Tropical Fish Forum
Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => General Fishkeeping advice => Topic started by: dbaggie on December 02, 2014, 07:38:40 PM
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Well, after a bit of soul searching, not to mention a bit of arm-bending from the OH, I've decided to have a change of direction in respect of the stocking of my community tank. Instead of a large number of small fish, I'm now planning to have a smaller number of larger fish. Although when I say larger, I don't mean huge; ideally in the 6cm+ range, perhaps up to a max of 10cm. The CC on here suggests a max fish size of 15cm for my tank but I think that is probably a bit OTT, especially if it is a particularly active species. The question is what to stock?
My main consideration is that I have retained some of my existing community, so still have my Dwarf Rainbows, Corys and Amano Shrimp, and therefore need fish which will be compatible with these.
The other consideration is that I would still like to have a few more species so won't be able to fit in anything which has to be in a particularly large group.
Otherwise fish which prefer neutral to slightly alkaline, and medium to moderately hard water would be best suited to my water parameters.
Any suggestions??
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I love dwarf rainbows, a simple but beautiful fish.
So larger fish for harder more alkaline water... how about:
- Swordtails
- Pearl Gourami (a pair)
- Madagascan Rainbowfish
- Red Rainbowfish
- Western Rainbowfish
- Silver Dollar Tetra?
Bosemans Rainbowfish are stunning but prefer softer water and are a little smaller.
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Scrap the silver dollars, not suitable for your water parameters.
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Hi Cod,
Good suggestions. I'm looking to avoid live bearers such as swordtails and even Sailfin Mollies, despite their suitability for my water parameters and generally peaceful nature, because I've found them to be fairly weak fish. Probably as a result of the intensive breeding.
I would love some non-dwarf rainbowfish though, i think they look great and would go well with my existing dwarfs (dwarves?) but I think my tank dimensions aren't ideal for them - despite being relatively large at 180 litre, a lot of this comes from its height (50cm) and depth (42cm to the 'peak' of the bow front), whilst it is just over 3ft long (and perhaps a little longer if you take account of the bow front). The profiles on here say 75cm length for them but seriously fish says 120cm (even though the minimum volume quoted is only 110 litre).
Pearl Gouramis are a possibility.
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Understandable with the livebearers. Swordtails can be a little aggressive too.
Hmmm... that tank length does limit you on the rainbow front. Splendid, Banded and Boseman Rainbows would all do well in your water, but would need another foot in length. Maybe Celebes? Very unusual shape but can be quite sensitive.
Sparkling Gouramis are stunning fish and widely available. A pair would give you a lovely centerpiece...
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are you up grading to a larger tank dbaggie
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Celebes may be a possibility but I think the Sparkling Gouramis are probably on the small side unfortunately (although they are lovely).
are you up grading to a larger tank dbaggie
I definitely plan to but can't say how soon it would be. I saw a great tank on Gumtree the other day measuring 120x60x45 which included a tailor made wood stand but someone beat me to it! It was literally round the corner as well >:(
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i would look for a tank around 5x2x2 or 6x2x2 try to go the sump route
will save time on external filters