Attractive Compatable Dwarfs?

[Chris]

I am currently in the process of cycling my 112 gallon tank, which I intend to turn primarily into a dwarf cichlid tank. I have white sand substrate (aqua terra). I have a cascade 1200 canister filter. I am looking for a list of attractive yet compatable dwarf cichlids. Also, I currently have a mature 60 gallon hexagon tank with 2 Angelicus botia, 2 zebra loaches, 2 hill stream loaches, a zig-zag eel, 3 glass cats, and a few neon tetras. I would like to move them all into the large tank if possible. The only fishes that I am concerned with are the various types of loaches. Any suggestions?

 

[Mike Wise]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It really depends on what you like. Most of the bright colored forms are domestic bred for increased red colors. If that's for you, then that's great. As for your present fish, you presently are rather heavy in bottom dwellers. Remember that apistos are cichlids and cichlids are territorial. Depending on the lay out of the tank and the species, each fish will try to grab as large a bottom territory as possible. To avoid nasty territorial fights, I usually suggest a 1 sq. ft./900 sq. cm area per apisto. This will need to be modified because the other bottom dwellers will want living space, too. Most apistos - if given adequate territories - get along with other bottom dwelling fish that don't resemble them. The small loaches should be ok, but the zigzag eel can get big and is predatory. It can eat smaller apistos and loaches. Your community isn't what I would call 'ideal', but with some work and modifications over time it should work. Just don't expect eggs/fry to survive in such a community. Community tanks don't really work well for breeding.