Tropical Fish Forum
Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => General Fishkeeping advice => Topic started by: barneyadi on January 31, 2020, 07:31:38 PM
-
So as you know I now have 3 tanks. Tank one (125l) currently has 12 harlequins in it, Tank two (125l) has a few neons in it and tank 3 (200l) is new.
The plan is to move the neons into tank 1 and increase their number and probably add some Zebra Danios.
I have been doing some reading on Guppies, Platys, Swordtails and Sailfin Mollies. I understand that Platys and Swordtails shouldn't be kept in same tank due to possible cross breeding, and Sailfin Mollies and Guppies shouldn't be kept together. So with this in mind would this work?
Tank 2 (125) put in Guppies and Swordtails
Tank 3 (200) put in Sailfin Mollies and Platys.
Can always swap the platys and swordtails around. Are there any other fish that would be happy in tank 2 or 3?
And what is best substrate for tank 2 and 3?
Thanks
-
You have soft water don't you? In that case the best substrate, if you can source any, is dolomite gravel or sand. Dolomite is calcium magnesium carbonate which will increase GH, KH and pH, which is what livebearers need. If you can't find that, look for a substrate made for Rift Lake cichlid tanks.
-
You have soft water don't you? In that case the best substrate, if you can source any, is dolomite gravel or sand. Dolomite is calcium magnesium carbonate which will increase GH, KH and pH, which is what livebearers need. If you can't find that, look for a substrate made for Rift Lake cichlid tanks.
Am going to add aquarium salts to both tanks, will that make a difference to substrate?
-
Not sur ehow much you wanted other suggestion here but a couple of things that jumped out to me for a tank of about your size...
You have chose all midwater swimmers so look into something like Corydoras or Bolivian Rams for bottom dwellers, or maybe pencilfish for surface water dwellers.
Tiger barbs are also a fish that’s jumping out at me for some reason which you may wish to consider.
That said I think your plans look fine!
-
Not sur ehow much you wanted other suggestion here but a couple of things that jumped out to me for a tank of about your size...
You have chose all midwater swimmers so look into something like Corydoras or Bolivian Rams for bottom dwellers, or maybe pencilfish for surface water dwellers.
Tiger barbs are also a fish that’s jumping out at me for some reason which you may wish to consider.
That said I think your plans look fine!
Would the Corydoras, Rams and Pencilfish be happy in the harder water? Tiger barbs im not keen on as they can be aggressive. Would Rosy Barbs be an option?
-
No those fish need soft water.
Am going to add aquarium salts to both tanks, will that make a difference to substrate?
When you say "aquarium salts", what exactly do you mean?
-
No those fish need soft water.
Am going to add aquarium salts to both tanks, will that make a difference to substrate?
When you say "aquarium salts", what exactly do you mean?
Hi Sue
This is stuff I am going to add.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/JBL-2490200-Aquadur/dp/B009JGLTSI/ref=asc_df_B009JGLTSI/?tag=bingshoppinga-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=&hvpos=&hvnetw=o&hvrand=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584413736665222&psc=1
-
That's fine. When I read aquarium salts I wanted to make sure you didn't mean the stuff sold as just 'aquarium salt' :)
Using a Rift Lake substrate won't do any harm, it is just a belt and braces approach.
Re other fish for tank 1, I would leave out the danios and look at one of the fish Matt suggested. Danios are fast swimming fish which would stress the sedate swimming neons and harlequins just be their swimming behaviour. Matt's suggestions are all sedate fish.
-
You can look at the water hardness ranges of all these fish and more on the seriouslyfish website. I doubt they are compatible with the livebearers as well. I was thinking you might want to have 1 livebearer tank and 1 other tank??
-
Tiger barbs im not keen on as they can be aggressive. Would Rosy Barbs be an option?
As much as I enjoy my tiger barbs, they are very lively & inquisitive (definite finger nibblers when hands are in the water) , I've only ever kept them in a species only tank, and would be very reluctant to mix them with any other fish because of the reason you mention.
There are plenty of other fish that would be more suitable for a community tank.
-
You can look at the water hardness ranges of all these fish and more on the seriouslyfish website. I doubt they are compatible with the livebearers as well. I was thinking you might want to have 1 livebearer tank and 1 other tank??
Sorry @Matt got confused what tank you were talking about. Pencilfish and Corydoras would be a great fit with the neons and harlequins in the planted tank. So that then leaves 2 tanks. 1 definitely livebearers and with sailfins and platys in one and swordfish and guppies in other, that could work. Tiger barbs im not keen on as they can be aggressive. Would Rosy Barbs be an option?
As much as I enjoy my tiger barbs, they are very lively & inquisitive (definite finger nibblers when hands are in the water) , I've only ever kept them in a species only tank, and would be very reluctant to mix them with any other fish because of the reason you mention.
There are plenty of other fish that would be more suitable for a community tank.
@Littlefish A barb tank would be interesting, it seems most barbs (apart from tiger Barbs) seem quite peaceful. I wonder what might go with them.
-
I've promised myself that one day I'm going to do a heavily planted tank with just checkered barbs.
I've always just liked the way they look, and thought they'd be pretty cool in large numbers.
-
I've promised myself that one day I'm going to do a heavily planted tank with just checkered barbs.
I've always just liked the way they look, and thought they'd be pretty cool in large numbers.
@Littlefish I love the look of barbs but concerned they wouldn't get along with each other.
-
What I've read about that barb in particular indicates that it's peaceful, timid, and a shoaling species. The more the merrier as long as there is capacity in the tank.
Perhaps do some reading around the species that have caught your attention. You may find that they are suitable for the set up you're planning.
-
Ok, so decided to make a list of possible fish I like. Having asked which would go with which etc, and getting lots of differing info I have listed below possible options (and 1 seemingly poor option a LFS suggested)
Option 1
Rasboras, Platys, Guppies, Neons, Molly, Danios, Gouramis and Cherry barbs.
Option 2
Siamese Fighting fish (Just 1)
Neons
Endlers
Option 3
Discus x 4
Option 4
Cichlids
Kribs
Option 5
Odessa Barb
Ruby Barb
Cherry Barb
The bad option I will get you to pick out. Do the options sound reasonable? Any additions/removals from each option?
Cheers
David
-
Comments, the bad options first and some observations on the OK options :)
#1
This is a mix of hard and soft water fish. Platies, guppies and mollies are hard water fish, the rest are soft water fish. The two groups should not be mixed.
Gouramis should not be kept with active fish like danios, but are fine with rasboras, neons and cherry barbs (which are quite sedate and placid for barbs) in a big enough tank.
#2
Bettas should be kept alone, they are solitary fish and do not need or want tank mates.
Neons are soft water fish while endlers are hard water fish so should not be kept in the same tank.
#4
Kribs are cichlids. They are African cichlids from soft water so they can't be kept with Rift Lake cichlids which need very hard water. But they cannot be kept with soft water American cichlids either. African and American cichlids have evolved on different continents and cannot understand each other's signals, both physical and chemical. This can lead to fighting.
#3
Discus are soft water fish which need warmer temps than most fish. A breeding pair can be kept in a 4 foot tank, but 4 discus would need bigger.
#5
This sounds fine provided the tank is big enough.
-
Comments, the bad options first and some observations on the OK options :)
#1
This is a mix of hard and soft water fish. Platies, guppies and mollies are hard water fish, the rest are soft water fish. The two groups should not be mixed.
Gouramis should not be kept with active fish like danios, but are fine with rasboras, neons and cherry barbs (which are quite sedate and placid for barbs) in a big enough tank.
#2
Bettas should be kept alone, they are solitary fish and do not need or want tank mates.
Neons are soft water fish while endlers are hard water fish so should not be kept in the same tank.
#4
Kribs are cichlids. They are African cichlids from soft water so they can't be kept with Rift Lake cichlids which need very hard water. But they cannot be kept with soft water American cichlids either. African and American cichlids have evolved on different continents and cannot understand each other's signals, both physical and chemical. This can lead to fighting.
#3
Discus are soft water fish which need warmer temps than most fish. A breeding pair can be kept in a 4 foot tank, but 4 discus would need bigger.
#5
This sounds fine provided the tank is big enough.
Thanks @Sue With regard to cichlids, if I were to think about them, would I be right in thinking I would need to get those from the same region for them to get on?
-
I agree fully with what Sue has said.
Regarding cichlids, it would be best to just keep one species, as each fish or pair would need its own territory, which would be at least half the tank. Mixing them can be done but there’s never a guarantee of peaceful coexistence, and definitely not if they breed.
There are a few small species that are peaceful enough to live in a tank with non-cichlids. Kribs aren’t really one of them if you have a pair (might happen, might not), but one on it’s own will probably be peaceful enough, with space, as it will settle for the other fish staying out of its way. But there’s always the chance of the hormones flowing and the fish coming into breeding condition, and defending a territory while waiting for the opposite sex to swim by...
For soft water look into Apistogramma, Cleithracara (keyholes), Laetacara, Nannacara and Bolivian Rams from South America, and Anomalochromis from Africa. These are all small and very peaceful (for cichlids) towards non-cichlids. They should all work very well in a community... they will probably breed if kept well, but they won’t annihilate the other fish if they do...
For something a bit bigger you could try Thysochromis or Pelmatochromis, both from Africa, although not commonly kept and so not easy to get hold of.
Kribs and the other species of Pelvicachromis can also be very peaceful and worth a try, but they’ll be aggressive when breeding.
For hard water there’s only really Herotilapia, the Rainbow Cichlid, which is (almost guaranteed) peaceful.
Mixed Barb tanks actually work very well, and there are Barb fans that keep exactly that. Any Barbs of similar size should all get along together ok.
-
My only input is that I think odessa barbs are stunning when they mature. :)
-
As I know you are getting different opinions from different places, I though it also worth adding that I agree with all that has been said. :fishy1:
-
The Discus option was the one that didn't make sense to me.
Option 1 I think was they get on but depends on water parameters etc which make sense. Interesting about the gouramis, might find a home in Tank 1 for a couple.
Option 2 I can live without.
Option 5 is possible.
Option 4 I am learning more about cichlids. Have seen a lovely tank with Mbuna cichlids in, 20 in a 240 litre tank which I really like the look of. Possibly an option but doing a little bit more research.
-
Mbuna need hard alkaline water. In nature they each claim a hole in the rocks as their ‘home’, but to keep them in a tank they need to be crowded, with more holes-in-rocks than fish, so that one fish can’t become dominant and claim the tank. They provide a very colourful tank... and can’t usually be kept with other fish in anything but a huge tank.
-
I think I have sorted tank 1, 125 litres 80cm.
6 Cherry Barb
1 Dwarf Gourami
12 Harlequin Rasboras
10 Neon Tetras
Tank showing 75% capacity.
-
Lovely choices (and no need for minerals ie Aquadur in that tank). :cheers:
Only comment I have might be around the dwarf gourami - I'm not sure how prevalent the iridovirus is these days but, if it is still problematic, then an alternative option to it might be a single honey gourami. A useful read is here, though: https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/lets-hear-it-for-the-dwarf-gourami/
-
I did see something about that, will give the article a read.
A very interesting read @fcmf . Thanks. Seems it is extra important to check health of fish before purchase. Will have a think and keep honey gouramis in my thoughts as well.
-
Hi all
After a little more information. However firstly tank 1 (125 litre) I have decided on the following:-
12 Harlequins
12 Neons
4 Panda Cory
Either a Dwarf or Honey Gourami (although creator suggest 2 or more Honey's is that right?)
Now other tanks I have come up with the following possibles.
Tank 2 (125l)
6 Odessa Barbs
6 Ruby Barbs
6 Cherry Barbs
In tank 3 (200l) I could have 9 or 10 of each.
OR
Tank 3
15 Angelfish
OR
In tank 2
10 Molly
10 Platy
10 Guppy
In tank 3 I could get 15 of each.
But have a couple of questions. I understand I shouldn't keep sailfin mollies with guppies but are normal mollies ok with guppies? And secondly as they are all livebearers should I have lower numbers to allow for babies?
Any other comments very welcome.
Thanks.
Tank 3 (200l)
-
15 angelfish sounds like a lot in a 200litre to me. I would be tempted to stick to less than 8 though will admit I’ve nothing currently to back this gut feeling up. Worth looking for specific angel fish stocking advice and space requirements per fish.
-
Bit of googling later confirms the fish need some space for territories etc and so your probably best with max 6 in a tank your size. You could then stock another species with them.
-
15 angelfish sounds like a lot in a 200litre to me. I would be tempted to stick to less than 8 though will admit I’ve nothing currently to back this gut feeling up. Worth looking for specific angel fish stocking advice and space requirements per fish.
Thanks @Matt I will do. Just used the community creator and that is what it told me for 75% capacity. But will definitely look into more
-
Ok, think Angelfish are out. Not sure where 15 came from, seems 4 is nearer the mark.
So that leads to the question, what could I keep with Rams?
-
Tank 1 - needs more than 4 cories. They need at least 6 with more being better.
-
Tank 1 - needs more than 4 cories. They need at least 6 with more being better.
Thanks @Sue can work on that.
-
For tank 2 I would swap the Cherry Barbs for a species more similar in size to the other two. A Barb tank is a very active tank, and Cherries prefer a quiet peaceful tank. The others might be a little too active and ‘in their face’. Cherries prefer a quiet life, mulling around in and near the plant cover, while the others are more open water species.
You could buy one (female) livebearer, and the tank would soon become fully stocked.
All domestic mollies can hybridise with guppies...
-
Visited my LFS today to chat about community fish, who got on with who etc. It is a family run business and been around for ages. So as I went through different thoughts he surprised me with a couple of things. Firstly, that a Siamese fighting fish, just 1, would be ok in a tank with mollys and platys. Not looked into this fully as of yet.
However his other suggestion was Discus in the larger 200 litre tank. This didn't make much sense to me but have been looking into online. Been on FB and discus forum and it seems my tank would be suitable. ok, 2 x 40% water changes a week would be needed and would need an external filter but not out of the question.
I also mentioned Malawi cichlids and he suggested Catfish as a possible tank mate and am looking into this route as well.
Still not totally convinced about the Discus, but seem to be getting same information from various sources which is helpful.
Will keep you informed how things continue.
-
Generally, SFF are not community fish and hence why they're recommended to be kept on their own (if male) or in a sorority (if female). Sometimes, a SFF may be ok in a tank with community fish - not ones that tend to nip fins, though - but it's a chance you'd be taking and down to the nature of the individual fish, so you'd need to have a back-up plan by way of being prepared to have a tank for him on his own if he doesn't get on with his tankmates or becomes intolerant of them over time. The other issue to bear in mind, though, is that SFF are generally soft water fish (range 1-15 dH), while mollies/platies are hard water fish (range 15-30 mollies, 10-30 platies) - if both were kept together, it's likely one or the other is not going to thrive and reach its life expectancy (esp as best to keep them close to middle of range).
Bear in mind that sources like Seriously Fish and INJAF and their recommendations (such as minimum tank size, suitable tankmates, etc) are 'bona fide', whereas there's a whole spectrum of very good and very poor advice from elsewhere (including LFSs and especially FB), dependent on who comments on a particular day, and some fishkeepers may take risks but not necessarily have fish that thrive. The key is to think through the logic or otherwise of any advice and also interpret it in the context of the 'bona fide' sources. Hope that's helpful. :)
-
200 litres is too small for discus. They can grow to 8” and should be kept in a group. They really need a tank at least 400 litres so that they don’t end up stunted.
Bettas have been known to be ok in communities, but 9 times out of 10 they’re not. Besides, they want soft water and livebearers want hard water. Actually the females are loners too, and a ‘sorority’ is also an unnatural way to keep them.
There are a few Synodontis catfish suitable for keeping with malawis. They all live in groups so they would seriously reduce the number of cichlids you could keep...
-
@Hampalong This is where my confusion with the internet confuses the hell out of me. Seriously Fish say 120cm, 255 litre tank as a minimum however Practical Fishkeeping magazine say 125 litre tank. Most of the forums and facebook pages I have visited (most Discus owners) seem to say 200 litres is fine. So I am now totally and utterly confused and frustrated.
-
Just imagine a 20cm diameter fish in 125 litres... no way is that a suitable home for an animal, would be like confining someone to one small room for the whole of their life.
Edit: sorry if that sounds a bit preachy it was intended to be a helpful similie but reading back I’m not sure it comes across as such!!
-
Just imagine a 20cm diameter fish in 125 litres... no way is that a suitable home for an animal, would be like confining someone to one small room for the whole of their life.
Edit: sorry if that sounds a bit preachy it was intended to be a helpful similie but reading back I’m not sure it comes across as such!!
Not preachy (well not much ;))
.I have read a lot on fish forums, a couple dedicated to keeping Discus, with some extremely experienced members, so I understand where you are coming from regarding differing opinions on an acceptable sized tank. I won't delve into that discussion however as the subject is a bit prickly.
I will say, it's one heck of a commitment to take Discus on though. I mean all fish are a commitment, but these guys are extremely demanding. I also feel the obsession by many Discus owners is to high volume feed them, and then of course the multiple water changes all in the quest to get the biggest, most vibrant fish. I don't know how healthy this actually is for them. I would definitely do a lot of reading about them if I was considering keeping them.
If nothing else it would be fascinating to look into further (just in general) :)
Well more research has yielded more information. Two water changes a week is the norm, to keep water quality up. As for numbers 4-6 adults seems to be talked about a lot for my tank size. But will keep looking.
As for cichlid research, Dwarf Mbuna has been suggested to me, upto 20 for my 200 litre tank but need to look more into them. Most shops have them up as Malawi cichlids so not sure if they mean dwarf cichlids or not. But further research first.
-
however Practical Fishkeeping magazine say 125 litre tank.
Just to confuse you more, they (also?) say "Discus reach 15cm/6” and need a 60cm/24” tall tank. They do well in groups of five or more. Go for a tank of 120 x 60 x 45cm/48 x 24 x 18” or bigger." https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/what-do-i-need-for-discus/
-
however Practical Fishkeeping magazine say 125 litre tank.
Just to confuse you more, they (also?) say "Discus reach 15cm/6” and need a 60cm/24” tall tank. They do well in groups of five or more. Go for a tank of 120 x 60 x 45cm/48 x 24 x 18” or bigger." https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/what-do-i-need-for-discus/
I GIVE UP!!!!
-
Not sure if this helps or not but... I tend to adopt the rule-of-thumb that, if a 'bona fide' source such as Seriously Fish or Fishbase recommends a minimum tank size, go with that (or larger) as the figure will have been developed for a reason. Others may have had some 'success' with less than that (but bear in mind stunting and its effects, surviving .v. thriving, breeding not necessarily being a good sign but can happen in response to stressful circumstances, etc). It's always easy to find/get answers to fit with desires if asking around. However, when a fish dies, it's difficult enough to contend with and try to get to the potential root cause but, at least for me, it's one less factor for my conscience to deal with if I know I've given them the optimum care in line with the best available, 'bona fide' evidence (as opposed to knowingly going against it); everyone's different, though.
-
@Hampalong This is where my confusion with the internet confuses the hell out of me. Seriously Fish say 120cm, 255 litre tank as a minimum however Practical Fishkeeping magazine say 125 litre tank. Most of the forums and facebook pages I have visited (most Discus owners) seem to say 200 litres is fine. So I am now totally and utterly confused and frustrated.
My best explanation is that a lot of people aren’t bothered about their fish growing to full size. ‘Minimum tank sizes’ generally tend to be a compromise. They fall short of what’s best for the fish to enable more people to keep them. In a big enough tank a group of discus wouldn’t need two waterchanges every week... :)
-
I think I am really just frustrated in not being able to come up with who goes with who etc, and even when I ask people I get very different answers. It is very deflating.
Even when I think I have cracked it, a spanner is thrown in the works. And finding the internet is more trouble than its worth.
-
Would it be a different approach to decide which fish you really want, and then work out where to put them and what with?
Say, one species per tank (?) then we’ll know what to suggest that would work with them...
:)
-
As for cichlid research, Dwarf Mbuna has been suggested to me, upto 20 for my 200 litre tank but need to look more into them. Most shops have them up as Malawi cichlids so not sure if they mean dwarf cichlids or not. But further research first.
Mbuna are a group of cichlids from Lake Malawi. The Dwarf Mbuna are smaller than other Mbuna but are not what we would normally classify as dwarf cichlids which are smaller again and tend to be from soft water South American habitats (though not exclusively!!).
Mbuna and other Malawi cichlids require hard water as this is what would be found in lake Malawi. The formation of the African lake system including lakes Victoria, Malawi and Tanganyika is a fascinating read if you get the opportunity. These fish are also often what we call “overstocked” which means pushing stocking levels to their maximum in the tank with large external filters etc. They are quite aggressive fish and by overstocking this aggression is spread out amongst a larger group vs allowing specific individuals to be picked out/on.
-
Would it be a different approach to decide which fish you really want, and then work out where to put them and what with?
Say, one species per tank (?) then we’ll know what to suggest that would work with them...
:)
Ok so let's say a Malawi Mbuna tank in my 200 litre. How many should I think about as they grow to 10cm and I can see then in the community creator.
Thanks
-
Here’s a list, and a guide to keeping mbuna...
https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/the-mbuna-keepers-survival-guide/
-
I think I have come up with a solution. Will post later .
-
So I need your help again. Been looking into Sailfin and Black Mollies. I think I am after a slightly larger fish for the 200 litre aquarium and these do seem to fit the bill. Following some research supposedly subject to preferred water conditions the fish below could be tank mates.
Swordtails
Corydoras Catfish
Angelfish
Platies
Plecos
Large Tetras
Black Skirts
Red Serpaes
Silver tips
So subject to them liking the same water conditions, does the list of tankmates seem reasonable?
-
So your looking for tank mates for molies in the 200litre?
My thoughts for others to add to as follows:
Swordtails - yes, not with platies
Corydoras Catfish - yes
Angelfish - not sure about how they would be with very active fish but otherwise yes
Platies - yes, not with swordtails
Plecos - yes, be careful to get a species that does not grow too large. Dependant on species but may well require wood in th tank, quite a messy fish
Large Tetras - yes
Black Skirts - yes
Red Serpaes - believe they can be nippy which might be a problem with sailfins etc
Silver tips - yes
-
So your looking for tank mates for molies in the 200litre?
My thoughts for others to add to as follows:
Swordtails - yes, not with platies
Corydoras Catfish - yes
Angelfish - not sure about how they would be with very active fish but otherwise yes
Platies - yes, not with swordtails
Plecos - yes, be careful to get a species that does not grow too large. Dependant on species but may well require wood in th tank, quite a messy fish
Large Tetras - yes
Black Skirts - yes
Red Serpaes - believe they can be nippy which might be a problem with sailfins etc
Silver tips - yes
Thanks @Matt that all makes sense. Still looking into cichlids but this gives me a great option to think about.
-
But I would say no to a lot of those fish. Mollies need very hard water of over 15 dH/270 ppm so all those soft water fish wouldn't be very happy - cories, angelfish, tetras. If the hardness was less than 15 dH/270 ppm, the mollies would not be happy.
There is a tiny bit of overlap between mollies and some of the other fish, but that would mean hardness at the bottom of mollies' range and right at the top of the other species, and we should aim to keep fish in hardness around the middle of their ranges not the extreme ends.
-
But I would say no to a lot of those fish. Mollies need very hard water of over 15 dH/270 ppm so all those soft water fish wouldn't be very happy - cories, angelfish, tetras. If the hardness was less than 15 dH/270 ppm, the mollies would not be happy.
There is a tiny bit of overlap between mollies and some of the other fish, but that would mean hardness at the bottom of mollies' range and right at the top of the other species, and we should aim to keep fish in hardness around the middle of their ranges not the extreme ends.
I agree. There aren’t actually that many small peaceful fish that will live happily with mollies, except other livebearers.
X-Ray Tetras are a notable exception, being even found in brackish water...
And some of the Rainbows...
Seriously Fish will tell you a lot of species are suitable, but there’s a difference between surviving and thriving...
A relevant old thread here...
https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/new-fishkeepers/list-of-fish-suitable-for-high-ph-and-hard-water/10/
-
Ok think I have founds a solution. I have researched on Seriously Fish and looked for info for tankmates and then double checked them on SF. Still getting some odd suggestions but these fish seem to go together and make good tank mates. Can anyone see anything wrong?
Honey Gourami's (between 2 and 6)
Tetras
Harlequins
Pearl or Rosy Danios
Corydoras.
-
Any thoughts on which of the numerous types of tetras you'd like?
By 'pearl danios', do you mean 'celestial pearl danios'? [I'm not sure I've ever seen rosy danios before but I do see their profile on SF.]
-
Any thoughts on which of the numerous types of tetras you'd like?
By 'pearl danios', do you mean 'celestial pearl danios'? [I'm not sure I've ever seen rosy danios before but I do see their profile on SF.]
Something like the Black Phantom Tetra. This is a link for the Rosy Danios. https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/brachydanio-rosea/
-
Apologies - my error; I see Seriously Fish does refer to a 'pearl danio' and a 'rosy danio'. I don't know how likely you are to find these in the LFSs - I'm not familiar with them. [Edited to add: Just checked MA's website www.fishkeeper.co.uk and it looks as though they may now be being stocked there.]
I see these two danio species' temp ranges are 16/18 to 25'C; this might work out ok (just about) with the other species. Generally, though, fish prefer to be and function best in the middle of the temp range cited for them.
So your suggestions might be fine but would be better if you had the gourami, tetras, harlequins and cories but not the danios.
Any thoughts on the type of cories you'd like?
-
Apologies - my error; I see Seriously Fish does refer to a 'pearl danio' and a 'rosy danio'. I don't know how likely you are to find these in the LFSs - I'm not familiar with them. [Edited to add: Just checked MA's website www.fishkeeper.co.uk and it looks as though they may now be being stocked there.]
I see these two danio species' temp ranges are 16/18 to 25'C; this might work out ok (just about) with the other species. Generally, though, fish prefer to be and function best in the middle of the temp range cited for them.
So your suggestions might be fine but would be better if you had the gourami, tetras, harlequins and cories but not the danios.
Any thoughts on the type of cories you'd like?
I can live without the danios. Have had peppered and panda Cory's before, was thinking one of those types but open to other ideas.
-
I have several different corys in different tanks (including peppered in the river tank and pandas in the forest tank) . There's such a wide range available at MA and other stores that you may struggle to choose choose just one species. Go have a look in the shops and see what takes your fancy.
-
I also wouldn’t keep danios with Gouramies. Most danios are hyperactive and live mostly at and near the surface. Gouramies live there too and want a slower, more easy going existence.
Apart from that it sounds good. You’ve quite a few tetras to choose from, or even another Rasbora group...
-
I also wouldn’t keep danios with Gouramies. Most danios are hyperactive and live mostly at and near the surface. Gouramies live there too and want a slower, more easy going existence.
Apart from that it sounds good. You’ve quite a few tetras to choose from, or even another Rasbora group...
I did a lot of research on the danio, the pearl danio came recommend as very peaceful against other danios. However I already have a few tetra in other tank, so makes sense with my 12 harlequins to add more tetras. I seem to remember reading somewhere that neons and gouramis don't mix but cant find info now. Can anyone confirm this?
Had a great chat with a guy who is writing a book on keeping barbs. It was extremely helpful and I think a barb tank with zebra loaches is definitely in the running. The guy was very patient with all my questions and matched info I had already looked up. So I might go barbs in the 200 litre tank and go sailfins and platys in the other 125, but not set in stone just yet.
-
Neons can be a little nippy of gourami ventral fins, but so can a lot of tetras, and other fish. You won’t know till you do it but they’re usually ok.
-
After all the trials and tribulations of the week, think I finally have a stocking plan. Needs a little tidying but here it is.
Tank 1 (125l)
Harlequins
Neons
Honey Gouramis Not sure if 2 or 3 is best)
Corys
Tank 2 (125l)
Platy
Sailfin
Tank 3 (200l)
Odessa Barb
Ruby Barb
Cherry Barb
Maybe a mix of two, or even the 5 banded barb, rhombo barb or melon barb. But definitely barb
Zebra Loach (although checking tank size) or Dwarf Chain Loach.
I cant see anything wrong, but if you can, let me know. Thanks for everyone's help/advice etc.
-
Re Tank 3 (and Tank 2), I think Hampalong's advice previously is helpful here:
For tank 2 I would swap the Cherry Barbs for a species more similar in size to the other two. A Barb tank is a very active tank, and Cherries prefer a quiet peaceful tank. The others might be a little too active and ‘in their face’. Cherries prefer a quiet life, mulling around in and near the plant cover, while the others are more open water species.
You could buy one (female) livebearer, and the tank would soon become fully stocked.
Re Tank 1, sounds lovely to me. I'm not sure how prevalent Neon Tetra Disease is nowadays but I gather cardinal tetras are a bit more robust if you were happy enough to consider them as an alternative. As for choice of cories, that's an individual preference - I love the patterning on julii and trilineatus, for example.
-
Re Tank 3 (and Tank 2), I think Hampalong's advice previously is helpful here:
For tank 2 I would swap the Cherry Barbs for a species more similar in size to the other two. A Barb tank is a very active tank, and Cherries prefer a quiet peaceful tank. The others might be a little too active and ‘in their face’. Cherries prefer a quiet life, mulling around in and near the plant cover, while the others are more open water species.
You could buy one (female) livebearer, and the tank would soon become fully stocked.
Re Tank 1, sounds lovely to me. I'm not sure how prevalent Neon Tetra Disease is nowadays but I gather cardinal tetras are a bit more robust if you were happy enough to consider them as an alternative. As for choice of cories, that's an individual preference - I love the patterning on julii and trilineatus, for example.
Thanks. Re the barbs the guy I spoke to, who is actually writing a book about them has Odessa and Cherry's in the same tank for quite a long time and they are happy together as well as the loaches. However I do have other options including Melon Barbs, pentazona and Rhomba ones. There is plenty of choice.
With tank 1 I need to check if j need a male and female honey gouramis or 1 male and 2 females.
-
In the past I had just a male/female pair, though they can be kept as trio. With some gourami species the male can get pretty aggressive with a female but honeys aren't like that. The male does chase the female(s) when he's ready to spawn but the worst damage he does is it to the tail, and that heals quickly. Unlike some other species which have been known to kill a female if she's not 'in the mood'.
-
She’s advice is definitely in line with most peoples experiences. I however have had 2 bad experiences with male honey gourami killing the female. That said, my current male gourami will pick fights with anything... I think it depends a bit on the individual character of individual fish. Perhaps best discussing with the shop whether you can do a swap later if the pair don’t get on.
-
I've had more problems with two females fighting each other :o
-
How about pearl gouramis? Are they good in a pair?
-
I've only had mine for a couple of weeks, but they are supposed to be one of the most peaceful of the larger gouramis.
-
I've had more problems with two females fighting each other :o
Actually I think I did have 2 females once before. I assumed one was a less obvious male - this might very well explain it!!!!
-
Hi @Matt
After some planting advice. In Tank 3 I have been advised to use sand due to the loaches. Fine with that, and been suggested to have Anubias and Java Fern. If I remember correctly Anubias is attached to rock, wood etc. With the Java Fern, how do I plant it in the sand. Do I just plant in the sand but put root tabs near by?
Cheers.
-
Java fern should be attached to décor just like the anubias :cheers:
You may also wish to consider buce and bolbitis which are the same.
-
Java fern should be attached to décor just like the anubias :cheers:
You may also wish to consider buce and bolbitis which are the same.
Ok, that sounds easy enough for a change ;D.
-
I use lots of different anubias & bucephalandra in my river tank. I also use various anubius in with my axolotls. Great stuff. Easy to use, low maintenance, and the larger anubias are big enough for the panda garras to rest on the leaves. :)
-
My main tank has water sprite as a floating plant and all the other plants are attached to decor (wood in my case). I have all the plants that Matt suggested :)
-
How about pearl gouramis? Are they good in a pair?
Hi @barneyadi
Nothing's straightforward in this hobby, is it? I say that because I used to have a single pair of Pearl Gouramis in my 125 litre tank. They were peaceful until it came to feeding time. The male would chase and attack the female every time. I didn't have a spare tank into which I could move the female. Eventually, her condition deteriorated to such an extent that I had to euthanaze her. Every fishkeeper's worst wish.
JPC
-
Hi @jaypeecee
It is not straightforward a tall. Got two tanks sorted in my head, will go with Honey Gouramis in one. The tank I am having doubts about is the livebearer one. I love the colour but just having second thoughts. I am enjoying watching my Harlequin Rasboras swimming and wondering if two or three different smaller rasboras like Galaxy, Mosquito and Blue Line would look good.
-
Are you enjoying the harlequins because they school tightly? Not all Rasboras are equal in this regard... the best fish I have ever found for schooling behaviour is the runny nose terra. e.g. galaxies are quite shy and rarely school.
[In the event that anyone gets strange results when internet searching this species of fish :rotfl:, Moderator FCMF intervening in this post to clarify that 'runny nose terra' is 'rummy nose tetra' C:-).]
-
Are you enjoying the harlequins because they school tightly? Not all Rasboras are equal in this regard... the best fish I have ever found for schooling behaviour is the runny nose terra. e.g. galaxies are quite shy and rarely school.
[In the event that anyone gets strange results when internet searching this species of fish :rotfl:, Moderator FCMF intervening in this post to clarify that 'runny nose terra' is 'rummy nose tetra' C:-).]
Trying to work out a tank for maybe smaller fish, but worried that rasboras might be too active for tetras. All tetras seem to show as peaceful while most rasboras show as active. But of course got to think top, middle and bottom as well.
-
I'm actually not sure what the definition of 'peaceful' is - it might refer to 'not fin-nippy / doesn't harass others' and/or 'sedate'. In larger numbers, they're likely to be less timid and more active. I'd describe my cardinals as peaceful/sedate but not my x-rays.
Different rasboras have different activity levels - I'd describe harlequins as sedate (at least in their older age) but the neon green rasbora active.
On the basis of my own experience, I'd say the x-ray tetra and neon green rasbora are quite well-matched in terms of activity (lively), while the harlequin rasbora and cardinal tetra are too (each more sedate).
Edited to add:
In terms of levels, I saw this a while ago and it might be useful as a loose indication of where fish tend to congregate in the tank - https://www.thesprucepets.com/preferred-levels-of-community-fish-1378336
This lady is well-regarded in the fishkeeping world so you might find this video helpful on galaxy rasboras / CPDs - https:///www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIYFrcwJJow
-
My espei's rasboras are certainly sedate fish. They don't dash around the tank. Even the rice fish are more active than the rasboras.
-
I think I am overthinking things. One reason I got the bigger tank was to have guppies. Although I am not interested in breeding, the easiest thing seems to just have male guppies. A nice planted tank with upto 30 guppies in Tank 2, a 125 litre tank would look very nice.
-
A nice planted tank with upto 30 guppies in Tank 2, a 125 litre tank would look very nice.
I think that sounds like an excellent idea! Often looks great having a single species only tank.
-
Agree completely - stick with the original plan (rather than get yourself knotted in all sorts of alternative possibilities). :cheers:
All you need to do is use the JBL Aquadur minerals or some other equivalent to ensure the water hardness is appropriate for their requirements.
-
Also, you don’t want to be looking at the tank forevermore wondering why you never got the fish you wanted in the first place. Though I’m sure Littlefishes solution at this point would be to just get another tank, I reckon three is quite enough (spoken from experience!).
-
@Matt you know me too well. :rotfl:
Though I agree that three tanks is more than enough for now. :)
-
That's it, tanks ready for fish. Well tank 1 already has them in, tank 2 and 3 will get a few tomorrow, along with a little greenery.
-
Very good. :cheers:
Can you remind us what the inhabitants are / will be in each?
-
Very good. :cheers:
Can you remind us what the inhabitants are / will be in each?
Tank 1 has harlequins and a few neons and another tetra. Will add a few more tetra, then corys and honey gouramis.
Tank 2 will be male guppies.
Tank 3 will be barbs and loaches.
-
So added 8 male guppies to tank 2 and 8 black ruby barbs to tank 3 along with plants in both. All seems to be going well.
-
I have to ask because of the pictures... are tanks 2 and 3 cycled?
-
I have to ask because of the pictures... are tanks 2 and 3 cycled?
Yes all cycled with mature media. Also got something for any sudden spikes, just in case.
-
Keep us in the loop, excited to see your progress!! :cheers:
-
Very exciting. ;D
-
Keep us in the loop, excited to see your progress!! :cheers:
Ok, all seems to be going well except I have this brown stringy stuff in tank 1. Tried reducing light time but has come back. Any ideas. Also pics of each tank with their inhabitants (well some anyway).
-
I've had yucky stuff grow from wood when I've just set up a tank previously. It has always scrubbed off and gone away within a few weeks of cleaning & maintenance.
Great to see pics of your fish. I'm rather taken with the black ruby barbs. :)
-
I've had yucky stuff grow from wood when I've just set up a tank previously. It has always scrubbed off and gone away within a few weeks of cleaning & maintenance.
Great to see pics of your fish. I'm rather taken with the black ruby barbs. :)
Ok, will keep cleaning it off and see how it goes.
I had a choice of Odessa or the Black Ruby Barbs, just the colours of the Ruby's won through. Gave me 4 males and 4 females and they seem to be getting on great.