Checkerboard Cichlid vs. Licorice Gourami in my 55 gallon (pics provided)

[biohish]

Hey Guys,

I have been racking my brain for the last couple of months deciding on the final couple of fish to inhabit my 55 gallon tank.

It is heavily planted, soft sand bottom with real Malaysian drift wood organized in a way to make a few cave holes and tunnels.

Currently there are:

2 medium angelfish (mated pair)
9 golden white clouds
2 zebra otos
1 yellow king tiger pleco L333

The tank uses a CO2 system and a substrate heater to cycle the nutrients for the plant roots and to circulate oxygen through the sand so that the sand does not stagnate.

the water levels are:

ph 6.6-6.8
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
nitrate 0
soft R/O water
liquid fertilizer used minimally every 2-3 weeks

here are some pics of the tank:
http://scilitera.com/55gallon/PICT1691.JPG
http://scilitera.com/55gallon/PICT1656.JPG
http://scilitera.com/55gallon/PICT1695.JPG
http://scilitera.com/55gallon/PICT1609.JPG
http://scilitera.com/55gallon/PICT1627.JPG
http://scilitera.com/55gallon/PICT1688.JPG



So finally to my question:

I want to house 2-3 more smaller fish for the mid to lower levels. Ideally a pair (male and female). I was looking into the Checkerboard cichlid, D. Filamentosus. They get to about 2 inches and form a pair quite nicely. Are peaceful and bottom dwelling mostly.

I was also looking towards 2 or 3 licorice gouramis, will munch on some of the hair algae that the otos dont really like. But I heard the licorice gouramis can be very sensitive, like all gouramis. Plus, the cichlid originates from south america just like the angelfish, pleco and otos that reside in the tank right now. But, the checkerboard cichlid is very had to find (I am talking about the lyretail variety).

Once either of the above fish are added to my tank it is DONE. The tank will be relatively understocked compared to most tanks kept by people these days, and has the look of being empty because of the various plants and wood (as can be seen from the pictures above).

Look forward for some advice.

Thanks.

Hisham

[dirtydawg10]

Are you sure your tank is cycled...I thought there should be some nitrates if it is cycled? How long has your tank been up and running?

[biohish]

It has been running for about 9 weeks now. I know it is cycled because I have been testing the water every week. I have seen the ammonia and nitrite spikes come and go. The heavy plant use help in using up the nitrates, and I do have a little algae as well (use up the nitrates as well).

I change 10% of the water once a week, but will slow it down to once every couple of weeks because of the good water conditions, and the fact that it is lightly stocked and heavily planted.

[dirtydawg10]

Great just checking... The tank looks great by the way...

[biohish]

Thanks, this is really my first well planned out all natural tank. My previous tanks were a 6 gallon, then ten gallon, then 29 gallon, and finally the current 55 gallon tank. The previous tanks have been artificially decorated and stocked with fish rather haphazardly.

This current tank went through 2 months of planning and 3 weeks of putting it all together.

And I want to make sure I stock it lightly so that the upkeep is low.

[mooman]

You gotta go with the checkerboard over the goura.....yawn...mi. any of the Apistogramma species would work great as a substitute. Keyhole cichlids would love it if you don't crave the color. Stay away from Rams, too cliche nowadays.

[Left C]

I have the Checkerboard Lyretail Cichlids. My LFS usually has these for $4.99 each. I also like any of the apistos too. I have A. cacatuoides and A. borellii.

[biohish]

thanks,

I was leaning towards the checkerboard as well, since they would probably be more lively than the gourami, and are south american like the rest of my tank fish.

But cant find any anywhere!!! Where is your LFS located? Would they ship them? I doubt it.