In message , NetMax
writes
my question snipped
Anchor a sprig of Hornwort to some rockwork. With time, it will slowly
expand to fill the surface, providing 3 functions. It acts as a nitrate
sponge (reducing your water change requirements), it shades the rocks and
substrate (reducing the algae there), it provides an unobtrusive place
for algae to grow (on older sections of the Hornwort which can be easily
mechanically removed and thrown away),

OK, my only concern at this stage is that if it's going to provide
shade, then my tank will be even darker than it is now. I was hoping to
up the lighting levels as it looks a bit gloomy at the moment.

How does Hornwort compare in effectiveness to Java Moss ? I have a fair
bit in there at the moment. My other tank seems to be growing it faster
than the cichlids in this tank can eat it, so I have a ready supply.
Would this do the same job ? It has the advantage that it can easily be
stuffed in cracks to anchor it and it doesn't seem to drop bits.

and it provides a more secure
ambient for the mbuna (similar to the effect of having ditherfish).

Do I need ditherfish ? No-one suggested that to me when setting up the
tank. It was always a cichlid-only set up.

I have quite a lot of hiding places for the fish, perhaps too many !!
Would that provide enough of a secure feeling for them, or are the
ditherfish important ?

Thanx for the advice

--
Alan Silver
PSG Fish Tanks - http://fish.alansilver.co.uk/