Stocking Opinions Needed!

[mrvillicus]

[background=rgb(231, 234, 239)]Chaps and chapettes, again, im stuck. I now have a fluval roma 240 55gal with an APS 2000EF. In it I have 10 columbian tetra and 2 blue acara, the decor will be some beautiful manzanita that Ive got on order from america and sand.[/background]

[background=rgb(231, 234, 239)]Now to my problem...stocking, i cannot decide on the following[/background]

[background=rgb(231, 234, 239)]The peaceful colourful tank...tetra, acara, 5 discus[/background]
[background=rgb(231, 234, 239)]The crazy hardnut cichlid tank...cichlasoma festae x2 Salvini x2 GTx1 maybe 2 convicts (space permitting)[/background]
[background=rgb(231, 234, 239)]The discus tank....7 discus only[/background]
[background=rgb(231, 234, 239)]The Mixed tank....1x red severum, 2xfiremouth, 4 angels[/background]

[background=rgb(231, 234, 239)]I just cant decide, I want colour more than anything and reasonably sized fish. Im aware of discus requirements and compatability issues of the other fish so please simply advise which or what stock list you'd go for, thanks Ben[/background]

 

[Wills]

Tanks not big enough for a Festae or the Severum. You will probably have issues with a GT with other fish in there as well.

I dont know a great deal about discus but I dont think that Blue Acaras would thrive in the high temperatures they need. Also unsure of the Colombian Tetras at those temps just seems a bit high?

I would def forget your crazy hard nut tank - unless you get a much bigger tank 180 gallon + but get the tank first then get the fish not the other way round because life happens and you might not get the tank as quickly as you would plan.

With the Blue Acaras and the Colombian Tetras maybe a mix like this?

2 Blue Acaras
4-5 Cupid Cichlids (maybe buy a larger group of 8/9 youngsters and try to grow out a number of adults to a smaller group)
10 Columbian Tetras
3-4 Pictus Catfish

Wills

 

[mrvillicus]

thanks wills, it seems my knowledge needed updating1 Ive researched and your right my suggestions are way off so Im going to start off new, My tanks been up and running for 2 months with nitrates being the only thing present, I'll be going with cichlids and as much colour as will allow, Im very limited due to tank size so careful stocking is the key I think. I'll start with 2 Salvini cichlid and then see what others, there arent many I know but I'll look :

 

[Wills]

Not to sure on how two Sals will work with BAs - never kept them but hear very very different things about them - some are out right mental others are as laid back as anything. Just see how it goes but as with any iffy mix keep an eye on them and have a back up plan/tank

Wills