NEW 220 Gallon South American Stocking suggestions.

[pawlu]

Hello all, I am new to this forum, been keeping fish on and off for years including marine (explains some of the equipment I am using), however this is my first experience with larger tropical fish and a large tank. After months of work this tank is ready to be filled this weekend. My goal is to setup a South American (Amazon region) habitat. Not looking for a strict biotope, but fish need to be at least from similar regions. After lots of research and nearly going with Discus I decided to switch to Geophagus dominant setup. I would like your recommendations on which fish to go with along with stocking amounts of each fish. I don't want to overstock the tank. Below is my current wish list, and stocking level (x) please let me know your thoughts especially with the amount of each fish.

Water Parameter
Temp programmed to 27c.
pH will be around 7.3 (Pre-Treated with peat)
Water flow can be adjusted and programmed in multiple ways.
GH 7
kH 4

Non Geophagus Species

• Bolivian Rams (x 6)
• Corydora Catfish (Not sure which kind) (x6)
• Red Shoulder Severum (x1)
• Rummynose Tetras (or at least some kind of shoaling fish that won't get eaten) X12

Geophagus

• Geophagus Redhead Tapajos (X6)
• Geophagus Altifrons (x3)
• Geophagus Steindachneri (X1)
• Geophagus Brasiliensis (x1)

 

[ryansmith83]

'Geophagus' brasiliensis are not true Geos and will be reclassified into a new genus eventually. They are large, typically boisterous fish and can have the temperament more in line with Central American cichlids rather than SA fish. They also don't sand sift like true Geos. I would probably skip that fish, as the Heros will fill the role of a larger non-geo piece. Keep in mind that altifrons can grow fairly massive for a Geo, like 10"+, so at full size you'll already have a decent amount of fish. I've never kept steindachneri which are also a bit pushy if I recall, but I know they are usually kept in harems with one male to multiple females. Maybe someone will know how they do as singles. It may push around your other geos.

I would go with deeper-bodied, larger tetras than the rummynose. Both large geos and Heros can eat tetras. I'm not saying they will, but I have seen big altifrons make quick work of torpedo-shaped tetras. I typically use Congo tetras which are not biotope-accurate, but there are things from South America like Buenos Aires tetras, Colombian tetras, Diamond tetras, etc. that are deeper-bodied and would look nice in shoals. Someone else will have to chime in on whether or not those tetras will nip the trailers off Geos' fins.

 

[pawlu]

Thank you RyanS.. yes I did read that about the Brasiliensis, and my thought was to break up some of the activity in the tank, but if they can be boisterous then I will pass on them. What is your opinion on the Bolivian Rams ? I am going to research some of the tetras you suggested.

 

[robmcd]

The severums, altifrons, and brasiliensis will slowly pick off the rummynose tetras. I would recommend a medium size, higher bodied tetra like red eye or columbian tetras.

Tank looks great. Good luck with the stocking.

 

[duanes]

I agree with Ryan about the braziliensus clade.
They are not from the Amazon region, but from southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina where water parameters are quite different, and seasonally cooler (they can even be found in brackish estuaries).
They are also highly piscovorus, unlike other Geophagines) and will eat any tetra or fish that comes close to fitting in their mouth.

Also those of the steindachneri clade, are from an entirely different region, from west of the Andes, not Amazonia.
There is a rumor they are different enough to soon be reclassified away from Geophagus
I have kept them, because my water in WI was more on the hard and alkaline side where they did well, and I also found them on the pushy side, even when small.

Below iporanguesis (from the braziliensus clade) displaying typical attitude.

youtube.comGeophagus - Guide to Amazonian Eartheaters - nearly all Geophagus species !Of the 31 described Geophagus species, 20 belong in the G.surinamensi-group. Check out the Geophagus guide with 16 of the 20 species and their habitats in th...

 

[pawlu]

Great info so far, thank you!

 

[Toby_H]

Generally, Geos are comfortable in groups. If a single Geo is near a group of another species of Geo, he'll likely join the group. If the single Geo is considerably larger, he'll dominate the group.

I suggest going with a single Geo species. I've kept Groups of Redhead Tapajos. They're very captivating.

If there is sufficient cover for the Rams, they should do okay. I've had Apistogrammas in a similar set up and, with lots of cover, they did quite well. Apistos are quicker than Rams, which may make a difference.

Keyhole Cichlids, Raindow Cichlids, Blue Acaras and Firemouthes are a few other species that could be considered for your set up.

 

[Dave62]

Nice looking setup, can't wait to see it filled! I started out with 4 RH Tapajos a couple years ago, turns out I had two pairs and eventually had to move one pair. They are fairly peaceful except while breeding. One of my males is a bit of a bully (even to his mate) so he's currently in time out. The other pair are perfect tankmates, but they keep my discus at bay when protecting their young. All 20 of my cardinals mysteriously disappeared over a 6 month period - I think the RH's were probably responsible for that. But the rummynose tetras in with my other pair have been fine. I'm currently getting ready to move the discus to their own tank, they really need higher temps and are slow eaters. I don't know if it's the higher temps for my discus (~84f) but my RH's are breading machines (I have more fry right now than I know what to do with).

 

[Gourami Swami]

Stunning setup! WIll be a beauty for sure
I agree on the brasiliensis and the steindachneri, they are the outliers and likely to cause problems.
I would ditch them and keep the rest of your stock as-is, the numbers sound reasonable. Would actually add some more cories and tetras, in a 220 6 of them will be totally lost. Would go with more like 12 cories and 18 tetras.

 

[pawlu]

Well here's a status update.. some Bolivian Rams so far and I already have a pair with fry... I have some very young Sveni in quarantine and 30 Rummy Nose, yes I know its a risk but could not resist their shoaling behavior.