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I have been in the middle of setting up a new tank for my two Jack Dempsey's (both roughly two tyears old), when suddenly this morning I discovered them both dead. My pleco is still ok and looks to be healthy. Anyways, now I have a new tank and I am debating whether to get two more Jack dempseys or not, I would like to but I would also like a some variety maybe featuring some other CA/SA cichlids, maybe some type of barb, and silver dollar. Would it be possible to introduce young Jack Dempseys with a couple other cichlids and allow them to grow accustom to each other as juviniles or is that not a good idea. If so what might be a compatible combination.

Thanks in advance

I have done a little research on some fish that I potentially would get. I have only ever had single species tanks so am a little unfamilar with what might work. Anyways here is what I was thinking:

1 - Severum
3 - 6 German or bolivian rams
4 - 6 Barbs or danios
4 - Silver dollars
4 - Blue Acara

I think this combo would work but I would appreciate some comments. Also would it be possible to substitute any species with Jack Dempsey's.

I also have currently a 7" pleco who hopefully survives (I have to treat the old tank tonight). Would it be possible to add additional loaches or corys, if so which species?

At one point of my arranging, I had a severum and acaras together, and it worked out fine. Also, bolivian rams and german rams may compete with the acaras, seeing as both of them like to spend time in the middle to lower levels of the tank, just to give you a fair warning there. Jacks=what fits in their mouth will go in their mouth. you can try it and see, but they grow quickly and they may get an expensive lunch. I hope this helps... oh and I would skip the ilver dollars, as they get large, get more barbs or danios instead. you and they will be happier.

72 gallon bowfront:Tanganyikan Lake set up
75 gallon: A. Baenschi trio,Cyanotilapia Afra Cobwe(4), copadichromis trewavase, protomelas sp. tangerine tiger(breeding pair)

Thanks for the info. I was thinking of tiger or banded barbs to go along with zebra danios. Also was considering possibly some tetras but am not sure if that might be to much. As for loaches/corys what would you recommend

Id do loaches to keep with an asian theme, if you wanted to do that. Id do a school of yo-yo loaches, or clown, or weather...its unlimited! Have fun with that, as for cories, pick one species you like and put 6-8 of them in there!! any would work!

72 gallon bowfront:Tanganyikan Lake set up
75 gallon: A. Baenschi trio,Cyanotilapia Afra Cobwe(4), copadichromis trewavase, protomelas sp. tangerine tiger(breeding pair)