Any cichlids other then rams 4 a 10 gal planted

[x0x0x0]

As far as having a planted tank and shellies go, the only thing that you'd be able to keep in there would be plants that have already attached to rocks like anubias or java fern. The only reason would be because they tend to move sand/gravel a lot. As for the pH requirements, it's best to keep them in the higher range as well.
Everyone has put in a good word so far. Pelvicachromis pulcher, aka Kribensis are often found in petsmart. Apistos would do well. (The only problem I see would be that in order for you to get a pair without putting too much risk of losing fish) would be to buy a group of 6 and let them pair off by themselves. The extras, you could always return for in-store credit.
Look into west african cichlids like the pelvicachromis group. There are other types. They are basically the apistos of Africa. They also tend to stay small. As for finding them, try cichlid-forum.com or aquabid. The best way to get a good stock is to get from a reliable breeder and those are usually some good sources to find them. Good luck!

 

[BigJohn]

If you decide to go through with this, be prepared. Water quality will be difficult to maintain. Otos are not really good dither fish, so you would need to add something in there to make the fish less shy. Apistos will leave most tiny tetras alone, but it will be a squeeze in there for them, no matter what you decide to put in there.

I would stay away from kribs in a 10 gal. The guys are tough, but one successful spawn and you'll end up with too much fish in a flash. They get too big for a 10 gal and are shy if kept by themselves. I have a couple in a 20 gal at work and it is a squeeze at times, these fish are not always a happy couple after breeding.

I have a Pelvicachromis taeniatus couple in a 55 gal at home and they patrol the whole tank. These guys stay small and yet I would not try them in anything smaller than a 20 long.

Blue Rams stay small I think, but they are sensitive to water quality, and that is gonna be difficult to maintain in a 10 gal.

I understand the appeal, I tried it in the past. But I would select something a little easier in a 10 gal. Having that big of a filter might help a lot, but the footprint is the problem I believe.

 

[biggdadyapisto]

Taeniacara candidi are beautiful and one of the smaller dwarf south american species a little more aggressive though

here's a link http://www.seriouslyfish.com/profile.php?genus=Taeniacara&species=candidi&id=124

 

[fermentedhiker]

Look into Nannacara anomala I think they would do fine in a 10,Also you might consider something non-cichlid, but cichlid "like" I'm thinking in particular about the various Badis species, which would do well in a heavily planted 10 gallon.

Just some options to consider.

 

[BigJohn]

Taeniacara candidi are beautiful and one of the smaller dwarf south american species a little more aggressive though

here's a link http://www.seriouslyfish.com/profile.php?genus=Taeniacara&species=candidi&id=124

Candidi prefer higher temperatures - 81 to 86°f (27 to 30°c).

[h=2]pH Range[/h] Very acidic - 4.5 to 5.8

[h=2]Hardness[/h] Very soft, usually no more than 1°dH



Taeniacara Candidi are the source of much discussion amongst dwarf cichlid keepers. They are a highly attractive species, but require very specific water parameters and as such are seen as a challenge amongst even experienced south american cichlid keepers.

Candidi are renowned for not liking water changes - they will commonly get "moody" after a water change, and will sulk at the bottom of the tank for over a day in some cases.

May not accept dried food.

[h=2]Compatibility[/h] Taeniacara Candidi are said to be one of the most aggressive dwarf cichlids around.

In a 10 gal... yikes.

 

[Wyomingite]

Nannacara anomala will do fine in a 10 until they spawn and the eggs hatch. At that point the female will not allow the male anywhere near the fry and will make his life miserable. He'll find the most inaccessable spot he can outta her line of sight and huddle there, usually one of the corners of the tank or under the filter outfall. Females are also intolerant of other females when they have a brood.

Fermented hiker had a good point, a pair of badis may not be a bad alternative. I've kept pairs of badis in a 10 long term without any problems. Another option may be to go with a single cichlid as a centerpiece fish rather than a pair. A female krib or male apisto, maybe. As far as a pair of kribs (or any Pelvicachromis, for that matter), a 10 is too small IMO.

WYite