Help With Community Fish

[melvinator]

hi all after much needed advice about my previous tank that cracked im about to purchase another tank today again 5ft x 2ft x 2ft fingers crossed with this one.

my partner and i are hoping for bit advice with community fish as we were going to get cichlids(malawi) however after going shop today i dont think this is what we really want.

we are looking for fish that are around 4-6 inch that can go with one another. i dont mind other fish either being slightly bigger or smaller to have a good mixture and variety but i dont want fish bullied nipped or eaten by others.

we just mainly want difference in colours and mixed variety

we already have 3ft tank set up in dining room for smaller fish tetras guppys etc but i want that kept for small fish or if my bigger fish breed i have smaller tank to give the fish the start they need to grow

any ideas any good experiences or bad experiencces im all ears and grateful for any help. i am researching but just wondered if someone had a nice set up of similar variety

 

[ncguppy830]

many Gouramis species are peaceful and can get to that size, IE 3 spot Gourami, Pearl ETC.

 

[wrightt3]

Why not try some of the American cichlids instead of Africans?
They are far more interesting and interactive.
Perhaps Something like this?
-1 vieja of some sort
-1 jack Dempsey
-2 Firemouths
-2 Sajica cichlids
or
-4 angelfish
-2 Festivums
-2 blue acaras
-2 Plecos of some sort (no larger than 12")

 

[petfishbreeder]

Hi,
 
Yes there are lots of Central American cichlids that would go well in a 5 foot tank although you'll need to research them because quite a few get a good bit more than 4 - 6 inches. If you have the right water conditions how about trying a Discus tank since they are generally quite peaceful. Provided you can supply soft slightly acid water at around 80 degrees and do regular water changes they are not as difficult to keep as they used to be and certainly make a great show tank.
 
With a 5 foot tank you have lots of scope. I suggest you do some research on central and south american cichlids and see what takes your fancy.

 

[OcTiCs]

Maby African Cichlids, most of them dont get very big and they not really that aggressive , most any ways.