180L South American Cichlid/Fish Stocking

[cichlidphilosopher]

Hi Team,

I have a 180L freshwater planted aquarium with driftwood and gravel as a substrate. Currently I have it stocked with 20 Neon Tetras and 3 Starlight Plecos (fry). I am considering adding a few cichlids. Perhaps 2 Apistogrammas? Or something slightly bigger at around 10-12cm with a peaceful temperment?

Also wanting to add 6-8 Gold Laser Corydoras. Any suggestions?

Thanks you!

- Cichlidphilosopher

 

[Colin_T]

What are the tank dimensions (length x width x height)?

What is the GH (general hardness), KH (carbonate hardness) and pH of your water supply?
This information can usually be obtained from your water supply company's website (Water Analysis Report) or by telephoning them. If they can't help you, take a glass full of tap water to the local pet shop and get them to test it for you. Write the results down (in numbers) when they do the tests. And ask them what the results are in (eg: ppm, dGH, or something else).

 

[cichlidphilosopher]

What are the tank dimensions (length x width x height)?

What is the GH (general hardness), KH (carbonate hardness) and pH of your water supply?
This information can usually be obtained from your water supply company's website (Water Analysis Report) or by telephoning them. If they can't help you, take a glass full of tap water to the local pet shop and get them to test it for you. Write the results down (in numbers) when they do the tests. And ask them what the results are in (eg: ppm, dGH, or something else).

Hi, dimensions as follows: 101cm (W) x 50cm (H) x 41cm (D).

Please find stated water supply below:
pH: 7.9
Total/General Hardness: 55.0mg/L

Was unable to find Carbonate Hardness but my kit says 35.8ppm for supply water
My pH test also says 7.0.
Unfortunately, do not have a GH test.

Edit: I take it alkalinity is KH? If so 60mg/L as stated from the water analysis report

 

[Colin_T]

You have very soft water (low GH & KH) so Apistogrammas and Corydoras will be fine. The tank is also big enough for a pair of dwarf cichlids and the 8 Cories.

Apistogramma cacatuoides are a nice fish that would work well in your tank. If you want something bigger, then blue acara or keyhole cichlids. However, the A. cacatuoides would be my choice.

A lot of water companies call KH alkalinity or total alkalinity.

 

[cichlidphilosopher]

You have very soft water (low GH & KH) so Apistogrammas and Corydoras will be fine. The tank is also big enough for a pair of dwarf cichlids and the 8 Cories.

Apistogramma cacatuoides are a nice fish that would work well in your tank. If you want something bigger, then blue acara or keyhole cichlids. However, the A. cacatuoides would be my choice.

A lot of water companies call KH alkalinity or total alkalinity.

Although I love the blue acara, I am concerned about their potential territorial behaviour. I would not be wanting my school of neon tetras to become a meal for the acaras. Do you think it is possible to integrate 2 blue acaras with a school of 20 neons? The A. cacatuoides is the safe bet which I am leading towards as I can guarantee it will keep my neons comfortable.

 

[Colin_T]

If you add 2 small blue acaras they will grow up with the neons and should be fine.

 

[GaryE]

I had two tried with blue acaras, and one ended in tetra terror. If you get an aggressive one, they can do damage. There are many better options.

Mikrogeophagus altispinosum
any Apistogramma
Nannacara anomala

would head my list.

 

[Magnum Man]

I have some Bolivian Rams in a similar tank I’m setting up, they stay near the bottom, and pretty much keep to themselves… the rest of the Ram family should also be suitable ( I have electric blue rams in another tank ) and they do not stay on the bottom, but are fine with all the tetras in that tank…

 

[GaryE]

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi rams (standard rams, blue rams etc) wouldn't be a good choice, as they have the discus problem - they like their water hot. Neons like their water tropical cool. That's why I'd suggest altispinosum (Bolivians in some markets) as their temperature and water needs are closer to neons and Corydoras.