"Steve" wrote in
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 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.

Eartheaters (Geophagus, Satanoperca, Gymnogeophagus, etc.) come in many
sizes and temperaments. Would really need to know which eartheater you
are considering. But with all these fish, temperament and compatibility
vary among individuals. I would say your proposal stands a reasonable
chance of success, however. Personally, however, with your water
chemistry, I would go with apistogramma, Rams, etc. 55 gallon tanks are
odd shaped tanks, being so narrow. They are really better for small or
slow moving fish. Severums and some species of eartheaters will
eventually outgrow them.

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?

The best dither choice for a South American tank is silver dollars (tiger
barbs are Asian). They are big and dumb, but do a good job distracting
the more aggressive fish.

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

Given the potential size, are 4 pairs too much?

Yes. There is not much bottom area in a 55 gallon tank. There would not
be enough room for four pairs to set up territories.

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

It is not generally realized, but most eartheaters prefer to be in
groups. On the other hand, I have kept single eartheaters and they seem
to do okay by themselves.

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?