Community Tank setup opinions?

[Lunchbox]

Hi, Im new to the world of apisto's after being given a pair of nijsseni's for our new community tank. It's roughly 100 gallon (430 litre) with a pair of Black Skirt Tetra's that were used for cycling and 3 clown loaches that were bought over from our smaller tank.
We were going to add 2 pearl Gourami's and a pleco and were thinking about hopefully getting a few other species of Apisto's now, something along the lines of a pair of Borelli's and Cacatuoides. The only problems I could envisage apart from the now apparent cichlid disposition (the male nijsseni keeps chasing the female everywhere and they still only juveniles hehe) would be too many bottom feeders as they all share the same type of water conditions and temperature. What you think?

in short cause I didnt mean to write so much

2 Black Skirt Tetra's
3 Clown Loaches
2 Pearl Gourami's
2 Nijsseni's
2 Borelli's
2 Cacatuoides
1 Pleco

 

[Neil]

Lunchbox,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

Nijsenni can be one of the most aggressive apisto species. Combining other apistos with them will need to be done carefullly. Borellii is probably not the best choice. However, cacatuoides is possible. Any other bottom-dwelling fish is more likely than not to be chased, especially Cichlids. In a 100g., the chance for escape is much greater , as is the oppertunity to establish seperate territories. 2 or 3 apisto species are possible, but adding the mellower species first is the best bet. You have already added the nijsenni (which you already see the males disposition). Consider removing the nijsenni (at least the male), then adding another species for a week. Then put the male back in. IMO your success depends on giving another species a foothold in the tank first.
Neil