I setup this tank as purely experimental just to see how a few species of cichlids interact within a planted tank. Many people new to centrals get put off because the two don't really mix, but this isn't always the case. If your thinking high tech planted display with c02 injection, then forget it. The plants were chosen as some like Hornwort (Ceratophylum sp) are found in some Mexican/CA waterways. The other species Egeria densa i believe is more an evasive species as they are originally a South American species? Both plant species can be grown either rooted or floating and with only minimal lighting. This low tech approach is very important when having a successful planted community.
The species chosen are a mixture of Mexican and CA species, so not a true biotope tank, but this was done deliberately to see if a range of smaller species with the exception of a small pair of P. breidohri would tollerate and not destroy the plants. Both T. maculipinnis and T.meeki were very suitable for this setup aswell.
The tank has been a complete success with no interactions from the range of cichlids kept, even a pair of C. spilurus used the plants to hide and protect their fry.

Most centrals from the smaller complex will be suitable for this setup including larger species like P. breidohri and P. hartwegi , anything elso will more than likey uproot or eat the plants.
Next project i would like to create is a Rio Verde inspired tank. Now all i have to do is source those yellow labridens.


Here is a video showing the interactions of cichlids in thhe display tank.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN7A0B2H ... ideo_title