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Think Fish Tropical Fish Forum => Welcome to our Tropical Fishkeeping Forum - Please Read => Topic started by: jalot on September 21, 2016, 06:01:09 PM

Title: Tank setup
Post by: jalot on September 21, 2016, 06:01:09 PM
Hello my fish keeping friends
I have recently bought a juwel rio 125 I have an external filter ready to go on there which has been running on my larger tank for about 6 months so my tank shall be cycled I hope
But my question is ...
My tank is for my 2 zebra plecs and oranmental shrimp and I was just wondering if you guys could recommend the best setup. Like what substrate, decor, plants, flow rate and lighting even more if you can?
Title: Re: Tank setup
Post by: Sue on September 21, 2016, 06:40:19 PM
To quote Seriously Fish about zebra plecs -

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To appreciate it at its best, it really should be kept in a biotope setup, consisting of a sandy substrate over which is scattered lots of smooth pebbles and rocks of varying sizes. A few driftwood branches would add to the effect, and a powerhead or two at one end of the tank will provide the necessary water movement and oxygenation. Plants don’t tend to do so well under these conditions, but you could try the hardier species such as Anubias and java fern, and these may survive for a while. It can also be kept in a planted tank if you wish, provided its oxygen demands are met.
Individuals appreciate places of refuge such as chunks of wood with tunnels or crevices.

This answers the questions on substrate, decor and water flow for the plecs. However, shrimps would appreciate plants in addition to any cave like spaces created by the decor. I would be tempted to try the java fern and anubias this article mentions as shrimp places.

Title: Re: Tank setup
Post by: jalot on September 21, 2016, 07:16:33 PM
Thank you and  would zebs be okay with chiclids or would that be a no no
Title: Re: Tank setup
Post by: Sue on September 21, 2016, 08:01:40 PM
The main problems with tankmates is the temperature zebra plecs need - 26 to 30 deg C. If you got cichlids that can cope with this high temp they'd be fine. Obviously in 125 litres discus are out, but rams would love that temp if your water is soft enough for them. There may be other dwarf cichlids that like it that warm if your water isn't suitable for rams eg Laetacara dorsigera, Apistogramma hongsloi, A cacatuoides, A agassizii.
Title: Re: Tank setup
Post by: Littlefish on September 21, 2016, 09:42:10 PM
Please keep us posted on progress, fish choice, etc., and post lots of pics.
I'm very fond of plecs, and the zebra ones have fantastic markings.  :)
Title: Re: Tank setup
Post by: jalot on September 21, 2016, 09:57:02 PM
I think I'm going off the chiclids there nice but I'd like my shrimp in there too. So I'm leaning more towards a bigger shoal of ember tetras?
 And littlefish it is near impossible to get a pic of my zebs as the only time I see them is when I move there bog wood :( but a hiding plec is normally a healthy plec just a shame the one that hide happen to be so damn nice and expensive...
Title: Re: Tank setup
Post by: Sue on September 22, 2016, 09:07:28 AM
Ember tetras might find the temps the plecs need a bit too warm.

From Seriously Fish on zebra plecs
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Temperature: Needs warm water in the range 79-86°F (26-30°C). It will fail to thrive in cooler conditions.

and

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a powerhead or two at one end of the tank will provide the necessary water movement and oxygenation

Further on Seriously Fish says
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In terms of temperament it’s a decent match for many other fish, as it has a peaceful enough nature. In truth though, it’s not really a good species for the general community tank. It needs high temperatures and oxygen levels, pristine water conditions, and is shy and easily outcompeted for food by more vigorous feeders. Some success has been had keeping it with both discus and some dwarf cichlid species due to their similar temperature requirements, but ideally it should be maintained alone in a biotope setup as described above. If you must have tankmates, choose species that appreciate similar conditions and don’t feed from the bottom. Possibilities include some small characins (rummy-nose tetras, phantom tetras etc.), cyprinids (harlequin rasboras are particularly good), Otocinclus and in a planted tank, red cherry shrimp (Neocaridina denticulata sinensis).
It’s territorial with conspecifics and other similar species, so it should certainly be the only bottom dweller in the tank. If you’re keeping a group ensure there are plenty of hiding places.

I would go and see which upper and mid water shoaling fish you can find locally that you like, then go to Seriously Fish (http://www.seriouslyfish.com/knowledge-base/) and look them up to see which of the fish you like can cope with water at the temps zebra plecs need and the high water flow they need