60 gallon cube stocking ideas?

[Omrit]

I have a 24x24x24 inch (60 gallons) cube, and I am stumped on what I should put in it given the unusual dimensions. I think planted is a must for these dimensions so nothing that will destroy plants. It's going in the living room so beauty is important.

My first thought was an african river type tank. A few ropefish for sure I like that they can stretch out in every direction plus the tank is shallow which they appreciate. Then some combination of congo tetras, african butterfly fish, or an african knife fish? The dimensions might be weird for congo tetras though. Definitely will be lacking a colorful centerpiece type fish (especially if congo tetras won't work) which makes me hesitate. I think a fish like that is important in a tank for this part of the house.

Second option is an angelfish tank. I think a pair would look nice with the usual fare of some sort of tetra and cory cat. As an oddball fish lover this set-up is definitely more basic than my usual taste though.


Perhaps someone else has a good suggestion that I have not thought of. Maybe I am too limited in my thinking, but I feel 24x24x24 are not dimensions that a lot of fish want.

 

[phreeflow]

I had a planted cube with all different species of anubius, manzanita wood, and buce and it looked beautiful due to the dimensions but I also had trouble finding fish for it.

I filled it with shrimp but looked empty so added discus. They were nice but it got boring fast. Got rid of the discus and an added a group of Amazon puffers but they were crazy and glass surfed all day.

Swapped them for Schoutedeni Congo puffers and it was one of the most enjoyable tanks I had. They are very curious and personable… great if you like oddballs

 

[Omrit]

I had a planted cube with all different species of anubius, manzanita wood, and buce and it looked beautiful due to the dimensions but I also had trouble finding fish for it.

I filled it with shrimp but looked empty so added discus. They were nice but it got boring fast. Got rid of the discus and an added a group of Amazon puffers but they were crazy and glass surfed all day.

Swapped them for Schoutedeni Congo puffers and it was one of the most enjoyable tanks I had. They are very curious and personable… great if you like oddballs

Seems like a lot of people put Discuss in their 60 gallon cubes, but I am just not a Discuss fan. I just like angelfish better in everyway what can I say.

Those puffers are cool but I'm not looking to drop 800$ to get a group right now, but that is a good suggestion.

 

[Roger Mcfish]

Apistogramma

 

[A201]

I think the Angel community would be a good choice.

An Electric Blue Acara community would look good too.

If you just wanted a mated pair situation, maybe a pair of Salvini. Plenty of action & color. One of my favorites.

 

[Omrit]

For those wondering what I ended up deciding to do:

I have been trying to pick between Laetacara dorsigera (red breasted acara) and Cryptoheros nanoluteus(gold convict cichlid)

Given I can't find the acara anywhere I guess I am going with the nanoluteus. I don't want to do a biotope(those tetras and livebearers are just not for me) so not positive on what else I will be keeping with them. Probably some sort of schooling fish, small catfish, or peaceful oddball fish I suppose. A 60 gallon cube is a great tank for making an art piece(which I will be doing) but it is difficult to stock beyond your standard community fish options.

 

[Ogertron3000]

Have you considered a pair of Jewel Cichlids? I think a pair would look very nice in a well scaped cube tank. Probably would have to be kept by themselves as they can be nasty.

 

[Omrit]

Have you considered a pair of Jewel Cichlids? I think a pair would look very nice in a well scaped cube tank. Probably would have to be kept by themselves as they can be nasty.

I love jewels and used to breed Hemicromis Moanda. It's a bit of waste to have a 60 gallon tank for just two small fish though which is why I won't be going with them for this tank. My pair didn't tolerate anything else not even dithers and I don't want to risk that with a 60 gallon.

I am pretty locked in on the Nanoluteus, although what else I will be filling the tank out with is up for suggestion.