Need some advice

**Hardy85** · 12-13-2012, 11:54 AM

I am redoing my aquarium landscape, and may add a few dwarf cichlids down the line

Current stock:
9 Zebra Danios (not positive but that should be the #, to fast to count)
9 Cherry Barbs
1 Dwarf Gourami
6 1/2" Platy
3 Adult Platy

I plan to add 6 Oto, and 6-8 Dwarf Cory

After playing at the local store yesterday I got to see 3 of the 4 dwarf cichlids I am considering

GBR
Bolivian Rams
Kribs
Apisto (either Orange Flash or Double Red)

With my current, future stock, and live plants would any of these be not compatible? I am currently leaning towards 4 Apisto (1 Male 3 Female) or doing a pair of Apisto and maybe a pair of Kribs

**Goes to 11!** · 12-13-2012, 12:15 PM

Kribs are African and have totally different water parameter requirements than the rest of your tanks stock.

**Hardy85** · 12-13-2012, 12:17 PM

Ok great to know, they were my least favorite out of those 4. Only liked the female when she was colorful

**Hardy85** · 12-13-2012, 05:05 PM

Also to note, my pH is relatively high - 7.6

I plan to wait to get them, but I know they don't show up in my LFS very often. I really like the apistos, but not sure. Also, with me redoing my tank I kind of want to arrange it in a way that provides multiple hiding spots and visual barriers

**luke77** · 12-13-2012, 07:04 PM

I have a pair of GBR and my Ph is 7.8.

**escamosa** · 12-15-2012, 06:26 AM

I would remove the Gourami before adding any kind of Dwarf Cichlid to the tank. Not really a good combination.

**mojosodope** · 12-20-2012, 04:26 AM

I agree with the removal of the dwarf gourami before you add the rest of the stock. Your ph is fine once it is stable, I have Bolivians in 8.4 and they're doing great. The key to a healthy aquarium is stability and water changes. Low nitrates ftw.

**Sandz** · 12-20-2012, 02:45 PM

With a 55gal I think the dwarf if the lesser worry. Danio's are good strong fish but preffer cooler water. GBR, Appisto's and Bolivians are warmer water. Maybe its not a huge deal because danio's can be so addaptable but its a larger conscern than a potentially pugnations gourami with so much space. Just give them a good territory and they should be fine.

**Hardy85** · 12-21-2012, 11:35 AM

Personally, I wouldn't mind trading in the dwarf gourami, but my gf loves the guy... The danios have adapted pretty well to the warmer temps, I typically have been keeping it 77 /78 so far without any issues. I would like to wait until the plants I put in start making better hiding spots out of the driftwood.

I have narrowed down my choices to Bolivians and Apistos. I love the GBR, but feel like with the fact they don't live long, can be the more aggressive out of my choices, I think I'll pass until I can have a tank dedicated to them. And personally I am not a fan of kribs (just don't like the look other than breeding female)

**Taurus** · 12-21-2012, 02:06 PM

Bolivians are a good choice for a first dwarf cichlid. But I wouldn't add any until your tank is completely cycled and has been up and running for a couple of months. There not as sensitive as GRBs, but still need a seasoned, stable tank with an established biofilter.

If you attempt to keep both a dwarf gourami and bolivian ram, I would be watch them very carefully and be ready to remove on or the other if there's any issues.