100 Gallon stocking ideas?

Greenboy · Jun 5, 2017

Hi folks, i could do with some help and ideas on stocking a 100 gallon tank i'm planning on getting. Tank dimensions are 60" long, 20" deep and 20" high. I've got a couple of ideas for the tank but i'm open to alterations to the stocking or completely new ideas. Would like to avoid set ups like apistos or rams with dithers though as ive had my fill of those in the past. pH out the tap here is 7.8ish and is 5-6 gpg hardness (but it has been awhile since i tested it) although i usually don't care about those unless the species needs especially low or high pH and/or is wild caught. Filtration would be a pair of 2215 ehiem as i can get them second hand for cheap. I could always add more if needed however.

The first idea i have for the tank would be a community tank, built around some Geophagus tapajos "Red Head" or some Thorichthys ellioti. Both are available at my Lfs and look stunning, but ive gotten conflicting information on both species in regards to temperament, suitable tankmates, and schooling preferences. Not sure how picky the Redheads are about pH either

. I want to stock them with pictus cats (never got them due to
incompatibility concerns) some denisonii barb, some rainbows and a dwarf pike cichlid (maybe?).

My second "great idea" was a more aggressive cichlid tank. a pair of jewels, a pair of convicts with a green terror and/or salvini with some dithers? Of the three ideas this is the one which i think needs the most altering... but i want them all

Lastly im considering rift valley cichlids. I know nothing about these expect you keep loads of them, they like high pH, usually eat plants, and love to fight each other. I would like a mix of colours and shapes so a species tank wouldn't be preferable.

Sorry for long post, but i thought it would be best to get some thoughts and recommendations before things are bought and set in stone

Greenboy · Jun 5, 2017

Nobody has any input on any of the set ideas? Completely different stocking suggestions are welcome too! Did i post this in the wrong section?

Tahn · Jun 5, 2017

Ive had Tapajos before with angels and they were fine, the geos chase each other from time to time but I never had a tank that size for them. Also idk what the prices are at your LFS, but imperial tropicals has great tapajos for cheap if you're in the states.

Personally if I had a 100 gallon, I'd go for bigger/aggressive new world cichlids. Oscars/Severums/True Parrots/Chocolate/Viejas/Festaes are my favorites. Obviously can't put them all in there but I bet you can do a few.

If you have access to a lot of good aquascaping material, I'd go for a community of Tapajos and angels. You can make it look really nice.

Greenboy · Jun 5, 2017

Tahn said:
Ive had Tapajos before with angels and they were fine, the geos chase each other from time to time but I never had a tank that size for them. Also idk what the prices are at your LFS, but imperial tropicals has great tapajos for cheap if you're in the states.

Personally if I had a 100 gallon, I'd go for bigger/aggressive new world cichlids. Oscars/Severums/True Parrots/Chocolate/Viejas/Festaes are my favorites. Obviously can't put them all in there but I bet you can do a few.

If you have access to a lot of good aquascaping material, I'd go for a community of Tapajos and angels. You can make it look really nice.

Sadly im UK based. My lfs is known for pretty steep prices but its the best fish store for 100 miles or more and i dont know of any good online stores over here. The ones ive looked at have pretty steep prices too.

What size tank did you keep your Tapajos in?

Angles dont really appeal to me but festae are a dream fish! Can i really put a pair in a 100 gal?

Barbs and Barbels · Jun 5, 2017

How patient are you and do you have any interest in breeding your fish? If you are patient then a community of Tanganyika cichlids would be amazing. If you like a lot of action then Mbuna will fit the bill. My current choice is a peaceful mix peacock cichlids, Victorian haps and C. borleyi who all get along just fine.

You could mix some barbs and loaches too. One of my other tanks is a hillstream setup with Panda Garra, Reticulated loaches and two different barbs. Never dull I assure you.

Greenboy · Jun 5, 2017

Barbs and Barbels said:
How patient are you and do you have any interest in breeding your fish? If you are patient then a community of Tanganyika cichlids would be amazing. If you like a lot of action then Mbuna will fit the bill. My current choice is a peaceful mix peacock cichlids, Victorian haps and C. borleyi who all get along just fine.

You could mix some barbs and loaches too. One of my other tanks is a hillstream setup with Panda Garra, Reticulated loaches and two different barbs. Never dull I assure you.

Breeding isnt too high on the list of priorities right now. I like watching the breeding behaviour but raising fry is something i will no longer have the space for

.

One tanganyikan that really grabbed my attention though was neolamprologus tretocephalus. What do i put them in with?

Barbs and Barbels · Jun 5, 2017

Greenboy said:
Breeding isnt too high on the list of priorities right now. I like watching the breeding behaviour but raising fry is something i will no longer have the space for .

One tanganyikan that really grabbed my attention though was neolamprologus tretocephalus. What do i put them in with?

Some julies maybe some calves or comps. You could also put a schooling fish like giant danios or a rainbow.

Stanzzzz7 · Jun 6, 2017

Op,
You are quite right in assuming fish like festae will out grow a 100 gallon tank.
These large aggressive cichlids really need a lot of space.
Some may say you could get away with a solo specimen but keep in mind and adult male could reach 16 inches.
If you like thorichthys ellioti, now named thorichthys maculipinnis,they would be much more suitable and I highly recommend them.
There are around 10 thorichthys available in the hobby,some are easier to find than others.
For your tank I would add a group of around 10.They live in group's in the wild and make very interesting cichlids to keep.
You will see them squabble over hierarchy and have small territorial disputes but rarely cause any damage.
Pairs will form and breed just a few inches apart from each other and unless you physically remove the fry you won't be overrun with them.
Thorichthys maculipinnis have a reputation for being the most aggressive of the thorichthys. It's worth looking at some of the others in the family as they all are very attractive.
Here is thorichthys helleri I used to keep