Tank Mates for new CA tank

[okayboy]

I'm getting back into the hobby after a few years on hiatus. Currently I have three smaller tanks stocked with general small community fishes.
I want to stock a 75 gallon tank with a CA Cichlid theme. Smaller fishes perfered. I've had Nanoluteus in the past and definetly want those again.
Question, how many Nanoluteus is a good mix. In the past I only had a pair and they did pretty well together. I was hoping for about six of them???
For tank mates, I'm thinking Swordtails, 3 males and 14 females. I would like to had another species of CA Cichlid, any recommendations?
Thanks,
Tony

 

[smytty3a]

Recently retired, and just getting back into the hobby myself (first post here). 135 gallon tank arriving tomorrow! Planning to keep mainly Central American's. I've been doing a LOT of research. Some ideas for your tank include rainbow cichlid (Herotilapia multispinosa), and/or maybe a couple Thorichthys. I like your idea of swordtails, too.

I haven't kept Nanoluteus, but looks like a cool fish. Good luck!

 

[duanes]

Swordtails are a perfect match geographically and attitude wise for nanoluteus and other small Amatitlania type cichlids.
I have used wild color type (such as helleri) with nanoluteus and panamense .

And 6 nanos is probably a good shoal for nanos in that size tank.

 

[jonclark96]

I would not keep nanoluteus with other cichlids. I have tried several times in the past, and i find that they are easily out-competed for food and get stressed. The live bearers are a good addition and should keep the tank active.

 

[Gourami Swami]

My experience has also been that the nanoluteus are best grown out without other cichlids to compete with. I have seen them kept with other cichlids in a large (150g) tank with success, but the nano's were added as full-grown adults.
If you want a group of the fish, I think in a 75 gallon your best bet would be to pick a single species. Go for one pair. and some extras of a single sex, ideally to stop a second pair from forming. I kept panamensis like this in a 90 gallon with success. I eventually tried to remove the extras and leave only the pair, and that is when the male turned on and killed the female. I think the extras are important to give the pair something to unite against and keep them bonded.

 

[mastiffsrule]

I have 8 T. meeki and 5 green swordtails (1m4f) with a couple of bristlenose in a 75.

 

[okayboy]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Good advice! I think for a little bit more money I'll get a 90 gallon tank.. I'll then try to purchase 7 to 8 nanoluteus and get them down to one pair and the rest females. Maybe someone will have them and can sex them so that I can only get 1 pair and 4+/- females?

 

[tlindsey]

I'm getting back into the hobby after a few years on hiatus. Currently I have three smaller tanks stocked with general small community fishes.
I want to stock a 75 gallon tank with a CA Cichlid theme. Smaller fishes perfered. I've had Nanoluteus in the past and definetly want those again.
Question, how many Nanoluteus is a good mix. In the past I only had a pair and they did pretty well together. I was hoping for about six of them???
For tank mates, I'm thinking Swordtails, 3 males and 14 females. I would like to had another species of CA Cichlid, any recommendations?
Thanks,
Tony

I'm getting back into the hobby after a few years on hiatus. Currently I have three smaller tanks stocked with general small community fishes.
I want to stock a 75 gallon tank with a CA Cichlid theme. Smaller fishes perfered. I've had Nanoluteus in the past and definetly want those again.
Question, how many Nanoluteus is a good mix. In the past I only had a pair and they did pretty well together. I was hoping for about six of them???
For tank mates, I'm thinking Swordtails, 3 males and 14 females. I would like to had another species of CA Cichlid, any recommendations?
Thanks,
Tony

Welcome aboard