I'm not new to cichlids, just dwarf cichlids

[kcgodlyman]

Hi everyone. I've had tanks almost my whole life. I currently have a 16gal with a mixture of African cichlids. I just purchased a 37gal with LED lights, day and night lighting settings and an HOB. I'm adding a second HOB and an under gravel with at least 2 power heads. I'm going to use natural white African cichlid substrate 2 1/2" deep, stacked rocks and plants. I am thinking of a harem of shellies and one of apistos. Maybe some tetras or danios thrown in. Any advice, critique or comments are welcome. I'll take some pics of my little tank tomorrow.

 

[gerald]

Aside from their different water chemistry preferences (hard vs soft), I think shellies (Neolamprologus) may be too aggressive for Apistogramma. Maybe if you get one of the least aggressive shellies (multifasciatus or similis), and put all the snail shells at one end of the tank, and use a hard-water tolerant Apisto like cacatuoides or macmasteri, it just might work, but be ready to intervene and move them if necessary. It sounds risky to me.