What bigger SA/CA isn't going to tear this tank up as it grows?

[teqvet]

Digging wouldn't be an issue since nothing is planted in teh substrate.. it's all attached to the rocks and the driftwood.. including the moss. I could make it so that the rocks/wood with planted pieces on them were elevated over the substrate a few inches if the biggest problem would be digging issues.

Pikes would likely eat my loaches and plecos though down the road...

I was suggested some of the more colorful firemouths and some severums.

These are some of the FM's I am talking about:

 

[teqvet]

If none of that is in the substrate any eartheater will work. I keep a planted geo tank and they don't uproot any swords (the roots get good and deep) or ever nip at any other plants. I can't keep Anubias down in the sand but if it's all anchored to something you'll be fine. I've seen a similarly sized/planted tank full of firemouths and it worked out great for the guy.

That said, if you go with eartheaters I'd expose a bit more earth. That setup looks very nice but they would want more sand to sift. All my plants are clustered in one place to allow for tons of open territory.

I may try this option as well then maybe some geo's and FM's.. what temp range do geo's prefer?

 

[Aphilophus]

i would go with ebjds or jds mine are in a 75 gal planted with jungle val, anubias and westeria

 

[DaveB]

Geos can handle a lot but I keep mine warm. Like 83.

 

[teqvet]

i would go with ebjds or jds mine are in a 75 gal planted with jungle val, anubias and westeria

What size are they?

 

[CTU2fan]

Oops forgot the loaches...yeah, no pikes.

 

[trashcan]

My EBJDs are a little less than 3" and don't bother my plants (just water sprite I think its called). I also have some altifrons in there that are bigger, no problems so far. Maybe things will change when they get bigger?

BTW your tank looks great. Nice job.

 

[darth pike]

Dwarf pikes!!!

Or Geo's ... Firemouths tend to be a bit rougher with plants, but once they root into the wood well they'd be an option.

 

[hailmike]

b.a. set up!

 

[teqvet]

I think I may roll the dice at any rate and get some carpintis and gt's or ebjd's and severums or firemouths.

Really gonna hate it if it ends up a salad bar, but I'm hoping that since digging won't effect these guys, then maybe they'll be left around if I give enough room to dig around in the sand.