Any fishkeepers here? Saltwater or freshwater

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by Silock

Fine together but what about with non cichlids? I don't want a cichlid only tank. Wife wants glofish and tetras.

There are a handful of cichlids you can try with that bunch, but they're still iffy and can be pretty susceptible to bad water conditions.

I've found that I really enjoy the shell dwellers; they're fairly small Tanganyikans that breed like rabbits. They're very passive and fascinating to watch. They're kinda like the sea-monkeys of the cichlid kingdom in that they're constantly interacting with each other. That said, they're pure bottom runners, so they're more of a supplemental addition, IMO.

Bolivian Rams are awfully neat, especially when they pair off. They can be fairly colorful, but not always. Blue and Gold rams can be extremely attractive, but just a small water spike will kill them off. Usually right about the time they pair off and become badass, you'll look in the tank to see 'em floating. Kribensis could work as well (not a Rock Krib; those are Victorian and mean as hell, just a regular Kribensis).

Here's what I'd suggest - Rainbows.

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/rainbowfish/

They're extremely colorful, like cichlids. They' significantly more docile, though. They'll school better than Cichlids (who mostly just form territories and go to war). They seem to be much more in line with what your wife is looking for. If you're looking for a planed tank, these are unquestionably the way to go. I've had decent luck with them in the past, before I let my freshwater tank go to seed.

(!@#$ it, just save up your nickels and go saltwater; you'll never go back )