beautylovetruth Posted August 8, 2013 Report Share Posted August 8, 2013 Hi all, Been a little while since I was here last! I purchased a standard sized 55 gallon aquarium a while back and am getting into the planning stages of what I'd like to have in it. This will be a show aquarium for my dining/living room and I would like to have cichlids in it. Unfortunately I'm torn as to what to go with. I'm thinking of a dwarf tank with rams, mixed varieties, with an angel or two (or gouramis) for show and a few schools of tetras. This would be a calm show tank that I would be extending from my current community tank with the same set up (rams, tetras and gourami). I was considering making this a planted tank with easy to care for low light plants, lots of caves and aquascaping. OR A more aggressive tank consisting of Aulonocara, Copadichromis, Julidochromis, Labidochromis and Neolamps (fairy). Not too sure if I would put in all of these species, input is certainly welcome. This tank would have the rocky, pebbly bottom that are meant for these cichlids. I'm open to any thoughts and ideas, so please send them my way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremoose Posted August 8, 2013 Report Share Posted August 8, 2013 If you haven't had one before, you won't be disappointed with the personalities of more aggressive Cichlids. That being said, prepare to fish a few dead Cichlids out until you get the right amount of overstocking for an African Cichlid tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted August 9, 2013 Report Share Posted August 9, 2013 I'd prefer a heavily planted tank with peaceful school fish. I think that'd be a more attractive view than cichilds fighting each other while having a family meal! heh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted August 9, 2013 Report Share Posted August 9, 2013 IMO, a 55 is a little small for Peacocks and Haps; however, the smaller Tangs would be nice - lots of rockwork, maybe an open area with some shellies! Or a rock mountain with a bunch of smaller Mbuna (Yellow Labs, Saulosi, Rusty's...) could work great. That all being said, I too love the planted look with smaller SA fish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beautylovetruth Posted September 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2013 Thanks for the input guys! We're going to be going with the planted tank, looking for low light low maintenance plants now, particularly grasses and java ferns. Any suggestions on plants or top level fish that could go with a dwarf gourami? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deano85 Posted September 3, 2013 Report Share Posted September 3, 2013 If it were me, Id get two huge schools of pygmy corys and ember tetras like 30 each. You could go with dwarf gouramis or dwarf sa cichlids (apistos,rams,nannacars). For plants id recommend java fern, anubias and cryptocoryne wendtii. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperGuppyGirl Posted September 4, 2013 Report Share Posted September 4, 2013 How about hatchetfish? I've read of a lot of people keeping them with Honey Gouramis and dwarfs. Haven't tried personally as I tend to focus on bottom dwellers lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beautylovetruth Posted September 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2013 If it were me, Id get two huge schools of pygmy corys and ember tetras like 30 each. You could go with dwarf gouramis or dwarf sa cichlids (apistos,rams,nannacars). For plants id recommend java fern, anubias and cryptocoryne wendtii. Good suggestions! I would think the corys and rams get along.. am I right on that front? I would like to do gouramis, tetras and rams as I currently have that setup in a smaller tank. The plant suggestions seem good to go too, thanks! How about hatchetfish? I've read of a lot of people keeping them with Honey Gouramis and dwarfs. Haven't tried personally as I tend to focus on bottom dwellers lol. Not too sure if the aesthetic of them is for me but thanks for the suggestion! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flash_oesc Posted September 4, 2013 Report Share Posted September 4, 2013 I just got my first group of cories...and I'm hooked. This is going to get expensive They are frickin cute! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperGuppyGirl Posted September 4, 2013 Report Share Posted September 4, 2013 I have 6 gold rams in a 75 G with 15+ each hastatus/habrosus/pygmaseous, strangely enough the rams are braver with the dwarf corys as well as vice versa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremoose Posted September 6, 2013 Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 Ember Tetras, Rams, Corys... Sounds like an awesome planted tank idea. Could also check out some Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish! Are you going to be at the next auction to pick some of this stuff up or what??! Didn't see you at the last one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beautylovetruth Posted September 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2013 Yeah Jeremy I'll be at the next auction, have to plant the tank and get some stock I think that we've finally decided on SOMETHING haha We want the community tank with a show fish (or two) for the top level, like a few angels. The hubby likes the idea of having large fish in the bigger tank and I agree that we should take the opportunity to show off the tank that way. So far we've agreed to a mix of rams and cories on the bottom, angels on top (if they'll work) *if not gouramis* but we can't agree on a middle fish. We're looking for a colourful, compatible companion! (Say that three times fast!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruno Posted September 17, 2013 Report Share Posted September 17, 2013 Not sure how they would fair with the angelfish, but what about rummynose tetra? I love the red nose and the black and white tail makes a great contrast plus they look great schooling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.