Empty tank and I'm thinking about chiclids.......

[jenratico]

I have an empty 20gallon high tank that I'm considering options for. I would like to have some action in all regions of the tank but it is not absolutely necessary. I've never kept any chiclids, but am intriqued by buiding a tank around either:

1. Tanganyikan shell dwellers: recommendations for species that would work in this tank? If a shell bed as well as some higher rock work, are there other fish I could keep in the tank as well (like Julidochromis transcriptus - I read that they might work as tankmates for some shellies, but would it work in this tank size?

or

2. Apistogramma: recomendations for a species that is not too aggressive (maybe cacatuoides?) and possible tank mates to fill out other regions. Also, what substrates, decor, plants etc. are recommended? Anyone successfully using leaf litter? What kinds of leaves?

This will be in the main room of the house, so I want it to be both interesting and pretty :)

[Brian Bivens]

I am doing a 20 long right now with Neolamprologus Gracilis. They look very nice, and will have fry of different ages all together, as a cloud in the tank.

[jm1212]

i think your tank would look great as an apisto tank. cacatuoies, steindachneri, nijsseni and viejita come to mind

[jenratico]

i think your tank would look great as an apisto tank. cacatuoies, steindachneri, nijsseni and viejita come to mind

All together? How many of each?

[severum mama]

Not all together- you would need to choose a species and stick with that. Some apistos do well in pairs, while others are harem spawners, so be sure to research the species that you choose. Njsseni are reportedly very difficult to spawn in captivity, so I've been told. All apistos are beautiful so I'm sure you'll enjoy whichever species you choose.

[jpappy789]

A colony of n. multifaciatus would look nice. The tank would be simple...sand bottom with lots of shells. Julies work as tank mates but I find that there is some commotion even in my 55. I always recommend a larger tank when mixing them...