We were in the shop and were looking at what they had (they didn't manage to get my salvinis) and i happened across some Rainbow cichlids. Haven't seen these around in a while so we weighed up our options and decided that H.Multispinosa would be the center piece of the planted tank. Its a safer bet than the Salvinis and we get to keep the tetras and loaches. 
A few things, I've found lots of conflicting info about Rainbows and plants, some say they didnt touch them, some places say they're heavily herbivorous so i'm a little confused about that, personal experience welcome
I know many cichlids will darken up from the stress of transport and the like, but the male seems to have faded instead. The black band that he had in teh shop has gone completely white! Is this normal or have i bought something LIKE a rainbow but not a rainbow?
Seeing as i'm no longer getting hyper aggressive killer fish i was contemplating other tankmates. Its a 55gal planted, 42"x15" footprint, current stocking is;
1 pair H.Multispinosa
19 Emperor tetras
3 Zebra Botia
1 unusually small female BN plec.
Any suggestions on tankmates? I dont think adding another cichlid would be the right move, the pair would likely not tolerate it?
Thanks
A few things, I've found lots of conflicting info about Rainbows and plants, some say they didnt touch them, some places say they're heavily herbivorous so i'm a little confused about that, personal experience welcome
I know many cichlids will darken up from the stress of transport and the like, but the male seems to have faded instead. The black band that he had in teh shop has gone completely white! Is this normal or have i bought something LIKE a rainbow but not a rainbow?
Seeing as i'm no longer getting hyper aggressive killer fish i was contemplating other tankmates. Its a 55gal planted, 42"x15" footprint, current stocking is;
1 pair H.Multispinosa
19 Emperor tetras
3 Zebra Botia
1 unusually small female BN plec.
Any suggestions on tankmates? I dont think adding another cichlid would be the right move, the pair would likely not tolerate it?
Thanks