BIG MONSTER FISH vs. PLANTED COMMUNITY TANKS *Which is Easier & More Rewarding?*

Not that long ago I decided to include a planted community tank in my fish room. It's forced me to learn new ways of doing things. There are some similarities between all types of fish keeping but the differences must be understood if there's going to be any chance of success. In today's _Cichlids & Coffee Live Stream_ I get into the differences and similarities, the advantages and disadvantages between keeping huge cichlids vs keeping a planted community fish tank. Which is easier to maintain? What are the biggest differences? Which is more rewarding?

Do you keep huge predators like African Cichlids or South and Central American Cichlids in huge tanks or do you instead keep planted community tanks? Or, are you like me and keep both? Let me know in the comments what you think are the advantages and disadvantages of keeping each of these. Share your experience and tips because _we all learn from each other_ around here! Also, never forget - *YOU ROCK MY FRIEND!*

A very big shout-out to my live stream moderators: Salient Aquatics, Denny, GP, Kevin, Jerry, Zen Ginger, Jon Wallace and Vibes Aquatics - the best moderators on YouTube!

Fish keeping is a fluid situation! Everyone has unique circumstances. Be sure to get input from various sources before making any major changes. Recommendations picked up from places like YouTube might not work with your unique water, fish and tank conditions.

Copyright protected music used with permission:
_One Last Dance with You_ performed by *The Flax*
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/EDGx6Hxjlk/

For top quality fish and supplies please visit my channel sponsor THE CICHLID SHACK in Tempe, AZ at: thecichlidshack.com
Here are some special Shack discounts for you:
For a 10% off all food and supplies use "shackattack10" at checkout.
For 15% off on all fish orders over $100. Use code "shackattack15" at checkout (discounts do not apply to shipping costs).
Prefer a discount on shipping? Use: bensw50 for a $50 flat rate on orders over $100 (up to 50 pounds, over 50 pounds billed to customer).

Thank you to the Aquarium Co-Op for their help with the planted community tank project. You can help support the channel by using my Co-Op affiliate link to visit their web site. Here's the link:
https://www.aquariumcoop.com?sca_ref=3301874.0yH4KEHjB2

This live stream was broadcast using the following equipment (with links):
Sony a6400 camera: https://amzn.to/3WxWGwe
Tripod: https://amzn.to/3XR3Mx9
Yeti Blue Nano mic: https://amzn.to/3ZNTVKl
Elgato Video capture card: https://amzn.to/3wjdWuA
Desktop Mic Stand/Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/3J8lYyc
Lighting (softbox) set of 2: https://amzn.to/3J7xcD4

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If you want to do even more please consider becoming a member of the *Garage Gang* - a _Patreon_ monthly supporter. It starts for as low as $3 a month and your support will help to complete the garage fish room build-out, fund video production, trips to shops and trade shows and much more. Here's the link to my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13754188&fan_landing=true (or just click on the Patreon icon at the bottom right of the channel banner if watching on a PC or laptop).

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When you use this link anything you buy at my Amazon store (or from anywhere on Amazon) pays a small percentage to the channel. Your cost stays the same so it's a great way to support the channel.

Another way is to visit my Teespring store here: www.teespring.com/stores/ben-ocharts-store The store offers tee's, hoodies and coffee mugs. Some have my all time favorite fish printed on them along with channel logos. Don't forget to use the code "LIVESTREAM" for a 10% discount at check-out!

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There's a friendly and helpful fish keeping group on Facebook called: *Ben O'Cichlid and a Lot More* Cichlid is in the name but all types of fish keepers are welcome! If you're on FB, check it out. If you would like to join the group please be sure to answer ALL of the join-in questions so that you are approved (it's how we keep the trolls out).

Shout-outs to Christopher Martin for the Cichlids & Coffee logo, to Phil Griffiths for the dropping fish video and to Vinny of Vinny's Aquatics for the neon sign.

If you've read this far, you really do ROCK!!!