stocking dwarf cichlids

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I am setting up a 33g long, 4ft tank, and want to have Apistos and/or rams. I
have a unbonded(so far) pair of Bolivian rams in my 20g and would be able to
switch them to the 33g if that would make sense. How many should I have in a
tank that size? Could I have cockatoo's with GBR's? I'd like it to be a community
tank so what dither fish and cleanup crew would you suggest. Thank you

ANSWER: If you are hoping to breed the rams then you want no more then about six preferably from different pet stores.  T-bone rasbora's make great dither fish.  The Apistograms will likely bug the rams though... Other community fish would be Neon Tetra, Lambchop rasbora, rummy nose tetra, and black phantom tetra.  Hope this helps... dave

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

QUESTION: Thanks so much for the prompt reply and great advice. Two more questions,
I have a african cichlid breeder near me that imports americans also (where I
got the Bolivians) Could I get all the GBR's from them as Juvies? They will sex
them for me so is there a ratio you would suggest? I can get them from my
LFS but they keep them in such cramped conditions that they are usually
shredded. Also would ottos work as a clean up crew?

Answer
If you are going to breed them then you need to make sure that they are not siblings... you will increase the rate of birth defects if you interbreed fish that are related....Otto's work pretty good as  clean up crew... so do Cory cats... both are shoaling fish so buy them in lots of three.   dave