540 Gallon -- Stocking Suggestions

[ragin_cajun]

So, I've had these Argentea in this tank for 5 years now. (https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/rc-argentea-breeding-project.674748/page-3)

They never bred, just got huge. I'm looking to make a change, now. I'm tired of Vieja. What would you do? I like Trimacs a lot, I like Carpintis a lot. I like Sajica a lot. I don't think all 3 of those in this tank would work out, but I'm thinking of just trying it to see what Trimacs would tolerate?

What would you do if you could just totally start over with a big tank?

 

[The Masked Shadow]

Not sure the dimensions. Seems you like cichlids...

If it were me I would do any of these:

African tank with lots of Bichirs

Native tank with Bass, catfish, and a small school of sunfish

I would add so many more - just need dimensions.

 

[PhishMon84]

you know these fish better than I do and have more experience with such a large format tank, my largest are 180's... but from reading where they occur why not construct a biotope?
-Trimacs
-Roberstonii
-Smaller Parachromis such as multifasciatus
or
-Salvini

 

[ragin_cajun]

Central American Cichlids only. Tank is 96X44X30 inches. No rays, no pleco's -- they'll scar the acrylic. I've considered Umbee's, but I don't want to end up with a single big Male Umbee in the tank in a year or two.

 

[fishguy1978]

Central American Cichlids only. Tank is 96X44X30 inches. No rays, no pleco's -- they'll scar the acrylic. I've considered Umbee's, but I don't want to end up with a single big Male Umbee in the tank in a year or two.

So, you only want CA suggestions?

 

[ragin_cajun]

yea. CA only. TBH, more I think about it, what I'm really thinking is what can I grow out with Trimac's?

 

[bkfamus]

Disclaimer, I'm a CA newb.. But currently have 7 of my 13 tanks dedicated to CA cichlids after years of strictly SA (mainly dwarf cichlids). I have a group of C. rostratus in with my group of A lyonsi.. Still young (prolly 4-5") but has worked well the last 6 or so months with the different appearance and behavior.. I know trimacs are more aggressive than lyonsi but could maybe try a similar set-up with A. macracanthus along with the timacs as the blackthroats are more robust than rostratus..

Not an expert, but I doubt the sajica could hang.. and I'm not sure about the carpintis but imagine it'd be stressful if you had some real aggro trimacs..

might end up going back to your zonatus before long.. ?

 

[PhishMon84]

Disclaimer, I'm a CA newb.. But currently have 7 of my 13 tanks dedicated to CA cichlids after years of strictly SA (mainly dwarf cichlids). I have a group of C. rostratus in with my group of A lyonsi.. Still young (prolly 4-5") but has worked well the last 6 or so months with the different appearance and behavior.. I know trimacs are more aggressive than lyonsi but could maybe try a similar set-up with A. macracanthus along with the timacs as the blackthroats are more robust than rostratus..

Not an expert, but I doubt the sajica could hang.. and I'm not sure about the carpintis but imagine it'd be stressful if you had some real aggro trimacs..

might end up going back to your zonatus before long.. ?

I think of carpintis as being similar to firemouths; meaning more bark than bite and i never knowing when they are outmatched. i think this would be ugly for them

 

[Gourami Swami]

Trimacs imo are a level above the the other two species you mentioned in terms of aggression. The tank is nice and big so you may be able to combine them with enough hiding spots for the little guys. I do think Trimacs would be enjoyable in just a colony of their own kind in this big of a tank.
Though, since you are coming away from a single species tank of big bruisers, might be fun to try a different kind of setup, could do a mix of mid-sized and less aggressive (relatively speaking) species. Sajica, nicaraguense ,HRPs, hericthys species, plenty to choose from, do a whole community. Is what I would try.

 

[RD.]

Long time no see, not much to add other than it's always a gamble when mixing and matching CA cichlids. Have a plan, and a back up plan.
Good luck with whatever you decide.