Is This Ok For Stocking A 55 Gallon

[Davo86]

OK, very interesting.
Which among that most peaceful group..
(Blue Rams, Bolivain Rams, Keyholes, apistos)
would work as a pair in, say, a 28 or 29g tall or 30g?

And, while we're at it, how low a volume could be go with each of these 4 types?
(given appropriate overall stocking reductions.. in other words considering mosly the tank size/shape/ornamentation needs of the cichlids)
(what I'm getting at is a better understanding of what would make good recommendations for the large number of beginners who are looking for "centerpiece" pairs in smaller tanks with mostly peaceful (neons, rasboras etc. as you say) communities overall.. just seems a steady call for this type of advice here.)

~~waterdrop~~
ps. (thanks for the effort Davo!)

Blue Rams are by far the most sensitive species so for them a stable environment is a must,
IMO the tank needs to be at around 4-6months old before they are considered and i would say that experienced fishkeepers could keep them in a 15USG, although i wouldn't suggest anything under a 20USG for anyone who is new to fish keeping.
These generally max out at around 3inches

Apistos cover a number of similar species, tank size should be minimum of 20G and these should be kept in a trio of 1M/2F.

Bolivian Rams can be kept in 20USG quite comfortable but personally i would be keeping them in a tank nearer the 30USG mark, They grow to 4inches at once they are settled will be quite active in the tank, hence why i believe bigger is better.

Keyholes IMO need at least 30USG, and unlike the other species listed here divide their time between all levels of the tank, (top,middle and bottom) which makes them a good choice for tall tanks. They grow to around 4-5inches.

 

[williamc]

well this is what i was planning for stocking
8 tigerbarbs
6 corycats 3 albanio,3 leaprod
4 bolivian rams
4-5 columbian tetras
1 rubberlip/bulldog pleco
does that sound good
could I get anymore fish

 

[Davo86]

Setup sounds ok, make sure there are a number of caves/hiding places etc for the Rams to build territories around.
I would also make a note of adding the Tiger barbs last as there is no guarantee that these will play nice, you have a good number though so fingers crossed.

As for adding more fish, You are pretty much at full stocking already, (just over the 1inch per gallon rule infact)

 

[williamc]

thanks yeah I will make alot of hidie holes and caves to play and make territories in