Good setups for a 200 litre tank

Community setup

Three or four schools plus centrepiece and cleanup. Fifteen to twenty tetras, twelve to fifteen rasboras or barbs, twelve corydoras, a pair of dwarf gouramis or a single angelfish, and a bristlenose pleco. Canister or dual HOB filtration. Match species to your water parameters. Log tests in App-aquatic so you spot trends early.

Centerpiece setup

Two or three angelfish, twenty tetras (rummynose, cardinal, or black neon), twelve corys, and a bristlenose. Tall tanks suit angels. Alternatively: a pair of pearl gouramis with two schools and a pleco. Provide vertical structure and plants.

Cichlid setup

200 litres works for medium cichlids. South American: a pair of Severums or keyholes with dithers and a pleco. African: a small group of Malawi mbuna or Tanganyika species — research compatibility and overstocking strategies. See types of cichlids. Match water hardness and pH.

General tips

Cycle fully. Add fish in stages. Respect bioload. Weekly water changes and strong filtration.

Quick takeaways

• 200 litres suits mixed communities, centrepiece setups, or cichlid projects.
• Match species to water hardness; provide structure for territorial fish.
• Cycle first, stock gradually, maintain regularly.