Empty tank

[dan518]

As of tomorrow I will have a empty tank, over the next month I can redo my stand, paint the wall behind it and possibly drill it depending on which way I go with new stock.
Tank is 190 by 70 by 60 cm high about 215 gal.
Option 1 heavily planted with two harems of apistogramma and a shoal of 40 to 50 Neons, hmf filtration
Option 2 go back to marine and grow out a beast of a trigger fish.
Really not sure which to do.

 

[Gourami Swami]

either would be awesome, tough decision. I have always liked triggers, but a 200+ gallon apisto tank sounds like a better display. My vote is for apistos

 

[tlindsey]

either would be awesome, tough decision. I have always liked triggers, but a 200+ gallon apisto tank sounds like a better display. My vote is for apistos

+1

 

[Grinch]

1

 

[dan518]

Thanks for the replys, the apistogramma tank is one I have been thinking about for ages, I can let my inner geek out and go for a echo tank, not that I am some flip flop wearing echomentalist just like a challenge and want to see if I can run a big tank using minimal electricity and water.
Still worry about not having a wet pet though.

 

[Stanzzzz7]

I see the appeal in both,I used to have a Niger trigger years ago and loved it.
However, I think a large tank dedicated to dwarf cichlids and tetras would be amazing.
I recon you may want more than 50 tetras though.I had 80 black neons in my 7x2x2 once and it was not enough, I think 200 was about the amount I needed.
I think the dwarf cichlid tank will give you much more interest long term.

 

[Hendre]

You can do a LOT of apistos, lots of leaf matter and some upper water fish

 

[Toiletcar]

Option 1 sounds amazing.

 

[magpie]

For me, the trigger fish is something I've never done (I've never done salt) so that sounds more appealing.

But if you do apistos in that size tank I agree with Hendre on more than two pair, or maybe adding other dwarves. You could add a bunch of hatchets and/or nannostomus eques for top fish. Maybe add some rummynose in with the neons/cardinals? I love the rummynose - they are so striking and active, and a huge group would be amazing.