I've been in the hobby for quite a while now, mostly sticking between the 20-55 gallon range keeping multiple planted community aquariums, small cichlid tanks, species tanks, etc. Anyways, I'm finally settled down in a place of my own and I'm planning on starting up a 75 gallon I got from work. Going to be delving into the "monster" side of fish keeping for once. As of right now all I have is the tank, and its gonna need some work. I wanted to actually start this one from the beggining, with a plan, and not just rush in impulsively which I've found... is way too easy to do. Anyways, I've got a bichir in a 40 gallon back at my parents house, I figure I'd transfer him into this tank and get him some buddies. Heres my plan hardware wise
-Already got a HOT magnum, planning on getting a HOB emperor as well. More if needed.
-I'll be making this somewhat planted, keeping bolbitis, anubias, java moss, and any other low-light plants that catch my eye. Planning on a 2 bulb t-5 fixture with one 65k and one red bulb. Should be enough to grow a good swamp forest look with some liquid fertilization.
-Grey rock/manzanita set up against brown (or black, again, not sure yet, sand)
Fish wise, I've got a couple different ideas. This will primarily be a bichir tank, possibly adding in a few medium sized cichlids to the mix. Few Brainstorms-
Option 1:
polypterus delhezi x1
polypterus senegalis x2
heros severus var "super red" x 2
-and a few low-bioload dithers-
Option 2:
Symphysodon aequifasciatus (discus) x4
Polypterus Senegalis x2
Chromobotia macracanthusx (clown loach) x3
Option 3:
Polypterus Senegalis x1
Polypterus delhezi x1
Pimeledus Pictus x3
Rocio octofasciata var Electric Blue (Jack Dempsey) x1
I'm aware some of these might be looked at as overstocked, but these are just rough drafts to give a general idea of what I'm looking to do. Definately planning on overfiltering, and having the plants will help water quality and add the comfort of a natural environment. Still a little weary regarding sevs in the tank size, and a little more weary on the EBJD. Thoughts?
-Already got a HOT magnum, planning on getting a HOB emperor as well. More if needed.
-I'll be making this somewhat planted, keeping bolbitis, anubias, java moss, and any other low-light plants that catch my eye. Planning on a 2 bulb t-5 fixture with one 65k and one red bulb. Should be enough to grow a good swamp forest look with some liquid fertilization.
-Grey rock/manzanita set up against brown (or black, again, not sure yet, sand)
Fish wise, I've got a couple different ideas. This will primarily be a bichir tank, possibly adding in a few medium sized cichlids to the mix. Few Brainstorms-
Option 1:
polypterus delhezi x1
polypterus senegalis x2
heros severus var "super red" x 2
-and a few low-bioload dithers-
Option 2:
Symphysodon aequifasciatus (discus) x4
Polypterus Senegalis x2
Chromobotia macracanthusx (clown loach) x3
Option 3:
Polypterus Senegalis x1
Polypterus delhezi x1
Pimeledus Pictus x3
Rocio octofasciata var Electric Blue (Jack Dempsey) x1
I'm aware some of these might be looked at as overstocked, but these are just rough drafts to give a general idea of what I'm looking to do. Definately planning on overfiltering, and having the plants will help water quality and add the comfort of a natural environment. Still a little weary regarding sevs in the tank size, and a little more weary on the EBJD. Thoughts?
I like option two but swap the discus out for the EBJD 
