Empty tank syndrome?

[powellmacaque]

So the moment I have a 55 gallon stocked with just a Blood Parrot and a Firemouth. Could I add more? How would I do this without having the newcomers torn to shreds?

I plan on making this tank full of nooks and crannies for the fish to explore, so that means some plants and rocks (rocks are already there).

How does this sound?

2 Blood Parrots
1 Firemouth (more if I can?)
1 Sail-fin Pleco or Rubber-lip Pleco
Angels?
Convicts?


Let me know how it sounds.

 

[Leviathan64]

Pleco I would say for sure. Angel fish I'm not familiar with as far as their tank mates and aggression. A single convict I believe would be fine. A pair m/f could mean territory issues if they mate. If your trying to create an active tank then dithers like danios or tetras would fit the bill.

 

[powellmacaque]

Would a group of convicts work? Maybe single gender?

 

[powellmacaque]

Or what about a severum?

 

[inkyjenn]

convicts are REALLY aggressive. i wouldnt add them

 

[powellmacaque]

Ok. How do angels or severums sound? How about a bottom dweller?

 

[Pittbull]

the rubber lip or bulldog plecos stay rather small for plecos the sailfin will get huge, i would add more firemouths, angels would get a beat down, severums get too big and if you have to have convicts definitely stick with gender only males they will stay busy trying to beat each other up, with females your other male cichlids will act silly with a lady present possibly, and if you decide to do firemouths i would say around 4 of them should work and if your not interested in breeding do only male firemouths if you can.. take care..

 

[powellmacaque]

So how does this sound:
4 Firemouths
2 Parrots
1 Rubber Pleco

Could I have more Parrots?

How would one go about introducing new species to an already established tank?

 

[GusBus27]

Do a water change/move their environment around to take away previously established territories & then put all the new ones in at the same time, immediately after, that way they'll all be in mass confusion & wont be focused on any individuals.
Like mentioned by Pittbull, the rubberlip plecos stay very small 2" or so & sailfins a foot & a half.. lil too big for your set up, I personally recommend bristlenose plecos... they're pretty cool looking and do a great job w/ algea.
Then about your convicts, I dont see a problem with putting one or two of the same sex in their if you cut down on the fire mouths, especially if you make sure the convicts are a little smaller than the rest of the fish, but make sure you dont get a male & female...
I also dont see a problem with getting a severum, just remember they have slightly different dietary needs, so you would have to consider that....

 

[powellmacaque]

Ok, revised:

2 Firemouths
2 Convicts (both either male or female)
2 Parrots
1 Severum
1 Rubber Lip Pleco

Does that sound safe?

I know cichlids tend to dig, but I have artificial plants in the tank now just for decoration that haven't been touched. Would it be wise to pick up some plants?