Hello Ken I've kept several different species of jewels, some in bare tanks and some in planted tanks. I never had a problem with my cristatus in my planted 55 gallon tank. I never noticed them eating the plants. I do know they did some major digging or gravel moving to make their pit to put the fry into so they could guard them. But not plant eating or destroying, so my experience says go ahead and put them into a planted tank. John ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com. For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help, email apisto-request@listbox.com. Search http://altavista.digital.com for "Apistogramma Mailing List Archives"!