Bottom feeder in 75 with Sajica Pair

[Dwl0222]

Hey guys, I’m setting up a 75 gallon that I plan on stocking with a pair of Sajica and a school of Livebearers. I’m debating on whether or not I should bother with a bottom feeder. What ones do you guys recommend for my setup? My PH is around 8.

A couple things I’d like-
1-Stays fairly small. 4-5 inches preferably since only a 75 gallon.
2-Tough. With a pair of Central American cichlids, there will most likely be some aggression.
3-Somewhat active. I don’t mind if it spends a decent amount of time hiding out....but I’d rather not go days/weeks without seeing it.

If there’s no great fit, I’ll probably just skip it. But I’d love to hear some options! Thanks!

 

[Hendre]

Perhaps a group of hoplo catfish? They are quite tough and sociable in groups. Never kept them myself but have seen them in some lovely displays

 

[Iamfish]

I agree with hendre, my hoplo is very active swimming around contently and is not phased by agression at all while being peaceful himself, I have also had great expeirences with synodontis multipuncatus but they get around 7-8 inches and hide more then hoplos but you will still see them a lot.

 

[Rocksor]

I find that with Sajica and other convict types, they tend to scour the bottom for food, making a bottom feeder unnecessary for food cleanup duties.

If you really want a bottom feeder, Brochis splendens (aka emerald Cory) are smaller than hoopla, and yet bigger than your typical cory cat. Get a school of 10-12 to make it interesting.

 

[twentyleagues]

Id agree with the corys if you want to stay on the same contintent. If not maybe some smaller synos. I've had multis in most of my tanks and never had them get much more the 5 to 6" but you need to keep them in a school 5+ to keep them oit and about.

 

[Dwl0222]

Thanks a lot guys, I’m gonna do my research on the ones you suggested!

 

[Dwl0222]

I find that with Sajica and other convict types, they tend to scour the bottom for food, making a bottom feeder unnecessary for food cleanup duties.

If you really want a bottom feeder, Brochis splendens (aka emerald Cory) are smaller than hoopla, and yet bigger than your typical cory cat. Get a school of 10-12 to make it interesting.

Id agree with the corys if you want to stay on the same contintent. If not maybe some smaller synos. I've had multis in most of my tanks and never had them get much more the 5 to 6" but you need to keep them in a school 5+ to keep them oit and about.

You guys think the Corys will be ok if they wander into Sajica breeding territory? Ive had Corys before and they just seem to wander carefree and not really think about where they're going haha. I'm not really familiar with Sajicas and how aggressive they are...i think in general they're less aggressive than the Convicts etc, so will they just give a warning shot or will they chase down and look to hurt anything that comes near? I also don't know that i want 10-12, id be afraid the bio load would be too great....would 5-6 be ok?

 

[tlindsey]

Emerald Corydora are personally favorite and very hardy catfish.

 

[Hendre]

12 cories in a 75 won't have a big impact on the bioload IMO.

 

[Dwl0222]

Emerald Corydora are personally favorite and very hardy catfish.

12 cories in a 75 won't have a big impact on the bioload IMO.

Sounds good to me! I think that’s the direction I’ll go...I do like the fact that they’re so active. Good to know that I can put a bunch in there...that might help to stir up all the poo from these swordtails