55 stocking ideas: discus, keyholes or geo red heads?

[Mythic Figment]

Too much

Oh well. I think some geos would be perfect.

I think the best way for me to get geos that don't want to destroy all the plants would be to start off with about 10-12 small juveniles. I know Jeff Rapps sells them at only about 1.5-2" long each. If I get 12 and let them grow to about 4-5" each, I can figure out who eats plants and who doesn't. Then I just rehome half. Or should I just start with 6 juveniles and leave it at that?


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[Fishaholicc]

Oh well. I think some geos would be perfect.

I think the best way for me to get geos that don't want to destroy all the plants would be to start off with about 10-12 small juveniles. I know Jeff Rapps sells them at only about 1.5-2" long each. If I get 12 and let them grow to about 4-5" each, I can figure out who eats plants and who doesn't. Then I just rehome half. Or should I just start with 6 juveniles and leave it at that?


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Start w/ 12 and as you might know that tapajos are slow growers so you'd have time. You don't have to have planted tank, just provide them w/ sand and driftwood. Geophagus loves soft water condition and if you can provide them w/ soft water they'll thrive if not, they'll adjust so no worries if you don't have soft water.

 

[Mythic Figment]

Start w/ 12 and as you might know that tapajos are slow growers so you'd have time. You don't have to have planted tank, just provide them w/ sand and driftwood. Geophagus loves soft water condition and if you can provide them w/ soft water they'll thrive if not, they'll adjust so no worries if you don't have soft water.

One of the things I intend to save up for is an RO unit. And this tank won't likely be realized for 6 months or more, so that will give me plenty of time to save up. Plus my 2 current tanks are both 55s with South American cichlids that will appreciate the softer water.

I will definitely try to have a planted tank for the geos. Worst case scenario is I have to remove the plants and leave it with just driftwood, sand and maybe some flowerpots.


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[ryansmith83]

You don't need an RO unit for any of the fish listed. We went over this in the other thread...

Keyholes, discus, and orange heads will all thrive in your water. I keep all three of these species in the same water you have with no issues.

Discus are not fragile fish but they will require more maintenance than the other two species. Young fish will require frequent water changes. You should not start with a group of less than 6 discus, and that's not going to work long-term in a 55 gallon without frequent water changes. It will be the only stock you can keep, so mixing in keyholes or orange heads would be out of the question.

I would either do a small group of orange heads or a small group of keyholes (not both) with some tetras or something as dithers. Keyholes can sometimes be shy so keep that in mind.

 

[Mythic Figment]

You don't need an RO unit for any of the fish listed. We went over this in the other thread...

Keyholes, discus, and orange heads will all thrive in your water. I keep all three of these species in the same water you have with no issues.

Discus are not fragile fish but they will require more maintenance than the other two species. Young fish will require frequent water changes. You should not start with a group of less than 6 discus, and that's not going to work long-term in a 55 gallon without frequent water changes. It will be the only stock you can keep, so mixing in keyholes or orange heads would be out of the question.

I would either do a small group of orange heads or a small group of keyholes (not both) with some tetras or something as dithers. Keyholes can sometimes be shy so keep that in mind.

Yes, but I would eventually like to dove into softening my water to make a more natural environment for my fish. Like I said in the other thread, I will start out slow so I don't drop pH too much or create an unstable buffer.

I think I am going to stick with the groups of 6 geos. I won't need anything else in the tank with them since they aren't shy and clean the bottom as well. No dithers or cleaners.


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