75 Gallon Tank 75 gallon setup questions

[MsPickles35]

Hi! I’m going to be setting up a 75 gallon in about 4 months (I’m moving to a new apartment about that time, so figured now may not be the best time to start up a giant tank that I know we’ll need to lug somewhere else soon), and I have some ideas for the stocking. But of course you guys have lots of knowledge and I’m here to learn, so I thought I’d share and see what you think!

My stocking plans are (and these are not set in stone):

Cardinal tetra (10x)
Purple/blue emperor tetra (10x)
Congo tetra (6x)
Rainbow Celebes (6x)
Kuhli loach (4x)
Peacock gudgeon (1x)
Bolivian ram (2x same gender, no breeding aggression)
Keyhole cichlid (2x same gender, no breeding aggression)
Various Amano and ghost shrimp (maybe one vampire shrimp?)
Nerite snails

I intend to make the tank heavily planted, though I’m not yet sure what plants I’m using. It would be my first foray into keeping live plants, so definitely easy species. Dwarf baby tears are gorgeous, but alas not for me. I don’t really have the money to mess with a full CO2 kit, so I want to dose with Seachem Flourish Excel and Thrive+ All in One, and use Osmocote root tabs if necessary. Filtration will be a Seachem Tidal 110, and lighting is a Hygger Advanced Full Spectrum LED. If necessary, I’ll add a second light at some point. Substrate will be Black Diamond blasting sand. I’m unsure about if I’ll need air pumps on a heavily planted tank?

I’m planning on having tons of hiding spots in the tank, both for the fish and the shrimp. I also want to reduce aggression (hopefully) by introducing the invertebrates first, then the smallest fish, then the next smallest and so on, so everyone has time to grow before a larger fish is introduced.

As a question, I’ve heard that keyholes are extremely rude to shrimp, even Amanos. Is this a common thing, or are some individuals just more aggressive? If it’s a definite thing, are there any fish that kind of look like keyholes, but would be a better fit? I’m not talking about the cichlid body shape so much as the markings.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I appreciate any tips or suggestions!

 

[BigManAquatics]

I would suggest adding 2 or 3 to the peacock gudgeons. They are more fun with multiples.

 

[Noroomforshoe]

Kuhli loaches should be in large schools, you have a big tank, please keep a large school of 9 or more.

Im not sure if cardinal tetra are a good idea with the keholes, they could be eaten. I would skip them and get more congos instead.

Any shrimp would be expensive lunch. Nerite snails are less vulnerable then many snails, but my loaches still ate my nerites.

 

[Deku-Cory]

Yeah I'd probably leave out the Cardinals and boost the numbers of some of the other schools instead. I think there will be plenty of activity in the middle of the tank with the Congos and Emperor Tetras

 

[Noroomforshoe]

ooooopppps

 

[MsPickles35]

I’m definitely attached to the schooling fish, so I’d rather not lose a group if possible. If the Keyholes are a threat, I’ll take them off the list. As for the numbers of kuhlis and gudgeons, I hear you. I’ll up those numbers. As always, I appreciate all advice! Oh, and also I changed my mind on the Nerites. I learned about how obnoxious they are about egg laying. Maybe Mystery snails would be better.

(Also, I think that last reply is meant for another thread)

 

[Noroomforshoe]

OOPs, I guess it was for another thread, wierd?
The kuhlies will eat mystery snails, the antenna make them vulnerable, size dosnt really matter, loaches have a special set of skills. Nerites don't have antenne, they are less vulnerable, but they did not last 6 weeks with my loaches, I have yoyos, zebras and angelicouse loaches. But yes, those seseme seed eggs all over are frustrating. IMOP, the corn mazes they cut through the algae make it worth while.

 

[MsPickles35]

What about Malaysian Trumpet snails? I’ve heard they do great stuff like eating algae and aerating the sand, but they breed at insane rates. Would the group of kuhlis be able to keep the population in check, while the tank still receives the beneficial aspects of having snails? Thanks again for taking the time to answer.

 

[Noroomforshoe]

I have heard the kuhlies are not as ravanous for snales as say, my yoyos would be, but its impossible to guess how many or how fast they would eat. You could add trumpet snails, let them populate, then get the kuhlies. then let us know how it went.