Firemouth with Geophagus in a community setup?

[moneysink]

Im Setting up a 75 gallon aquarium for my father in law, he likes the look of both these fish, I have owned firemouths before and know that for the most part they are more bark then bite and are fairly peaceful by CA standards, but I have no experience with the eartheater species and would appreciate any help you folks can give me.
I was thinking of a group of 4 or 5 geophagus (winemilleri or Tapajos) a firemouth and school of rummynose tetras to act as dithers. the tank will be planted and have a sand substrate with a little driftwood.
Will the firemouth/geo combo work or will the firemouth end up bullying the geos? and am I overstocked with 4 or 5 geophagus? Also any alternative ideas for tankmates for the eartheaters would be appreciated.
I will be taking pictures of this setup as it progresses and posting them here.

 

[darth pike]

I would advise against it. Firemouths might be mellow by CA standards, but will come across as Attila the Hun to Geo's. Also keep in the firemouths might see the Geo's as competition due to the similar feeding styles.

 

[moneysink]

Ok, that's understandable, what would be some good alternatives to the firemouth? Also anybody's geo stories would be appreciated, as I don't have any first hand experience with them and all I really know is that they are peaceful and like to be in groups.

 

[David R]

In a bigger tank I'd say give it a shot, especially with larger Geos that will get bigger than the firemouth, but in a 75g I think you should pick one or the other.