Guppy tank centerpiece?

[Sanderguy777]

I am absolutely brand new to the South American cichlids (I had a Jack Dempsey in an African tank but that was when I didn't really know better. Also, I've had a few angels over the years, but I don't see them as a cichlid, just like a tomato isn't a fruit...LOL)

Anyway, I live in Santa Rosa, CA and the water here is like 7.4-7.8. Is it possible, in my high pH water to keep South American cichlids? The LFS I like gets them from Florida I believe (where they are raised in high pH water) so my hypothesis is that they should be fine with my water.

Secondly, is there a centerpiece fish that would go in my guppy tank that is a bit bigger and super colorful? (or maybe a schooling fish?) I need it to be guppy and shrimp safe (bamboo, and probably neocaradina at some point). I am thinking apisto macmasteri, cacatoides, or agassizii for the centerpiece. Or some small rainbowfish or tetra for the schooling, if I couldn't do a SA cichlid species.

This is the 60g guppy tank I would be putting them in.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

and shrimp safe (bamboo, and probably neocaradina at some point).

A male Apistogramma cacatuoides wouldn't mind hard water, and would fulfill the other criteria, but is definitely not Cherry Shrimp safe.

cheers Darrel

 

[Sanderguy777]

Hi all, A male Apistogramma cacatuoides wouldn't mind hard water, and would fulfill the other criteria, but is definitely not Cherry Shrimp safe.

cheers Darrel

Great! Adding females would NOT be advisable correct? (I assume the aggression would go up and the length of guppy tails down, right?)

Would 2 males work? Or would they fight? (I was hoping for more than one, but one will work if they wojld fight otherwise).

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

Great! Adding females would NOT be advisable correct?

It is just in case they spawn, is quite mellow, but it is still a cichlid.

Would 2 males work?

No I think you would need a much bigger tank.

One male will give you plenty to look at if it's happy, they are quite outgoing fish.

cheers Darrel

 

[Sanderguy777]

Thank you.
Why Cacatoides specifically?
Would an Agassizii work too? Just curious as I want to get it at my LFS and their selection is pretty limited.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

Would an Agassizii work too?

My guess would be that the water would be too hard. <"I've lept them">, but only in soft water..

cheers Darrel

 

[Sanderguy777]

Hi all, My guess would be that the water would be too hard. <"I've lept them">, but only in soft water..

cheers Darrel

Ok, that is perfect! Thank you again. I'll see if they have them at my LFS.