NetMax,
Thanks for the input.
You mentioned Firemouth. I really like them and they are readily available
here but thought they would be too aggressive for Severums. If I'm wrong
that would be good news. I like both the Festivum and Flag but can'tfind
them locally.
Steve

"NetMax" wrote in message
.. .

"Steve" wrote in message
t...
I am going with some So. American Cichlids and have narrowed it down to
3
different species

Gold Severum
Green Severum
Blue Acara
Geophagus

I think that's a nice mix of medium-large fish with similar dispositions.
I've never had Blue Acara, but I've had Aequidens tetrameris which I
think are similar to the Blue Acara. There are many Geophagus, with
jurupari being the most common around here.

I would like to some input from the group as to if this would be a good
match, i.e. get along reasonably well, offer some variety, need similar
chemistry.

Ideally I would like to end up with a pair of each in addition to a 4"
pleco
and a 3" red-tailed shark (if he ends up being a problem with the
juveniles,
he goes). Some concerns/questions:

Do I need a dither fish? I have 6 tiger barbs I could use, would they
work?

You don't _need_ dither. In some cases, you might be better without.
Seeing as your selection is mostly calm slow moving fish, you might be
better off without dither. ymmv I'd go with the larger Rainbow shark.
My experience has been that they are slightly less agressive than their
cousins, the Red-tail shark. If you don't get a gold severum,
considering getting an albino Rainbow shark.

Rather than have 2 of the 4 species be a Severum would there be a
better
choice?

Not better choices, just different choices, like Flag cichlids,
Festivums, Firemouth etc.

Given the potential size, are 4 pairs too much?

In a 55g? Yes, I think so.

Would a Geophagus be happy alone to reduce the total quantity?

You would have to ask him ;~)

NetMax

I would like to hear the voice of experience, thoughts are appreciated.

About 2-3 weeks ago I posted the message below which gives you the
background information needed.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

I have a 55 gal well established tank the needs repopulating. I have
had
angels for many years and they are starting to go (old age I think). I
have
standard gravel with a undergravel filter and the pH is consistently
between
6.3 and 6.5. Rather than get more angles I was thinking of going with
fish
with more of a personality. Non-angel and non-discus Cichlids came to
mind. I don't want to turn the tank upside down by changing the gravel
for
crushed coral to get the hard water so African cichlids are out.

Here is my question: What types of So American cichlids would work
under
those conditions. Ideally I would like to have 3 varieties that can
coexist
given enough structure. I plan on getting them young, how many of each
should I get? Would I need to cull them out for a pair of each type or
would 3 or 4 of a type work?