Parachromis Pair vs Community tank in a 6 x 2 x2

[Wharf]

So considering one or the other, posting in a somewhat neutral forum lol

1. A pair of Parachromis Multifasciatus 'Pentanos de Centla' OR a pair of 'Rio Blanco' RTM's....don't think target fish will make it in this setup probably better to refrain.

2. A community with a Datnoid, Flagtail, some SD hooks, maybe an ornate Bichir or maybe some African Tiger scats lots of options, and a Pleco. Will avoid a Jardini or silvers d/t tank size.

Now, number 1 would be awesome, but I am kind of sick of gloving up atm doing maintenance. I do love the personality and boisterousness CA's, but I am also thinking maybe a change of pace would be okay. Most community tanks I have kept in the past, (other than Fronts...and various SW tanks) were gladiator coliseums...like Tropheus, Haps, Tangs, etc. I am thinking a calmer predatory fish community might be better for my Blood Pressure long term lol. Pure desire, especially for Parachromis, is pushing me towards number (1); however, my gut and some intrigue in not ever keeping this style of community tank is leaning me towards number (2). BTW my tank is a 6 x 2 x 2. I picked a neutral forum to get a broader perspective The wet pet thing is out, I either want a pair to observer their behavior or a community to kick back and relax. Any thoughts MFK?

 

[jjohnwm]

I dunno...this sort of seems like asking whether you should buy a Corvette or a Harley. Order Italian or Chinese. Listen to jazz or rock. Beer or wine.

There's gotta be one you know you prefer. Why ask for the opinions of others? And in any case...who cares what they say? Is the tank for you or for the crowd at MFK?

 

[Deadeye]

At the end, it’s up to you. In my experience, I’d go with option 2 though.
When I was stocking my 36 gallon, I had to choose between a red wolf or community tank (focusing on Amazon puffers). I easily wanted the wolf more, still a fish I’d very much like to keep, but opted for the community tank solely because there would be more activity. Sometimes the same one or two fish can get old a lot faster than a bustling community with different interactions every day.
But if the parachromis pair is what you truly want more, go for that.

 

[Wharf]

your tank is overcrowded

I dunno...this sort of seems like asking whether you should buy a Corvette or a Harley. Order Italian or Chinese. Listen to jazz or rock. Beer or wine.

There's gotta be one you know you prefer. Why ask for the opinions of others? And in any case...who cares what they say? Is the tank for you or for the crowd at MFK?

I am on the truly on the fence regarding it...and since they are two totally different directions just was interested which way others would lean. Fish wise def the Parachromis for me, and should probably add La Ceiba to (1); however, I think I would most likely benefit more from the community setting. I would rather have both a Calico Corvette and a nice panhead, but definitely prefer Italian food. Music is defintely whatever I am in the mood for...but it must have some element of improvision. Thanks for the responses