Aps 250L Stocking? Angels/elliotti/others?

[Mcbenthy]

Hey all!

I'm planning a planted tank that was originally going to be SA Cichlids, however due to a move to an area with fairly hard water (pH 7.6, GH = 13 out the tap), I'm thinking CA may be more suitable.

The plan is to have a well planted back corner with a triangle scape due to the location of the tank in the living room (it will be in a corner, so the corner surrounded by walla will be fully planted, trailing off towards the viewing area).

I'm wondering what people think stocking wise?

I'm considering a large school of Rummynose (20ish), plenty of Cories (all dependant on costs etc - as many as i can really!), some swordtails/plattys (partly because they are fun, partly for the surface, and partly as a occasional live food 'treat' from their spawning).

The centre piece fish will be a Cichlid, I was thinking about some Ellioti now considering my water rather than angels. Should I get 6(?) and grow them out, hoping for a pair to form, and then could I keep the 6, or would I be best rehoming the 4 others? I would also like some apisto/other dwarf cichlid, but I'm unsure whether that will cause serious fighting.

Any inputs? The main consideration apart from their suitability for the tank, is the location of the tank. It is a quiet corner, but in a fairly busy room (although I live alone I do have guests several times a week).

Cheers!

 

[Sammy1911]

how big is the tank...? planted... sand or gravel?

 

[Mcbenthy]

how big is the tank...? planted... sand or gravel?

In title - ' 1027 x 477 x 745 mm / 40" x 18.8" x 29" ' - 250L (W x D x H)

As I said, planted with a corner/triangle scape - so there will be a large amount of clear water on the right as you look at it

due to the cories it will be either sand or a fine gravel for their barbels.

 

[minnnt]

It's a ittle small for 6 Ellioti. Tank bred Angel fish would be fine in your water and would probably be a better choice over the Ellioti. You could then stock the pair or hareem of Apistogramma as they will occupy the bottom where as the Angels will control the open, upper waters. The shoal of Tetra's would be fine as will the Cories. Check for temperature ranges of the ones you get. Most Cories prefer cooler waters as will the Swordtails/Platys.

Sand all the way too.

 

[Mcbenthy]

It's a ittle small for 6 Ellioti. Tank bred Angel fish would be fine in your water and would probably be a better choice over the Ellioti. You could then stock the pair or hareem of Apistogramma as they will occupy the bottom where as the Angels will control the open, upper waters. The shoal of Tetra's would be fine as will the Cories. Check for temperature ranges of the ones you get. Most Cories prefer cooler waters as will the Swordtails/Platys.

Sand all the way too.

Cheers! would a pair of Ellioti be good there? When you say Angelfish, how many?

Temperature, pH etc will all be checked that they are suitable first ofc

 

[minnnt]

I would be happy to keep 6 in the tank as juvenile/sub adults then observe their behaviour as they mature. Remove any as needed.

Ellioti's are pretty aggressive towards each other unless you have a mated pair.

 

[Mcbenthy]

I would be happy to keep 6 in the tank as juvenile/sub adults then observe their behaviour as they mature. Remove any as needed.

Ellioti's are pretty aggressive towards each other unless you have a mated pair.

That's what I meant to ask a mated pair, not just 2 random fish

I have seen several mated pairs up for sale, or I could buy a group of youngsters and remove all but 2 when I see a pair develop (if this is bad suggestion, please say so, there is a lack of info regarding this online)

6 and remove as neccessary for the angels sounds good to me though. I am really torn between the angels and the Ellioti, the plan was originally to have angels, but the pics I have seen of Ellioti whilst looking at Cichlids from harder water are all beautiful!

 

[minnnt]

Would you consider other options over Ellioti? Mine was a fantastic fish, but pretty aggressive. Well, bossy more than aggressive. Angels can be pretty dopey and slow to move out of the way of any attacks etc.

Bolivian Rams, Keyholes, Rainbow Cichlids, Apistogramma, Nannacara, Laetacara etc are all options open to you.

 

[Mcbenthy]

Would you consider other options over Ellioti? Mine was a fantastic fish, but pretty aggressive. Well, bossy more than aggressive. Angels can be pretty dopey and slow to move out of the way of any attacks etc.

Bolivian Rams, Keyholes, Rainbow Cichlids, Apistogramma, Nannacara, Laetacara etc are all options open to you.

Of course, they are just quite stunning! haha

I'm still very open to the idea of a group of angels with some dwarfs on the bottom (bolivians or apistos, Nannacara and Laetacara are new to me! )

I've heard loads of good things about Keyholes, but they look quite drab in comparison to all of the others mentioned...

 

[minnnt]

Keyholes are my favourite fish, so you won't hear me say a bad word about them. Lol.

If your wanting a bit more colour then look towards Apistogramma's. Cacatuoides are probably the most common and are available in a range of morphs now. Agassizzi are also great. The 'Fire Red' strain is probably the brightest dwarf cichlid available.

Bolivians are quite drab in the shops, but once settled they are a sight to behold.

 

[Mcbenthy]

Keyholes are my favourite fish, so you won't hear me say a bad word about them. Lol.

If your wanting a bit more colour then look towards Apistogramma's. Cacatuoides are probably the most common and are available in a range of morphs now. Agassizzi are also great. The 'Fire Red' strain is probably the brightest dwarf cichlid available.

Bolivians are quite drab in the shops, but once settled they are a sight to behold.

Well then I'm currently thinking, 6 Angels (removed as neccessary), some Apistos (depending on whats availiable from local breeders) and a pair of bolivians? (would the bolivians be ok there - thats a lot of cichlids!)

 

[minnnt]

That will be fine. Angels will occupy the top of the tank and the Rams and Apisto's will spend most of the time towards the bottom.

 

[Mcbenthy]

That will be fine. Angels will occupy the top of the tank and the Rams and Apisto's will spend most of the time towards the bottom.

haha, right below this piece of info is your sig - a picture of 3 (beautiful!) angels, hiding on the bottom haha

Man, I'm so torn!!! too many pretty fish! What are your views re stocking and location of the Rainbows?

I may have to shoot for another 3 tanks at this rate!haha

 

[minnnt]

Lmao! Haha! That was their first hour in my tank. they hardly visit the bottom now, its too active. Which Rainbows?

 

[Mcbenthy]

Lmao! Haha! That was their first hour in my tank. they hardly visit the bottom now, its too active. Which Rainbows?

Rainbow Cichlids - I refuse to look at rainbow fish because the few times I have I've really liked them too!haha!

And I'm aware it was, I've been keeping up on your journals