South American Cichlids • 65 gallon stocking ideas - severum and EBA

[Meenamma]

Newbie here. Would really appreciate some input on stocking my new65 gallon (48 by 18 by 18 inches) tank. Here is what I was thinking -
1x red shoulder severum
2x Electric Blue Acara
2x G Tapajos
4-6 boesemani

Would this work? Any other suggestions? Thank you!
Meena

[fishboy75]

Hi, sorry no one has responded to you earlier. I think you would be better off with 2 out of 3 of those cichlids in that size tank. The severum and geos get a good size. Tapajos seem to do better in groups of 5 or more which wouldn't work in that size tank. I would lean towards the Severum and the Acaras. The Boesmani should be fine in there as well. Good luck!

[Meenamma]

Fishboy75, thanks so much for taking the time to reply, appreciate your feedback! I’m setting up my tank next week, so will definitely take your suggestion into account. I guess Ill have to get the Geos once I have a bigger tanks. Thanks!

[sir_keith]

A severum will eventually outgrow that tank, but the acaras are a good choice. Good luck!

[Meenamma]

A severum will eventually outgrow that tank, but the acaras are a good choice. Good luck!

Thanks Sir_keith. Something to think about. As an alternative to the severum, Would angelfish be suitable instead? Maybe 2-3?

[sir_keith]

Thanks Sir_keith. Something to think about. As an alternative to the severum, Would angelfish be suitable instead? Maybe 2-3?

That may or may not work. Angels will appreciate such a tall tank, but no matter how many of them you start out with, eventually you will end up with a pair who want the whole upper tank for themselves. Conversely, the acaras will also want their own space, and may or may not leave the angels in peace; I've seen it work both ways. I think you need to decide which species is your top priority, and pick tankmates accordingly. If you want the acaras, I don't think angels are the best tankmates in an aquarium of this size, and it might be best to chose non-cichlid fishes as dithers. If you want the angels primarily, I'd pick relatively peaceful tankmates, perhaps Keyholes or Bolivian Rams. Just my opinion.

[Meenamma]

Definitely prefer to start with the EBA. Will work on the tank around that. Thanks for the helpful feedback. M

[Meenamma]

Hi, I decided to upgrade to a 130 instead. Will check the forum for stocking options for that, or start a new thread. Thanks!

Thanks Sir_keith. Something to think about. As an alternative to the severum, Would angelfish be suitable instead? Maybe 2-3?

That may or may not work. Angels will appreciate such a tall tank, but no matter how many of them you start out with, eventually you will end up with a pair who want the whole upper tank for themselves. Conversely, the acaras will also want their own space, and may or may not leave the angels in peace; I've seen it work both ways. I think you need to decide which species is your top priority, and pick tankmates accordingly. If you want the acaras, I don't think angels are the best tankmates in an aquarium of this size, and it might be best to chose non-cichlid fishes as dithers. If you want the angels primarily, I'd pick relatively peaceful tankmates, perhaps Keyholes or Bolivian Rams. Just my opinion.