What would you do with this...? Blank Canvas 6 Foot

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How about a colony of convict cichlids? If I’m correct then the older batches of fry help in raising the younger fry which would be quite interesting in watching.

Never had convicts but always wanted to try them. I don't, however, have anywhere for the fry and equally not sure I want to dedicate the 6 Foot to a colony. I'd also worry about them not using all of the tanks height?

I would definitely consider a pair if I went down the CA cichlid route though.
 
Some smaller geophagus species and some mid sized pikecichlid would be an awsome combo. Lots of driftwoods and stones.
 
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Never had convicts but always wanted to try them. I don't, however, have anywhere for the fry and equally not sure I want to dedicate the 6 Foot to a colony. I'd also worry about them not using all of the tanks height?

I would definitely consider a pair if I went down the CA cichlid route though.
If you are interested in the idea even slightly then I’d talk to Jexnell Jexnell as he did this before I believe.
 
The good thing about Cons in a six footer is you can really have a community tank with cichlids and plants. Mine have 30 tetras of two different types, plecos, catfish, Swordtails, snails and there are no issues.
My HRPs, a cousin of the Convict, stay too busy with the fry to bother anyone else. Yes if they get close they will run them off, but otherwise they don't bother the other fish.

All the other fish pick off the HRP fry and the HRPs return the favor so my tank stays in balance and don't get over run by any one species.

The HRPs mostly stay in the bottom half of the tank. So you can put what you like in there to use center to top of the column.

I picked tetras from higher PH hard water areas so would be fine in waters that HRPs like. They are thriving indeed all have doubled in size since I got them.
 
The good thing about Cons in a six footer is you can really have a community tank with cichlids and plants. Mine have 30 tetras of two different types, plecos, catfish, Swordtails, snails and there are no issues.
My HRPs, a cousin of the Convict, stay too busy with the fry to bother anyone else. Yes if they get close they will run them off, but otherwise they don't bother the other fish.

All the other fish pick off the HRP fry and the HRPs return the favor so my tank stays in balance and don't get over run by any one species.

The HRPs mostly stay in the bottom half of the tank. So you can put what you like in there to use center to top of the column.

I picked tetras from higher PH hard water areas so would be fine in waters that HRPs like. They are thriving indeed all have doubled in size since I got them.

Thanks for the detailed write up! Something I'm considering more now. What sort of tetras do you have that come from harder water areas? I naturally have hard water here in London UK so a bonus in that respect
 
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I've considered a lone Oscar - not for me. I prefer the look of the Jack Dempsey or green terror. How exactly would you stock with the SA cichlids suggestion? I like it.
I just remember this from the London zoo aquarium, it was a huge tank. Predominantly Festivum cichlids with a few geophagus and a motoro stingray. A large group of Festivum in tannin water look really good :D
 
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