Next Fish Choice For Stocking

I recently upgraded my 20L tank for a 90L tank (AR620), currently has 6 x serpae tetras and a young BN catfish. Substrate is sand, and I am keen on setting this up to be as happy an ecosystem as possible (inc live plants to replace the silk ones I have).

I have heard that snails are beneficial for turning the substrate over, and working in some of the mulm for plants to consume. Have heard blackworms would do the same thing. Don't mind the sound of trumpet snails as it seems like they hide during the day, and if I get loaches they would eat the smaller snails (although they could equally decimate the population!).

Personality wise loaches sound better, corys sound better as studious vacuums always out doing a lap of the tank sifting through things. How much in the way of hiding spots do loaches need? (pic of tank below). Also, will loaches be a problem coexisting with my BN?

I would also like a couple of larger, peaceful midwater fish. I think I can get away with Blue Dolphin Cichlid or Electric Blue Rams, both of which look pretty cool in my eyes.

Thoughts? Other suggestions? (add below)

Cheers,

Geoff

Clown loaches get HUGE, and aren't really practical for this tank. I have a group of yoyo loaches in my 46 gallon tank, and I find that they require a lot of hiding places. Mine tunnelled under a piece of driftwood I had in the tank, and constantly work their way through the hollow parts of my other piece of driftwood.

I'd go with Panda corys, as they're full of personality, and would look beautiful against your sand, and could live in this tank long-term, whereas the clown loaches would need to be rehomed.

Panda's and Rams for me (the Electric Blues might set you back a bit though there still rather expensive)

Could go for another ram, just saw the electrics catch my eye. thanks for the suggestions, dolphin cichlids a possibility? (would like a couple of larger fish eg 5").

if you wanted a larger fish, why not get a pair of Bolivian Rams rather than the Blue/electric Blue rams?

blue dolphin cichlid wouldnt be suitable for your tank , both in terms of tank size and the other stocking . 90L doesnt really afford you a choice of big fish . your rams will be uour bigger fish imo

Channti said:

if you wanted a larger fish, why not get a pair of Bolivian Rams rather than the Blue/electric Blue rams?

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yeah they look pretty cool as well, peaceful etc could be a good match, thanks

Geoff- said:

Channti said:

if you wanted a larger fish, why not get a pair of Bolivian Rams rather than the Blue/electric Blue rams?

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yeah they look pretty cool as well, peaceful etc could be a good match, thanks

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No problem! They're also a lot more suitable than the Dolphin cichlid for your tank. I plan to put a pair of Bolivian Rams into my 46 gallon eventually. They're a gorgeous fish.