Juwel Rio 180 Tropical

I second (third??) the positive comments about the Juwel filters - I've been very happy with mine and like Richard says, they do pack in a lot of filter media. Yes, they don't have a fantastic flow rate but I get a strong enough flow from the outlet to suit the smaller types of fish I have.

I also agree with the comments about Platies - nice fish, but it is a bit pot luck as to how healthy they truly are and I think this is the case with pretty much most live bearers owing to the inbreeding previously mentioned. I've had unexplained losses with my Platies, Guppies and Mollies but none with non-live bearers such as my Dwarf Rainbows.

Thanks Sue, that's good to know. My lfs was very down on them and considered them (all) to be very antisocial.

Thanks Sue, that's good to know. My lfs was very down on them and considered them (all) to be very antisocial.

Tiger barbs have given barbs in general a bad reputation..... and that's only 'cos people don't keep Tigers in suitable conditions. If you keep 10 or more then they set up their own social pecking order..... less than 10 and they peck other fish! Serpae Tetras are just as bad, but don't get the bum rap that Tigers do.

It seems that a lot of 'uninformed' fish keepers (not on here, of course) go for the pic'n'mix approach to stocking - 2 of those, 1 of those, 2 of those, all of shoaling species, etc etc, - and then wonder why they don't get along. 

I think I'll need another tank! 

Now you're talking!!!