Getting new tank...

[abhishek]

..Guys I am so very happy.Ultimately got my iron stand built which will hold my 3 footer in the bottom and the 4.5 footer in the top.Well the dimesions will be 54 inchx28inch(breadth)x20 inch high.Now I need your help.Wanna stock it up with eartheaters.Help me choose the stocklist .Options :-

1. 6 Satanoperca Leucosticta / Jurupari + 2 Geophagus Altifrons.
2. 4 Geophagus Altifrons + 6 Guianacara sp.
3. 2 A.Heckelli + 4 Geophagus Altifrons.

No red heads as they are abundant here and too common.Please advice.

 

[JK47]

..Guys I am so very happy.Ultimately got my iron stand built which will hold my 3 footer in the bottom and the 4.5 footer in the top.Well the dimesions will be 54 inchx28inch(breadth)x20 inch high.Now I need your help.Wanna stock it up with eartheaters.Help me choose the stocklist .Options :-

1. 6 Satanoperca Leucosticta / Jurupari + 2 Geophagus Altifrons.
2. 4 Geophagus Altifrons + 6 Guianacara sp.
3. 2 A.Heckelli + 4 Geophagus Altifrons.

No red heads as they are abundant here and too common.Please advice.

So your top tank is 5' x 28" wide? If so I would go with option 2 because its the only option where you are keep enough of a single species to thrive. All eartheaters need to be in groups of 4 or more. If you want a smaller less commen species have you loked into Pindaire? They stay small and are colorful. Also a group of stieny's would do well in that size tank. Have you looked into either of those species?

 

[abhishek]

Thanks JK.Well the top tank is not absolutely 5'.Its 4.5 ' x 28" wide.Actually I am much more lean towards option 1 .But is it possible to keep the satanopercas in a pH of about 7.5 ?

 

[JK47]

Thanks JK.Well the top tank is not absolutely 5'.Its 4.5 ' x 28" wide.Actually I am much more lean towards option 1 .But is it possible to keep the satanopercas in a pH of about 7.5 ?

Keep in mind adult Satanoperca can get 10" in length as well as Altifrons so 4.5' is not very long for adulthood. The width is you saving grace but I stand by my Geophagus Pindare or Geophagus Steindachneri suggestion.

To answer your question regarding PH some Satanoperca can tolerate higher PH better than others. Leucosticta and Jurupari you would be alright with but their colors suffer. Satanoperca Species like Daemon for example this would not be an option. There are plenty of things you can do to buffer down PH and I would suggest you do your best no matter what option you go with because all of the fish you are looking at prefer soft acidic water.