I will be upgrading to a 675 gallon(10x3x3) tank soon and will be adding a black arowana, two cichla ocellaris and a common pleco. I was recommended to try some geophagus as they are fairly peaceful and are very colorful. My main question is what species would best suit my tank and what would be their general care. The sites I went to didn't give me much information just that they sift through the substrate for food and that they are not very aggressive. Also if anybody has other cichlid species in mind that I could add that would be helpful. Any input would be appreciated.
Geophagus care
- Thread starter Ponddigger
- Start date
I'd recommend one of the larger growing species as you don't want them to become food for your arowana or bass. Both G. altifrons and G. abalios are large geos that should work.
I have Braselensis and I hear they max at around 11". So you could maybe go that route
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+ 1 to abarilots comments.
Also severum or large uaru would work, also if you can get them, true parrot cichlids are amazing.. all fairly peaceful.
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I'd go with a lot of altifrons and think of them as 12" neons. Brasiliensis are an awesome fish but they are only geos because they dont know what to call them yet. That being said they are not going to display the typical geo behavior. In a tank that big you could always do a colony of altifrons and a pair of brasiliensis.
I have been looking at pictures of altifrons and ablilos and they look great. Maybe a five or six of each of them and maybe a severum and if there is room left a third cichlid species. I am not too fond of uarus, they don't look too appealing to me.
Are there any general things I need to know about housing them, feeding them, or what they like in a tank?
Are there any general things I need to know about housing them, feeding them, or what they like in a tank?
The only thing I think is a must is sand otherwise they are pretty easy fish to keep. They are sand sifter so I always find it sad when you see them housed in a tank with out sand. For feeding just make sure they have a quality pellet as their main diet. Post pics once the tank is up 
I will do my best to get pics up of the tank when it gets set up. Also are there any good mid level to lower level fish that would complement the geos?
Half a dozen altifrons or abalios would be great in that tank. Uaru, true parrots or severums would go well with them (and the rest of your stock), as would larger plecs. Keep the water warm and soft-ish, feed a good mix of quality sinking foods (1mm or less in size) so they can sift the fine substrate and they'll be happy.