Non-Cichlid Hardwater Fish suggestions

[AMcCaleb]

I am wanting to set up a 75 gallon freshwater in my office at work. I live in the country and so the water is already hard. I don't have anything against cichlids but I just would rather have something else in the tank. I'm looking for some low maintenance fish since I won't be there everyday. I'm getting a timer for the lights and an automatic feeder for the weekends.

I have 3 bala sharks that I'm thinking of putting in the tank. I currently have them at home in a planted 120 but they like to eat all my plants so I want to save that tank from deforestation. Any ideas on what else I can put in there? I may put some anubias plants in there but that'll be about it, so they don't have to be particularly plant friendly. Please give me ideas.

[kb46]

I guess it really depends on exactly how hard and what pH your water is, but there a number of non-cichlids that may fit the bill.

Suggestions:
(I really sound like a broken record so excuse me, I'm a lost cause!) Consider rainbowfish - there are many that can tolerate wide pH ranges and hardness levels.
Mollies and other larger livebearers come to mind. With Bala sharks with them their numbers wouldn't get out of control.
Peacock gobies and empire gudgeons
Gouramis - opaline and gold
Tiger barbs look fantastic in a big school

BTW An automatic feeder may not be necessary if you are only going to be away a couple of days at a time.

[twotone12valve]

I actually keep a wide array of moderately soft water fish and my water is practically liquid rocks. I also keep a breeding trio of Apisto's but remember there are plenty of fish that have been captive bred for so long they can be kept in a very wide array of water conditions as long as they are with in a reasonable range.

[AMcCaleb]

I actually found a 75 gallon from someone local that is moving. I'm not sure how soon I'll be getting it but he has a Jack Dempsey in it along with a bunch of other random fish. I'm getting rid of all but the Jack Dempsey and maybe one of his plecos. Anyways, any suggestions on good tankmates. I'm looking for only one or two more species.

[twotone12valve]

A bichir would be a vary cool addition to that tank, and the commonly found ones at pet store should'nt have a problem with your water.