Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlids

[-SPB-]

I'm looking at getting some cockatoo dwarfs for my tank, really like the colours, and i'm also looking for some more fish to brighten up my tank. I've had a look at a couple of sites for info but would like some info from people who may have them. This is my current stocking:

3 clown loaches
2 Sino's (Synodontis eupterus)
2 Angels
1 Ram
1 BlackGhost Knife
1 Pleco
3 CAE's (small)
1 opaline gourami
1 Black Skirt Tetra
5 Marble Hatchets
1 Rainbow Shark

There are also a couple of other fish but they are just lodging as they became homeless due to a tank collapse. My current filter is a rena filstar xp 2, but i'm going to upgrade to a tetratec 1200 in a couple of days. My tank size is 120cm L x 40.5cm W x 70.5cm H.

Am i overstocked, what problems if any would they cause to other fish in my tank. I'm thinking there may be some problems with the ram. Some advice would be great as i don't want to cause any unnecessary stress to my fish.

 

[Matt_northants]

What are your synos? These might be a problem. Depending on your tank decor I think you could have trouble with the Black Ghost, Ram and Rainbow Shark.

 

[-SPB-]

Synodontis eupterus (i think weve been here on tropical chat lol!!). I know the ram may cause problems, i'll maybe do a bit more research on the rainbow and black gosht. With the black ghost, do you reckon the problem is because he's a predator??

Your help is much appreciated mate, thanks.

 

[Matt_northants]

Yeah Black Ghost have massive mouths and when you get any dwarf cichlid the males are about 1.5inches and the females 1inch which is about snack size! How big is your black ghost? If its anything over 5 inches I wouldnt add any small fish to your tank. Yeah I think we taled about your synodontis eupterus on another forum LOL that'll teach me to pay attention.

 

[-SPB-]

LOL!!! I'd say he's about no more than 4 inches. then search continues for my mid to top dweller to liven up my tank.

 

[Matt_northants]

The male cockatoo will go in all layers but the female will hug the bottom. Have you thought about penguins or pencilfish?

 

[-SPB-]

I'm looking for something a bit more colourful. The pengiun and pencilfish are nice but not what i'm looking for. I Suppose i am limited with the fish i've already got in there.

 

[Matt_northants]

Pencilfish not colourful? Maybe not in the shops but when you get them into a nice settled tank with plenty of plants they look great, Beckfordi are dark grey on the top with a gold strip underneath, with a black stripe and then a silver stripe. The males also have bright red on the bottom.
Or how about some Congo Tetras?

 

[-SPB-]

would the pencilfish be to small, considering i've got the black ghost knife fish. It is colourfull, but worried about the size.

 

[doubledee]

I have brown (hockeystick/diptail) pencil fish in my tank and although they're not the brightest colours, they're fascinating fish. I wish I could get some more. If you have a look at the dwarf, beckfordi and marginatus maortenthaleri (coral reds) they have some cracking colours especially the coral reds but they're about £8 each!!!! They usually hang out at the top of the tank near the surface and only really venture down for feeding and spawning. My diptails spawn after nearly every water change but the eggs are quickly snapped up.....

If you ever fancy getting apistos, speak to Mark Breeze at micromania. Cracking fish and great prices (delivery as well!)

 

[Matt_northants]

The pencils should be ok as they stay near the top and the black ghost stays near they bottom. The only reason I dont have one is because I was worried about my female apisto so I traded it in.