Stocking a 125 with centrals.

[Randys]

I’m just starting a 6 foot 125 gallon build and leaning towards stocking centrals because of my well water.
I’ve already got a 300 gallon central community tank right across from it so I’m wondering about a pair of something different in the 125. In the 300 I’ve got bocourti, vieja, Sagittarius, rostratus, and a couple of convicts.

Are there any large pairs that would be comfortable for life in a tank with a 72” x 18” bottom area?

 

[Toiletcar]

Think a group of c. Rostratus would be cool. Very beautiful and peaceful. Very outgoing fish too. Mine never hides. My only regret w/ this species is I didn’t buy more and kept in a group. Also I would avoid keeping them w/ aggressive CAs. Thorichthys for example work. They are earth eaters so sand is important.
If you are looking for a CA community, a group of thorichthys or cribroheros works and mixing them is fine too. IMO/IME is the only way to keep a long term peaceful CA community unless you have a really large tank or pond.

 

[Toiletcar]

I’d remove the rostratus from the 300g because they are far less aggressive than the others. Add to the 125g w/ more of them.

 

[Deadeye]

Any of the smaller parachromis would make a good pair. Doviis and jags may be too big and mean, but the rest should have enough space as a pair.

 

[Randys]

Any of the smaller parachromis would make a good pair. Doviis and jags may be too big and mean, but the rest should have enough space as a pair.

How about Grammodes?

I've always wanted a Dovii but now my 300 is stocked with other fish.

 

[Randys]

I’d remove the rostratus from the 300g because they are far less aggressive than the others. Add to the 125g w/ more of them.

Yup, I've been keeping my eye on them.

 

[Deadeye]

How about Grammodes?

I've always wanted a Dovii but now my 300 is stocked with other fish.

Grammodes could work. Not a parachromis species, but they do look very similar. I’ve never had one so I can’t comment too well, but they can be brutal in pairs.

 

[Randys]

Festae?

 

[Deadeye]

Solo female.
Male will get too big.

 

[Randys]

Oh gezzzz. I just looked it up. I didn't realize the males got that BIG.