Stocking a 6 foot CA tank possibly SA Geos

[Wharf]

Well water here is fairly hard on SoCal. I have never kept CA/SA cichlids. I have the opportunity to get a 6-9 inch male Vieja Syspilum, I wanted to know if a group of 5-9 Thorychthys meeki that are 2-4 inches would be okay to stock with the Vieja.

Another option would be tank raised 6 or 7 SA Geophagus Brasiliensis that are 6 + inches and supposedly unsexed with the Vieja. I was told they are a little more tolerable to water parameters...but pretty feisty and mean. I know this would be mixing 2 different continents basically.

I kind of have my heart set on the Vieja right now...kind of obsessed. I wanted a little feed back on how that stocking sounds. I am pretty sure that those Geos will be pretty heavy load for my 180 but it has good filtration and I am really good with WC's. I know the main problem with CA/SA cichlids will be territory and aggression...especially with these particular Geos. I am thinking that Firemouths are probably the way to go. How many Firemouths should I be going for. I don't have a line on a female vieja Syspilum right now so just doing the solo male with some other fish. open to suggestions.

 

[Toiletcar]

I think the Brasiliensis might be ok, they are more tolerant higher ph/hardness and ok aggression wise. The only concern is the aggression towards the meeki. Worth a try, just keep an eye on them.

 

[dan518]

With enough cover a group of meeki should be OK with a male synspilum

 

[duanes]

I agree with dan518, that a shoal of meeki, and the melanurum (the legit name for synspillum) would work together, but I doubt adding more cichlids would be a good idea in the long run, dither fish like large Central American tetras, or mollies would be better.
Thorichthys (along with Cribroheros), are the Central American equivalent to Geophagines (earth eaters), and will do great in your hard water.
The biggest problem I see with Geo braziliensus will be adult aggression. These Geo's are not community species as adults, and I believe a 180 might work with a pair of adult braziliensus, but probably not any other cichlids, or much else.
Even a small pair of members from the braziliensus group will easily see a tank that size, as its own private territory, and will not be shy about defending it against any other cichlid, large or small..

 

[Wharf]

Thanks for the feedback how many meeki do you think will be good? If I add CA Tetras too how many? I have a large Syno Angelicus I truly want to keep how would he fair with tgese tank mates?

 

[Rocksor]

1 male and at least 3 female meeki with the Vieja. I probably wouldn't add any CA tetras and syno. Especially if you end up with a large 12"+ male 3-4 years down the road.

Whether or not you can house CA tetras and the Syno with the Vieja will be dependent upon its disposition. Won't hurt to try just the vieja, syno and tetras (10+). You could try larger sailfin mollies if you're afraid the mexican tetras would get eaten by the vieja if it ends up being a large male.

 

[Wharf]

So for my Vieja Melanurum I ordered a shoal of about 8 3" T. Meeki...I will have to remove extra males over time. Will livebeareres work with a Vieja? What kind of livebearers? Should I mix livebearers or go with a single species and color of Swordtail or Mollies? What is a fairly nice looking livebearer that is readily available and works well in this type setup (I know this is subjective)?

 

[Rocksor]

So for my Vieja Melanurum I ordered a shoal of about 8 3" T. Meeki...I will have to remove extra males over time. Will livebeareres work with a Vieja? What kind of livebearers? Should I mix livebearers or go with a single species and color of Swordtail or Mollies? What is a fairly nice looking livebearer that is readily available and works well in this type setup (I know this is subjective)?

My preference has always to go with a single species of live bearers. Whether you mix color or not, it's up to you. The young would certainly be eaten very easiy by the vieja. The adults would be more difficult to consume especially if you start off with a small juvenile vieja.

 

[Wharf]

Nah he's already 6-9 inches lol...that's why I am pretty hesitant. I go pick him up today. I am thinking mollies are probably the biggest right? I have seen videos with them as dithers just curious, because I am pretty much a noob in the new world area. My Meeki are being shipped.

 

[Rocksor]

Nah he's already 6-9 inches lol...that's why I am pretty hesitant. I go pick him up today. I am thinking mollies are probably the biggest right? I have seen videos with them as dithers just curious, because I am pretty much a noob in the new world area. My Meeki are being shipped.

Yeah sailfin mollies would be your best bet with a 6-9" vieja.