"JazzyB!" jazzybjazzy DONTWANTANY @hotmail.com wrote in message
...
Here's what I'm thinking of hosting in my 27G Hex tank. Let me know
what you
think both positive/negative.

1. 1 or 2 Blue-eye cichlids
2. 2 Dwarf Gouramis
3. 3-4 Pepper Corydoras
5. Dwarf pleco (if there is one) or 2 algae eaters.

My concern is with the blue-eyes because they can become 4-5 inches in
length. Currently the tank is empty of fish. Any recommendations on
which
fish should be introduced first?

If you have any other suggestions fire away! I'm all ears... er...
eyes.

In an uncycled tank, if you are adding something to cycle the tank, the
cichlids would probably be the most hardy, but fishless cycling would be
far better.

In a cycled tank, their order of introduction would be from least
aggressive to most aggressive (conditional on size and sexual maturity).
I typically add algae eaters last (when I have algae) unless I will be
supplying their food (algae wafers, zucchini etc). Gourami's are
susceptible to fungus & fin-rot in new tanks, so they are slightly
delicate. Small Corys are also a little sensitive, probably as they have
a few intolerances and are limited to the water quality in only one part
of the tank (the bottom) sitting right on top of whatever bacteria are
developing in the substrate. In a mixed community tank which includes
cichlids, I usually add the cichlids last, in order to let the
less-territorial fish acclimate themselves.

This does not suggest any obvious sequence of introduction *sorry* ;~),
so:

i) In a cycled tank, I'd add the Gourami/Corys first (top-feeders &
bottom-feeders), followed by the cichlids 2 or 3 weeks later, followed by
the plec when there was algae. Note that I have no idea what a Blue-eye
cichlid is and whether it is even appropriate for this mix.

ii) In an uncycled tank, I would do fishless cycling (using liquid
ammonia). It's quite idiot-proof, I've done it myself.

iii) If cycling with fish, I'd use 7 zebra danios and trade them back to
the LFS (if they do that) before adding less hardy fish.

iv) If cycling with fish _and_ established filter media, the sequence I'd
use is Gouramis (fed sparingly for a week), 2 weeks later Corys, 2 weeks
later Cichlids, followed by pleco.

This is just opinion based on limited experience & observations. ymmv
NetMax