American cichlids

Question
Hello--
I have just switched my 75 gallon tank from african cichlids to South Americans... I currently have a full size male Jack dempsey and some convicts(both pink and striped) from full grown to med.
My first question is what tank mates would you suggest that I add to the tank?  I understand there are no gaurentees with cichlids:)  I am thinking about Texas, red devil, etc...
If I were to not have breeding pairs how many fish would you suggest I add?  what about with one or two breeding pairs in there?
I was also considering adding silver dollars for dithers- thoughts?
I am planning to add a pleco(or two?) for tank cleaning( I know I still have to do my share:)
I am at a point where I am open to any suggetions you have!  thank you so much for your help and time!!
Christie

Answer
Hi Christie,
 Keep in mind that the fish you have mentioned (which are Central American, not South American) tend to grow rather large. So, for example, an adult Jack Dempsey is about 9 inches long, an adult red devil is well over a foot.   

 In a 75 gallon tank, I would keep on only a single pair of Jack Dempsey or a single pair of red devils.  If you put a breeding pair of any Central American cichlids in that tank, it is rapidly going to be too small for other fish. Central American cichlids are ferocious when it comes to defending their kids and they won't tolerate other fish in the tank.

You can add a pleco because they tend to stay out of the way of the cichlids and vice versa.  

Whatever you do, be sure to add LOTS of structure, e.g., wood, rock, plastic plants, to break up the space.  That will allow weaker fish a chance to hide when they need to and will keep the more dominant fish from monopolizing the whole tank.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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