Non-cichlid Tankmates For Blue Acara?

[fignewton]

I'm going to be pulling my tank out of storage soon and am thinking about putting in a Blue Acara and a Severum. What would be some safe non-cichlid tankmates for them? How about a school of barbs? Annostomus? Cory cats? Red-tail Shark? I know they'll outgrow my present tank pretty quickly, so I'll have to upgrade. Maybe 55 gal, maybe 70.

 

[rmcder]

I've had decent luck with both tiger and rosy barbs. If you use tigers, make sure there are 6-7 of them so they're too occupied with each other to cause trouble for the other fish.

 

[rossyt99]

Mmmmm? I have only had other Cichlids in with Blue Acara, but I would add a nice Plec (Royal/Sailfin) and perhaps a couple of Clown Loaches or SilverSharks/ RTail Sharks as you thought (smallish).

It would be slightly acidic water for them??? >CLoaches like this.


Hope it goes well...

 

[ox5477]

Def go with the 70G as the more space, the better... though a 75 I think would be easier to find, but maybe you already have one lined up.

If you going with a 70, you have to watch the size of the dithers you wish to get. Giant Danios have worked very well for me with my JD. I also have a plec. I have just recently bought some silver dollars for my new 125 but these may get too big for a 75. They can grow to a good size, but may still be able to work as long as you have just the blue acara and sev.