South American Cichlids • medium sized cichlid for comnunity tank

[alisonn]

Hi,
Just joined and would like some advice.
I have recently upgraded to a 2700 litre tank. Mainly so far I am moving my catfish (doradids, woodcats, plecs, synos, hoplos) and clown loaches in. I also have some scissortails and so far 2 filament barbs but I will be increasing the barbs to about 8 when I can.
Just wanted some ideas for fairly peaceful cichlids from 3" up to about 6" that I could have 6 of or a couple of compatible species?
thanks
Alison

[bbortko]

Festivum can get closer to 8" but are fairly peaceful and occupy the upper water column which will compliment your bottom feeders nicely

[jd lover]

gourami are another. also angels can be nice. i personally dont like mixing catfish with anything since most (if not all) are nocturnal and that may stress out the rest of the tank

[alisonn]

Festivum can get closer to 8" but are fairly peaceful and occupy the upper water column which will compliment your bottom feeders nicely

I will have a closer look at those then.

[alisonn]

gourami are another. also angels can be nice. i personally dont like mixing catfish with anything since most (if not all) are nocturnal and that may stress out the rest of the tank

Unfortunately both of those have long fins and would not be suitable for mixing with active barbs.

Interesting - I have never heard anyone voice that opinion before but I can understand that with very sensitive fish.

[jd lover]

My apologies I miss the part about you having barbs. Correct me if I'm wrong but don't barbs prefer to be in schools?

[alisonn]

Yes - there are 2 large ones and when possible I am adding more up to 8. Managed to get 3 more at the weekend. Filament barbs are hard to come by at the moment in the UK.

[mok3t]

A nice big school of angels WOULD look amazing. Or (although NOT south american) In a tank that size you could happily stock a few pairs of herotilapia Multispinosa (rainbow cichlids)

Although if memory serves i dont think Filament barbs are ACTUALLY very nippy. Like Odessa barbs for example, kept a shoal with angels for ages with no issue. The trick is to have enough barbs.

[alisonn]

Yes I think I might look more into the rainbow cichlids.