lay their eggs. I can’t speak for any other dwarf cichlids. German Blue’s need high heat, around 80F or higher. You can get by at 78 for Bolivians. Whether it’s a good idea? I wouldn’t do it without moving the gourami out.

 

[Noahspapa]

I found a pair at my LFS. They seem to be enjoying the cave.