Severum and cichlid community stocking help

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Oh, almost forgot. A lot of times back when I was stocking my 30 gallon, I would go to my LFS and they would not the fish on my stocking list. But they would have fish that are still compatible with the ones I already have and I still like them. Plus my LFS is not to close (40 minutes from my house) and I don't like driving all the way out there all the time. So, I would like to have one or two more options available as a backup and if I change my mind (for the 50th) time about what fish to get then I will still be prepared. I appreciate those who have the patience to still help me on this thread. OK will this stocking work possibly if my angels in the 30 gallon got to big.
Fish:
1 Green (or Red Shoulder) Severum (whichever would be better)
1 Firemouth
6 Giant Danios
2 Angelfish (from my 30 tall)
1 Rainbow Shark
1 Sailfin pleco (until to big)
1 Striped Raphael Catfish
1 Four line Pimelodus
1 Synodontis Eupterus (if room. probably not)

Water Changes will be weekly and again not dispelling the first option (probably what I am going with) but I like having a backup or two.
 
Adult severums will eat pothos roots. Mine eat the roots down until they're just nubs. It'd be best to stick them in a HOB filter or something to keep them away from the severums if you want to use pothos. There's a thread somewhere here on MFK that shows creative ways to add them to your tank and keep your fish from eating them.
 
divemaster99 said:
Ok that's what I figured just wanted to make sure.
so the final stocking will be:
1 firemouth
1 black convict
1 green severum
6 giant danios
1 rainbow shark
1 four line pimelodus
1 striped raphael catfish
1 sailfin pleco (until to big)
1 synodontis eupterus

water chages will be twice monthly.
Click to expand...

I currently have 4 Guianacara, 2 notatus secs and a chocolate cichlid in a 75. They are all small, but will eventually all be moved to a large 150+ gallon tank.

For your stock, you are going to run into a few problems. Your stock is heavy on the bottom dwellers and it will likely cause a few deaths. The rainbow will likely get too aggressive after it hits 6-7". The syno will likely kill off a couple fish when it gets 8-10" because it is predatory towards many smaller fish and will probably just feel cramped once it approaches 14".

Another issue you would have is your water change plans. Twice a month is too low. I would do a single weekly WC at least with my suggested stock change below. Twice a week minimum if you try to keep your above list.

Here is what I would keep of your stock list:

1 firemouth
1 convict
1 severum
6 giant danios
1 four lined pimelodus
1 raphael catfish
1 sail fin pleco (until about 12")

There are a lot of cichlids that will work with severums, but you want to be careful on aggression levels because severums are what I would classify as "gentle giants".

Blue acaras are a good recommendation if you can get pure ones. Many of the ones you see in stores are blue acara X green terror hybrids and they tend to be much more aggressive.

Firemouths are usually good as they tend to flare at other fish much more often than actually fighting.

Convicts are usually fine as long as you don't have a breeding pair.

You could do a couple severum in a 75 (paired or two singles). Two sevs can end poorly in a 75 if you try to introduce two 6"+ fish together, but if you start them out together at 1-4", it should work out fine.

Earth eaters would work, but only if you do a small group of 4 of the smaller growing Geophagus species like tapajos or pindare. A group of gymnos would work, but they need a cool down period, so you'd need to house them in another tank for 2-3 months at 60-65 degrees. A group of 4 Satanoperca acuticeps would work, but the other species of the genus get to be too big and all require groups. A single "Geophagus" brasiliensis would work as well. A group of 4-6 of the Biotodoma genus would also work.

As you can see, there are lots of options. Stick to something with low aggression and don't overstock and you should be fine. Keep up at least a once per week water change unless you super over-filter because big cichlids = big messes.


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I like the stocking you listed above. I already have the rainbow shark and I love him but if necessary I have someone to give it to.
 
What would the rainbow shark be aggressive towards though I assume you meant my other bottom feeders and I can tell you how the danios react as well.
Reactions:
Giant Danios: Get chases by shark all the time during feeding but there high speed/agility and resistance to stress really helps them Striped Raphael Catfish: I already have him and I can tell you that he DOES NOT go down easily. He is highly diurnal for his species and will often take food from some of my most aggressive fish's mouths while they are eating it.
Sailfin Pleco: The most rowdy fish in my 30 and has been known to "shoulder-charge" many of my past bottom feeders while not hurting them he still repels them away with ease.
Four Line Pim: From what I have read they are actually fairly aggressive themselves and don't often get pushed around (just from what I have read)
All Cichlids I plan on putting in: I don't think a shark will bother any of those cichlids, A firemouth would "gill-flare" and probably scare it away, the convict can easily bounce back (and fight back), and the severum....well I don't think he will start a fight with an at least 8 inch giant.
 
OK now I now this isn't as good as asking a reputable hobbyist but i put in the combo I was planning on in aqadivsor (sev, con, firemouth, danios, shark, src, sailfin pleco, pim) and it was too many fish just like what people have been saying. What is the largest bioload in that combo? The sev? What could I cut that I don't already have (really like all the cichlids)
 
Oh right I almost forgot for a second. Well once my pleco hits 8 inches he is either going into my next tank if it is already setup or I will trade him at my local fish club.
 
I Went to my LFS an hour ago and they had what I believe was a zebra oscar. They said it was just an oscar and it got thrown in with an order. Anyways it was in a plant tank with all peaceful small fish until it gets to large. Fell In love with it after seeing such a small fish come up to the glass without fear. Would love to have it and also prevent some irresponsible keepers from getting it (which I see in there quite often). Would be willing to make an additional stocking lost for it (not getting rid of first one) but I can't change the fish I already have. I would be willing to sell the shark if necessary but would like to keep the danios if possible. Here is another idea for a stocking I had.
fish:
1 zebra oscar
1 green severum
6 giant danios
1 striped raphael catfish
1 sailfin pleco (until to large)
1 rainbow shark (if compatible)
1 four line pimelodus

what do you guys think? To much probably.
 
Water changes would be weekly.
I took pictures and they will be coming soon.
 
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