cockatoo cichlids

[fishboy444]

Could all those go in a 65 gallon.Cockatoos and all to live happily?I was thinking about the 75 gal. and then I checked my wallet and I don't think I'll be able to afford it.Could I take out the bolivian rams and go with a 65 gallon?

[bs6749]

I looked up the dimensions of a 65g tank and found that it was roughly: 36 7/8 x 19 x 24 5/8. If you take out the Bolivians it would work for sure. I really think that the extra foot in length that a 75g tank would provide is a better option even if you have to wait a bit for it but I'm not going to tell you what to buy, just what I think is a better route. Check Craigslist for some great deals near you on used tanks if you are thinking about a 75g but can't quite afford a new one.

[fishboy444]

thanks.I will check craigslist.If I can get a 75 gallon then I won't have to take out the bolivian rams.If I can't then I'll have to take the B rams out.

[bs6749]

I would recommend taking out the Bolivians simply because you will have a trio of apistos on one end of the tank and the keyholes most likely on the other. Personally I'd cut the keyholes as they can get pretty big and Bolivian rams would go better in my opinion. Then you could add a medium school of neon/cardinal tetras (18-24) and some hatchetfish (8-10) for the top of the tank. Maybe even a BN pleco for algae control, if not a BN pleco then 5-7 ottos. Just what I'd do if it were my tank.

[fishboy444]

Thanks a bunch.I really like keyholes.Could keyholes go with Colombian tetras and tiger barbs in a tank 31"x12"x16"?Also could I fit a horse face loach in there?I don't like hatchetfish.Any other top fish?I like the idea of ottocinclus.

[JustOneMore20]

Tiger Barbs are prone to nipping so they might nip your Keyholes' fins. I would skip the Tiger Barbs, especially if you like Keyholes.

I think the Horseface loach would work. Make sure your substrate is fine and not anything that will irritate them, as they like to burrow. I read that they tend to hide more as they mature, so if you want to see the fish often, this probably isn't the one for you.

[fishboy444]

I can't skip the tiger barbs because they're already in the tank31"x12"x16".I think I'll go with a 65 gallon with cockatoos,bolivians,shark,Z danios,tetras, ottos and...

Do ottos like to be kept in groups?How many?

[bs6749]

Ottos do like to be in groups of at least 5 IMO. You could easily do 10 of them in a 75g.

[fishboy444]

Any "easy to care for" top dwelling fish that are smallish?

[fishboy444]

Could a flying fox go in there as well as emperor tetras?