Restocking 38 Gallon

[SuckerLove86]

Hey all, I'm back!

A long while back I had a devastating tank infestation that wipe out all the inhabitants of my 38 gallon tank save for one four inch Striped Raphael. After I don't even know how long, I've decided to do a total overhaul on it after falling from the fishkeeping practice. The Raphael is very much still alive and well.

But I'm at a loss as to what to start over from. It's a 38 gallon planted tank running two Nutrafin co2 systems alternately, heating, and an internal Whisper 40 filter, complete with a beneficial bacteria colony established.

I'd really like for the so-called "centerpiece" fish to be a pair of German Blue Rams, but understand that local water is hard and I'm hesitant about tampering with it.

I'm open to suggestions, people. I understand that fishkeeping is just as much art as it is science, and like art I understand I need different perspectives on this. So lemme know yours.

Thanks ahead of time guys!

 

[dwarfgourami]

Would you be able to get Bolivian Rams instead (microgeophagus altispinosus)? They are said to be quite a bit hardier? Not sure how kribs would go with your catfish- otherwise they are very attractive fish. (maybe you could ask in the African cichlids forum). Or if you don't insist on cichlids (though there must be more), there are nice gouramis that would go- maybe a pearl, or a trio of honeys?

 

[SuckerLove86]

The Bolivian Rams look like a nice alternative to the Blue Rams. Thanks for that tip. Some of the info I'm finding on them says that they prefer a sandy substrate, which is good cause that's exactly what I have. Anyone have any experience to back that up or make any more suggestions?