Thanks for the suggestions. I know originally I was planning on a community tank. Now I've flip-flopped to a cichlid. The plan for the barbs was for them to act as a dither fish. Here's a post a made on another cichlid forum:
So I have a new 56g column tank. The tap water here is hard. The tank water is kH 9, gH 13, pH 7.6-7.8 (hard to tell w/ the liquid API test kit) , Ammonia and Nitrite 0 and Nitrate 10ppm. The water temp is currently 76 degrees. The filter is an Eheim 2215 and the heater is a Eheim Jager 200w. It currently has 5 Tiger Barbs.
Here is a picture of it minus the Tiger Barbs:
The guys at my local LFS recommend African Cichlids, however, I would like to do a couple American Cichlids. One reason is that the tank is already aqua scaped and I don't feel like buying more rocks to build caves for the Africans. I've also read that the Africans tend to need to be overstocked and they're constantly fighting for territory.
So, given that my tank is 30" w x 18" d x 24" h & my current water info above, what are your opinions on this stocking idea:
5 x Tiger Barbs, 5 x Sterbai Cory, 1 x Yellow Acara, 1 x Firemouth
According to aqadvisor (yes, I know it's just a starting point) the tank would only be 89% stocked when they're full grown and have plenty of filtration. It also says the dH should be 5-10.
Anyhow, without further rambling I would like to know your thoughts.
The three replies so far are that it is possible. Only I should either go acara or firemouth. Not both. The cory's are not a must. I can live without them and could do a different kind of bottom feeder if need be.
Matt