Adding fish

Question
QUESTION: I have a 55g planted freshwater tank.  I currently have 9 gold barbs, a plecostumous, and a red tailed shark. I know my tank can support many more fish and wood like to add more color to my tank but am not sure what i can add that will be compatible with the existing fish. I really like the german blue rams or other more mild cichlids. Any good suggestions? Thanks in advance

ANSWER: Hi Tim

With 9 Gold Barbs, the Pleco and the Redtail, you don't have room for many more fish, but there is room for a few. This is a little tricky because there aren't many Cichlids that are compatible with the small Gold Barbs and at the same time being compatible with each other.

The German Blue Ram is a good choice. Other possibilities are Keyhole Cichlid and the Kribensis Cichlid....these are both very peaceful Cichlids, though not as colorful as the Ram. I haven't found Keyhole Cichlids in my local fish store, the ones I have, I purchased online. Kribensis Cichlids should be readily available pretty much anywhere. Dwarf Gouramis are small enough for the Barbs as well and are also very colorful.

You don't want to add any fish that will grow to more than 4" or be too aggressive for the Gold Barbs as they are very peaceful and easy targets. Most single fish will leave a school of 9 alone as they will appear intimidating.

Hope this helps you, good luck!

Richard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick advise Richard!  I think I will most likely move forward with the blue rams, they are very cool looking.  Maybe one dwarf Gourami as well? How about Cardinal tetras? Should I bring the rams into the tank in a school since they are so mild tempered? I don't want the barbs or red tailed shark to chase them.  Currently the red tailed shark will chase the barbs a little bit, not enough to stress them out. Its kind of a territorial thing i think.  What do you think?

Answer
Hi Tim

I wouldn't use Cardinal Tetras with the Ram or the Redtail, they're a little small for your tank. Redtails are territorial, but are more so with each other than with other fish. I don't think the Redtail and the Barbs will be a problem long term.

As far as the Rams, I wouldn't get more than a pair, male and female. Keep in mind this pair may or may not breed. Rams like most fish like to choose their own mates, but 2 male Rams in a 55 gallon would be territorial with each other. With your current fish, you also don't have room to add a school of Rams.

I'd be very surprised if someone told me a Gold Barb chased another fish, they are very peaceful and will keep to themselves, especially in a school of 9. The Rams and the Redtail may not hit it off at first, but will get used to each other. I have Redtails in community tanks, Dwarf Cichlid tanks and aggressive Cichlid tanks, and the Redtails are usually the one that is chased.

Also remember that beginning with Rams is not always easy. Here are a couple of links to help you with the care of your Rams

http://www.fishlore.com/aquariummagazine/dec07/blue-ram-cichlid.htm

http://www.tropicalfishandaquariums.com/DwarfCichlids/RamGermanBlue.asp

Hope this helps you, good luck!

Richard