Choosing Dwarf Cichlids

Im torn between several of the harem/pair breeding dwarves. Cockatoo Apistogramma, Rams, Neolamprologus Brichardi, Julidochromis Marlieri, shell dwellers.

i want to put these in with my already breeding pair of Kribs in my 40gal.im worried the SA might get stomped so im leaning towards getting N.Brichardi because i knw a trio can handle themselves against the kribs from past experience.

which of these will breed in tap water(like my kribs) and have the toughness to defend against my kribs, but yet be docile to keep the peace in my community(cardinal tetras, corys, livebearers)

obviously 1st hand exp is preferred, ive done mountains of reading of the subject so far.

Kass... I've a clutch of Rams (German) in a community tank and a solo Apistogamma Agassizi.. The apisto is, by far, the more dominate critter even though the Rams are twice it's size. That's the extent of my experience. It may just be a super Dom Male that has a personality issue!... <grin> If ya come up with some Cockatoo's let me know cuz that's my next pursuit!... Awesome looking fish..
The Neolamprologus on the other hand is, as you know, a Lake Tang fish... hard water, higher ph than the other tank mates you referenced... So personally I'd not consider them for your community tank.

ive actually had a tank setup with 3Neolamps and 2Kribs together with various community fish; tetras, livebearers, corys, etc in a 20gal long live in perfect harmony. it was a bit stand-offish but no deaths(setup lasted almost 2yrs before i had to give it up). and i was thinking of getting Neolamps as a last resort if all my other ventures failed just ive have personal experience. although juliis are my back up

your info on the apistos behavior makes me optimistic tho in trying to get em. satisfies my requirements it looks like. but will they breed in tap water, hard, and 6.8ph?

Hey.. I'm no expert.. but my ph is around 6.8 and the water is hard!.. I collect dried oak leaves and put them in my filter to try an soften the water. Two of the Rams are "doing the dance".. and they look awesome in coloration.

wow looks like your water chemistry is pretty similar to mine. next time i get it tested at Petsmart, ill give you the complete water conditions. if thats the case then perhaps when we exchange fish itll work out well. ^_^ and oak eh? ill have to try tht out.

Not to demean the big box stores.. BUT there is nothing more accurate than doing your own testing... keeping a log .. kinda puts ya really in touch with what's happening with your tanks... (you do have more than one right?)...<grin> Bill

i only have 1 tank 40gBreeder! and i guess i should invest in my own test kit. the girl at petsmart left the ammonia strip in waaay too long. said my NH3 levels were way high. which is wrong, or else all my new fry would be dead and they arent.

It is amazing how in touch you get when you do your own testing... I'm the laziest guy you'll meet but .. I do log my results on each tank for the first few weeks.. then weekly...