Usually one of the reasons why big fish aren't seen in planted tanks is that many of the big cichlids (such as oscars and the like) have a tendency to rearrange their environment frequently, which does not go well with keeping plants. However, I have seen planted arowana tanks, and they look stunning.
Big fish in a planted tank?
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Blood Parrots in a 75g. They do re-arrange furniture once in a while. But once they get it just 'right' they leave it alone. Having only girls does not hurt either.
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I also have a clown knife about 14". he is in a tank of vals. He only rips up plants if i ignore all his other "feed me" signs lol. once in a while if a feeder fish hides close to a plant it takes a beating as the fish gets flushed out.
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He also loves to watch himself lol
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He also loves to watch himself lol
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Damn man, I had to take a moment and admire your parrots. What else do you have in there?Blood Parrots in a 75g. They do re-arrange furniture once in a while. But once they get it just 'right' they leave it alone. Having only girls does not hurt either.
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I pretty much generally agree with what most people here have said. I think the biggest thing that keeps larger fish out of planted tanks is the mindset of people, and the size of the tanks that they are kept in. I notice that most planted people like having many fish as well, and you cannot do that with larger fish in a tank the size that is comfortable to plant. For example, when I think large fish I think of Red Tail Catfish and monsters like that, things that are being kept in 300+ gallon tanks. Now, when was the last time someone on this forum had a planted 300+ gallon tank? And, even if someone had a large tank like that with multiple large fish, could you imagine how hellish it would be if you had to replant things on a regular basis?
I honestly think that a lot of fish are just not kept with plants due to fear of them being difficult to do so with. But I feel like, with enough patience, you can keep nearly anything with at least some sort of plant. I mean, severums and silver dollars are massive plant eaters and I have seen them in some planted set ups that were pretty impressive.
I would love to live in a state where it was warm enough to have a planted pond with big fish. 
Being the owner of a monster fish i can also add that the cost for feeding a larger fish keeps people away. you either deal with lots of sick feeder fish or take the time and effort to breed your own.
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Being the owner of a monster fish i can also add that the cost for feeding a larger fish keeps people away. you either deal with lots of sick feeder fish or take the time and effort to breed your own.
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I agree with you. For me the main reason I wanted to start a planted tank was so create a better environment for the fish. That being said, my first concern is "What kind of fish can I add?" I also understand the "landscape" or "design" part of it. In my opinion the best planted tank would be really well designed plants, with really awesome fish
but shoot, maybe I'm aiming too high there I also agree with you that the shoaling fish tend to add a more peaceful atmosphere, so I can totally understand that. But I never would have wanted to start a planted tank if I couldn't add big fish Anyways, it's fun to see people's preferences and stuff. I want my fish to be happy and giving them fake plants just seems like they wouldn't as happy as they could be.
Complexity for the President
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I've got big fish ...Bluegills .. one is 7" another is a 6" male that just got done spawning for the 2nd time. He did pretty good not uprooting plants when building his nest. He just bulldozed them out of the way but they stayed planted. The problem comes in when chasing other fish around while he's guarding the nest and fry. But it's really not that bad and figure that's what I have to do to keep my fish happy. Plus could have more to do with the substrate gravel being too big. I'll find out when I re-do my substrate.
The main reason I went with real plants was the fish just didn't seem to like touching the fake ones. Didn't have trouble with them knocking them around because they avoided them like the plague. It limited their swimming room. Also, I wanted a more natural environment for them, to help use up the nitrates and they just look good. Beats going outside in hot weather to garden. :biggrin:
The problem comes in when chasing other fish around while he's guarding the nest and fry. But it's really not that bad and figure that's what I have to do to keep my fish happy. Plus could have more to do with the substrate gravel being too big. I'll find out when I re-do my substrate. The main reason I went with real plants was the fish just didn't seem to like touching the fake ones. Didn't have trouble with them knocking them around because they avoided them like the plague. It limited their swimming room. Also, I wanted a more natural environment for them, to help use up the nitrates and they just look good. Beats going outside in hot weather to garden. :biggrin:
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