Cichlids for this tank?

[merc22nyc]

55 US Gallon:

1 Female Pearl Gourami
1 Male Dwarf Gourami
7 Neon Dwarf Rainbows (Praecox)

Tank Parameters:

pH: 6.2 - 6.3
GH: 40ppm
KH: 20ppm
Ni: 0
Na: 5 - 10
Am: 0

Plenty of hiding spots, caves and plants (plastic, not live), has three airstones.

I have never had any Cichlids before and would love to give this a try if possible.

I was thinking of some American Cichlids as they have a significantly lower pH and would do better in my softer and acidic water. I was hoping to get like three more decent sized fish to be the centerpiece of the tank. All of these sound and look very interesting: Severum, Altum Angel, Scalare Angel, Thread-finned Cichlid, Waroo, Blue Acara, or Port Acara. If I decide to stay on the smaller side I was thinking of blue rams, bolivian rams, dwarf flag, firemouth, or rainbow cichlid.

Anyone have any suggesstions? Is this a bad idea? Compatibility issues? Thanks in advance for any input.

[Lupin]

How about some apistogrammas or German Blue Rams?:) They're quite peaceful and will suit your tank well.

[Nolapete]

55 US Gallon:

1 Female Pearl Gourami
1 Male Dwarf Gourami
7 Neon Dwarf Rainbows (Praecox)

Tank Parameters:

pH: 6.2 - 6.3
GH: 40ppm
KH: 20ppm
Ni: 0
Na: 5 - 10
Am: 0

Plenty of hiding spots, caves and plants (plastic, not live), has three airstones.

I have never had any Cichlids before and would love to give this a try if possible.

I was thinking of some American Cichlids as they have a significantly lower pH and would do better in my softer and acidic water. I was hoping to get like three more decent sized fish to be the centerpiece of the tank. All of these sound and look very interesting: Severum, Altum Angel, Scalare Angel, Thread-finned Cichlid, Waroo, Blue Acara, or Port Acara. If I decide to stay on the smaller side I was thinking of blue rams, bolivian rams, dwarf flag, firemouth, or rainbow cichlid.

Anyone have any suggesstions? Is this a bad idea? Compatibility issues? Thanks in advance for any input.

Atlum are extremely difficult. I wouldn't suggest them.

Scalare would be fine since you want 3.

Severum would be ok. Consider the redheaded ones.

Have no idea what thread-finned and waroo are and I've kept cichlids for 30 years, so use the associated scientific name please.

firemouths get 5" plus, so not a small cichlid, as do rainbow cichlids, ports, blue acaras

curviceps/dwarf flag are great and they stay small
http://www.tropicalresources.net/phpBB2/fish_profiles_curviceps.php

[scott-kim]

I always suggest keyholes and Laetacara curviceps, dorsigerus. Rams would work as would a severum.
According to Axelrod a thread fin is a heckelli- there too mean for your setup. What is a waroo? Common names are confusing unless its a common cichlid (convict, firemouth, dempsey). i was reading an article about a "many pointed cichlid" it was confusing until I saw a picture, its a grammodes. Im not in any way suggesting a grammodes, its just a example of confusing "common" names.

[MySpace Mike]

I would suggest some dwarf cichlids from south/central america, or severums would work.

[wataugachicken]

waroo = uaru

threadfin = Petrochromis trewavasae

[merc22nyc]

Hey all,

Thanks for the suggesstions. Sorry about the common names.

Here are the scientic names for the fish I am considering:

Uaru amphiacanthoides (Waroo or Uara)
Acarichthys heckelii (Thread-finned Cychlid). I won't consider this fish based on your advice.

Are all of the Apisto's a good fit in my tank? Here are some that I find very interesting:

Apistogramma bitaeniata (Banded Apisto)
Apistogramma cacatuoides (Cackatoo Apisto)
Apistogramma gossei (Gosse's Apisto)
Apistogramma macmasteri (Macmaster's Apisto)
Apistogramma trifasciata (Three-striped Apisto)

I would really like to get three medium sized fish (about five inches or so)...preferably all different if that is possible. I know cichlids like to be paired off, so I was wondering if any of these could be content, happy and healthy by themselves (without a potential mate)? For instance, is it possible to have a Severum, an Angel and a Blue Acara?

I really appreciate all the feedback. Thanks in advance :)

[jpappy789]

Apistos would do great...IMO any dwarf cichlid species would

[Rbishop]

Sevs, rams, apistos...

[jm1212]

Have no idea what thread-finned and waroo are and I've kept cichlids for 30 years, so use the associated scientific name please.
waroo are uaru i believe

check out festivum. they would be a great addition to your tank.

[Visualeyes2]

rams look cool. i was at the lfs yesterday and saw some. they are very distinguished looking.