New Cichlid Tank

[mwomack]

I have a 36 Gal Bowfront I plan on stocking with Cichlids. I was going to plant it but chickened out, but I have many fake decor to separate areas/territories. Here is my Stocking list, I'm new to Cichlids so any tips would be appreciated.

1 pair of Bolivian Rams
1 pair of German Blue Rams -OR- 1 pair of apistos

School of Dwarf Neon Rainbows

Possibly a pair of Veil Angels

From my research I've heard this is an okay possibility as long as they have good temperaments.

 

[KcMopar]

There is a good chance the Rams will nip the Angles fins. Angels and Rainbows are best left out of the tank with Rams. You could try if you have a safe place to put them if they don't get along. Usually they get along OK until the Rams become more territorial of the spot the have staked out.

 

[mwomack]

Ah, I read that Rainbows are a good dither fish for distraction and they would limit the agressiveness. It seems like everything you read is diffferent though thats why I was checking. I'm very hesitant on Angelfish, If the rams we're aggressive to the rainbows I can put the rainbows in my community, but the angelfish not so much lol

 

[KcMopar]

The rainbows are questionable but, If you have another tank with space you could try them and see what happens. Its hard to say sometimes, I have seen stranger combinations work. Best option is to find another semi-aggressive fish(s) to put with the rams.