Dwarf Cichlid for a planted aquarium

[Momotaro]

Hello all!
I am in the process of stocking a 75G planted aquarium. I plan on choosing a tetra (Kerri Blue, Rummy nose, or some sort of pencilfish) and would like to add a dwarf cichlid as a spotlight species. I am looking for some suggestions! This is the dwarf cichlid board, and I am sure there is a wealth of knowledge and experience here!
Here are the aquarium conditions:
pH 6.8
KH 4
GH 8
Temperature is at 78 degrees

I also have some criteria for my prospective tenant:
I would like the fish to be small
I would like the fish to take foods like freeze dried bloodworms or flake

2la was kind enough to suggest A. borellii or a ram on a planted aquarium forum. That was before I posted specs and my criteria.
Also, will it make a difference if the cichlid is introduced to the aquarium before the tetras?
Thanks for allowing me to ask this question on your board. I am looking forward to any and all suggestions.

Mike

 

[Neil]

Momotaro,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

Depending on what your definition of "small" is, you have quite a selection. All Dwarf Cichlids will prefer live or frozen foods over freeze dried and flake, but can be lead to accept these foods. Apistogramma species are perhaps a little tougher to get transitioned over to these foods, but can be.
2las suggestion of borellii is a good one. You may also want to do a little research on Nannacara, Microgeophagus, Laetacara (and perhaps even) some West African species. Many species will live happily in your set-up. I think that you should look at species that interest you and then decide if they will be a good fit. If they are to be your "spotlight" fish, then you most certainly will want to really like them.
It is not necessary to add the Cichlids before the tetras. They in all likelyhood will dominate the tank regardless, but not pay too much attention to them.
Good luck,
Neil

 

[Momotaro]

Thanks Neil.
Your suggestions are great! I look forward to doing the research and making my selection. There have been some very nice German rams in the area aquarium shops, so they are also becoming a posibility.


Mike

 

[aspen]

i have owned half a doz apisto species and rams are still my favourite dwarf species. a pair of rams and a pair or trio of cacatoides or borelli's would be really nice for that tank.

i have silver hatchets and beckford's pencilfish and they make a nice combo for dwarfs. i have owned harisoni pencils and they were very timid as are most pencils. the coral reds are reputed to be quite frisky though as well. but are '$$$' beckford's hold their own quite nicely against any of my drawfs though.

rick

 

[Momotaro]

Yipes....
I forgot to mention that this aquarium, being a planted aquarium is also home to a crew of Amano shrimp!!
Can I keep a pair of Apistos or should I go with Rams??

Mike

 

[farm41]

Sure you can keep apistos with amanos, I have had them together for quite some time, the only time I saw any losses were when A. Incas were breeding. They can be quite onery. I have them with hoignei, agazzasii, cacs, rams, nannacara, and still some with the incas. They must learn to keep away at breeding time.