What else would you add to my 180 gallon

[kno4te]

Tabk has been doing well with the stock... w/c is 50% every sunday and perams are in check. Pothos helps with the nitrates.

Thoughts on adding a small flagtail to help with algae and a pictus catfish?

View attachment 1422492

View attachment 1422493

I’d pass on the flag tail and try some otos. Even the larger ones will be a nice addition. A few pictus will look nice and some movement.

Should I add java fern throughout the branches?... I have a bunch from my 75

If i can make a suggestion. Unless u want to use what u have. I’d add some stones on the right side of the tank where’s its empty, place the ferns there. Add some penny wort wrapped around the branches on the left and some crypts or bucephalandra at the base.

 

[SandNukka15]

I’d pass on the flag tail and try some otos. Even the larger ones will be a nice addition. A few pictus will look nice and some movement.

If i can make a suggestion. Unless u want to use what u have. I’d add some stones on the right side of the tank where’s its empty, place the ferns there. Add some penny wort wrapped around the branches on the left and some crypts or bucephalandra at the base.

Thanks but I was only going to use java fern since I have a bunch. Kinda wanted to keep the right side open

 

[SandNukka15]

One thing to consider, is that your Geo's appear to be juvies at this point, (and depending on which species), could grow as large as another 4" to 10", and fill out the space quite a bit .

At the time of the pic above, these were 5 to 7".
Below one of the altifrons group at 10".

And I agree plants like Anubius or java fern fixed to the branches would add interest and help with water quality.
They are able to utilize low light and might do well with just the indirect sunlight from the window.

I have 7 red head geos would be willing to cut down to 5... they are about 3 inches now starting to color up

 

[SandNukka15]

I feel like its definitely missing a catfish but I'd need a smaller sized south american

Pictus?
Spotted Raphael?
Jaguar?

 

[twentyleagues]

I feel like its definitely missing a catfish but I'd need a smaller sized south american

Pictus?
Spotted Raphael?
Jaguar?

I think a jaguar may be to aggressive, pictus really need a good size group to really have them act normal you are kinda at capacity for a large group. Raphael wouldn't be terrible but will you see it? That's the problem with most cats though.

 

[kno4te]

I feel like its definitely missing a catfish but I'd need a smaller sized south american

Pictus?
Spotted Raphael?
Jaguar?

Jag and spotted Raphael should be fine but won’t see them out. Do typical drift cat things. The pictus will be out and actively swimming.

 

[DwarfCichlidLvr]

I LOVE it!

 

[Gourami Swami]

Raphaels are one of those fish that you add and don't see until you tear the tank down. Personally I would go with 3 pictus cats if you want catfish. Your stock would fill the tank already but I don't think the pictus will make a huge difference. Could always adjust when the fish are eventually large, your keeping an eye on nitrates and doing it right as far as I can see.
Tank looks great. I think the java fern would be a good addition.

 

[Red Cichlids]

I love the tank and the way you are sticking with the South American theme (though I don't do that myself).

I like the idea of some surface fish and agree with Shark75's comment on adding some hatchets. I think you can have some smaller fish in there as long as you don't have predatory catfish, though a small school of pictus or a jaguar cat sound pretty awesome.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned bristlenose plecostomus. I would add 4-6 bristlenose plecos in any color pattern you like. They would help keep the algae down, as I imagine the blue phantom is not that much of a cleaner by itself.

One more thought: I know you have a lot of fish in there, but they are mostly small to medium fish. I would bet that if you caught them all out and weighed them, they would all together weigh less than one large oscar or flowerhorn. With that in mind, I wouldn't be afraid to add a few more fish, especially on the small side.

 

[SandNukka15]

Thanks for everyone's input I appreciate it.

As far as hatchets go the columbians like to roam the top with the angelfish occasionally and I dont really want another group.

I was considering L183 plecos ...small group but I dont wont to add a lot more poop.

It's looking like pictus is the best choice... I heard they like to be solitary when older and only school when younger so I'd go with either 3 or 1.

Cant really think of anything else to add unless one of you has a good suggestion.

Like I said before I'd be ok with thinning down the geos from 7 to 5 eventually but with the stock now I cant see it being overstocked yet.

I will add the java fern tomorrow and see how it looks