New 125 gallon with altifrons

[ChuckCichlid]

I just finished setting my new 125 gallon 6ft tank. I'm picking up 8 2.5" altifrons from LFS. I noticed 2 red head geos that were the same size. 8 is a nice size group but will 10 be too much? Will the red heads get picked on?

 

[Gourami Swami]

I think it will be okay. There is a chance that the red heads will get picked on a bit, and would be better if you could do more like 6 and 4; but most geos are pretty tolerant of each other. I would call it a day for cichlids after that, and not go too crazy on other tankmates either; some tetras and cories perhaps.

 

[ChuckCichlid]

I think it will be okay. There is a chance that the red heads will get picked on a bit, and would be better if you could do more like 6 and 4; but most geos are pretty tolerant of each other. I would call it a day for cichlids after that, and not go too crazy on other tankmates either; some tetras and cories perhaps.

I decided not to get the red heads but I'm excited I just added a group of 8 altifrons. Looks empty now because they're hiding. Can't wait until they start exploring their new home.

 

[RD.]

Good decision to pass on the Tapajo's, a full grown Altifron makes a 125 seem small.

 

[ChuckCichlid]

I figured down the road I may want to add something else like a small group of platinum angelfish

 

[ChuckCichlid]

Good decision to pass on the Tapajo's, a full grown Altifron makes a 125 seem small.

I want to add a group of platinum angels (4or5) and a group of boeseani rainbows (4or5) and a bristle nose pleco. How does that sound?

 

[decoy50]

I think with 8 altifrons, you're going to have that 125 maxed out already when they hit maturity. You'd be fine with the bristlenose, but I'd skip the Angels & def the rainbows. Rainbows like cooler water than the SAs you've mentioned.

 

[RD.]

I agree with decoy50, until you've seen a foot long altifrons it's hard to imagine just how big they can eventually get. This is of course just my opinion, but I personally wouldn't keep altifrons in anything smaller than a 180. The good news is you have plenty of time to upgrade.

 

[JK47]

I think with 8 altifrons, you're going to have that 125 maxed out already when they hit maturity. You'd be fine with the bristlenose, but I'd skip the Angels & def the rainbows. Rainbows like cooler water than the SAs you've mentioned.

I always buy more than needed in case I lose any and to get a better male/female ratio. You are 100% correct though. This tank is literally two 125’s wide 72”x36” and I am cutting this group back to 8 once they hit 7”. A 125 will fill up quick with altifrons.

 

[decoy50]

I did a group of 8 Red Head Taps in a 125 & after doing that, I wouldn't keep any larger growing geo in a group in that size aquarium. They're constantly moving, actively sifting sand and you don't get to see that behavior if they don't have the room to maneuver.