how many spotted raphaels in a 55g

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I was thinking of getting a trio of spotted raphaels for my tank, current inhabitants are 10 black skirt tetras, 4 small firemouth cichlids(trying to get a mated pair) and a male bristle nose pleco(who is willing to share his driftwood cave, as he did when i had clown loaches briefly). I may add a school of 10 columbian tetras as well. I have a eheim 2075 and do weekly water changes.

[genocidex]

1 they are also very nocturnal and you will likely never see him. The firemouths are a big bio load in the tank and i wouldnt add anything till you cut down them to 2

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Do you have any recommendations instead of the raphael?

[genocidex]

What are you looking for in a catfish?

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Defiantly something from south/central america, something that won't out grow my tank and something that is compatible with the current stock other than that I am open to suggestions.

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Also I forgot to mention my tank is 55 gallons.

[genocidex]

Not sure where they originate from but portholes would be my choice. They are easy on the eyes and active. Also the smaller variety of upsidedown cats are nice. Id think cories are out because of the fire mouths.

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Hoplo catfish seem similar to porthole catfish, do you think they would work?

[genocidex]

just did a little research and they seem to be a good match. some sites say they might get up to 8" but 6" is the usual max. i would wait till your fire mouths mate off first tho since they will be a big part of your bio load. im sure they are small now but they grow fairly fast

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Cool I will definitely wait, i think i might go for m. thoracata wich has a max size of 5-6 inches or h. littorale max size 6-8 inches. how many of either species would you recommend?