Help Needed On Re-Stock

[Ebbo]

Hi, I have let this tank run down over the last few years since having kids and no time for anything else. My prized angel ('Sid') owns the tank, with only a breeding pair of bristle noses as company.

Now that my son is old enough to possibly choose his very own fish for the tank, I wanted to get some help and advice in guiding him in the right direction.

The tank is 40 gallons, and quite deep from back to front and bottom to top. I'm not looking for small or shoaling fish, we want another 'pet'. I used to keep fire mouths and key holes with Sid and he got on with them fine, but after being alone for so long now I am worried that we may just end up upsetting him if we add more medium sized fish.

My waters ph is a tad below neutral, and kept at a constant 26 Celsius.

Any advice or suggestions most welcome!

 

[frapadoodle]

Corys! Gotta have corys.
You could try hatchets if you have a tight lid.
I know from experience that schooling/shoaling fish are hit and miss with angels.

 

[Ebbo]

Thanks for the suggestion, however I have to admit I'm not a fan of Cory's and was hoping to get something a but bigger, and also that uses all of the tank or at least is a mid swimmer.

 

[allydawn17]

Maybe 1 (or more, I'm not sure how many would fit in your 40 gallon) Pearl Gourami?

 

[Primous]

Perhaps A trio of Discus? In terms of "pets" they would meet the criteria as they are quite striking in colour. Below is a pic taken from a competition thread on this forum. The yellow faced red bodied discuss looks gorgeous to me...
 

 

[Ninjouzata]

I wouldn't stick such large fish like Discus into anything less than a 55g.
 
So you're wanting one somewhat large fish?

 

[frapadoodle]

Not a fan of corys!!!
That's it you're off the Christmas card list.
A mid swimmer with an established angel, hmm.

 

[Ninjouzata]

Oi I didn't notice there was already an angel, sorry.

 

[Ebbo]

Thanks, I think in the US the tank is a 55G (due to our difference in measurement - the tank measurements are 40"x20"x20") but any how I don't think Discus are the right choice for us due to expense, I've seen them in our local MA for a high price.
 
I'm after something a bit like what we have had in the past, Firemouths or Keyholes, something similar to them. My key requirement is that I do not upset Sid (the angel), that is the last thing I want to do! 
 
Maybe I just stick with what I know (and Sid knows), and get a few Keyholes.. But I was really hoping there might be an alternative..

 

[Seal36]

I had some keyholes before and i must say i did not like them. compared to other cichlids there behaviour is not as exciting and the colour on them is very boring compared to others. Thats just my opinion you might like them but I did not get along with them from Tom

 

[Antoniakr]

I heard Kribensis Cichlid are good with Angels. i have heard a few people with them both together and it being fine. i dont know about the fish, but they look beautiful

 

[Ruskull]

How about Bolivian Rams?  Not sure about the parameters but 2 or 3 would be nice in a 40 gallon with an Angel if the temp, pH, etc. work out.

 

[frapadoodle]

Agree with Ruskull, my Bolivians are a hoot.
Only saw Kribs once locally, boy howdy what lookers. Can't say about personaliries though.

 

[Ruskull]

I heard that Kribs can be nasty, especially when breeding or when you keep them in small tanks.  Never had them though.
 
Bolivian Rams aren't bad at all, in fact they will chase each other a bit but I've never seen any damage and they basically leave all the other fish alone.

 

[Ebbo]

Although rams are good looking and fun to watch, I think they require softer water. My tap water is fairly hard and although it softens in the tank over time, I think water changes may be too stressful for the little blighters.

After having a good search around, and looking in to all of your suggestions, I am still really unsure - may just go and look around a few LFS and ask lots of questions!!