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Stocking ideas for 75G

6K views 27 replies 6 participants last post by  iceprizm 
#1 ·
i am currently cycling a 75g tank. i am planning on moving my pygmy cories, neon tetras, and harlequin rasboras out of my 55g into the 75 when it is ready.
current count:
pygmy cories= 8
neon tetras= 3
rasboras= 8
i plan at least doubling the current count. i still have lots of room.
i also need some ideas on tankmates. i want to stay away from livebearers. i was thinking of panda cories, pitbull plecos, glo-fish. looking for attractive, passive, schoal fish.
 
#11 ·
First on the spawning/fry question. In a community-type tank, many of the fish will spawn but you will rarely if ever see fry. The characins are very quick to sense spawning by other fish and will eat the eggs the second they are released. In thickly planted aquaria I have on only a couple of times had an egg survive within the fine-leaved plants and hatch and the fry actually survive as well, but it is not common. The only way to successfully rear fry is to remove the spawning pair to an individual tank, and then you need to take precautions to prevent the parents from eating the eggs which they will do in the case of almost all tetras. Cichlid parents usually will not, and actually tend the eggs and fry, but in a community tank this is usually too much work for them and at some stage the other fish manage to beat the cichlid defenses.

Second on the rams, yes the Bolivian Ram (Papiliochromis altipinosa) is somewhat hardier that the common ram (Papiliochromis ramirezi). According to collector's observations from the natural habitat, the Bolivian ram appears to live in solitude and therefore is suitable to be kept singly (I have one in my 90g, and I've had single ones before) which is suggested for smaller aquaria. They do not form bonded pairs except when ready to spawn. A small group would be OK in larger aquaria like your 75g, but if you decide on more than one I would suggest three or more; with just two you might have squabbling because the fish is territorial with its own species whereas a few would probably prevent bullying of one fish; it does not usually pay much if any attention to other fish in the aquarium. It is not easy to distinguish males and females; some authorities say that older males have slightly longer fin rays.

The common ram is best maintained in pairs (male and female); the male's dorsal fin spines are a bit longer, and the female has a noticeable pinkish belly and is fuller. If there are several in the dealer's tank, it is often worth spending a few minutes to observe them, as they will frequently pair off and you can see the difference easily between male/female and the male will keep chasing other rival males away. If you observe this behaviour, get the clerk to catch the pair. Males and females do not always pair, so it is better to let them choose their mates. They will readily spawn in a community tank, and defend the eggs and fry as best they can, but as mentioned earlier the other fish are usually too many and too quick, especially at the fry stage when they are moving around. But it is fascinating behaviour to observe. A pair will usually leave the other fish in the tank alone, except when defending their eggs and fry.

Both species (Bolivian and common) are fussy about water conditions, although the Bolivian somewhat less so. The common ram in particular should only be added to well-established aquaria after the biological equilibrium has stabilized, not recently setup tanks, as they require stable water conditions and are intolerant of fluctuating water parameters.

Other dwarf cichlids from South America (species of Apistogramma, Discrossus and Crenicara for instance) are similar to the common ram and make very interesting and suitable fish for a community aquarium with small characins, rasbora, corys. All of these are best acquired as a pair (male and female) and there is a marked sexual dimorphism in adult fish but sometimes less so in juveniles, and in my experience all are like the common ram in requiring established tanks with stable water conditions. The pH should be slightly acidic for all of these, rams included, although aquarists are able to maintain the rams in neutral to very slightly alkaline water if gradually done. The Bolivian ram is supposedly more tolerant of a pH in the 7 range, although I have always kept them in the mid 6 range.
 
#15 ·
MBilyeu has answered your kribs (kribensis) question with a link to some info. The only thing I would mention is that they do grow to 4 inches which is rather beyond a typical "dwarf" cichlid, but in your 75g that isn't a problem; but remember that the bigger the fish the more it affects the bioload in the tank and in time that can limit the number of fish you can safely house.

I've never kept kribs myself, but I understand they are fairly hardy fish. The Bolivian ram also is, as I mentioned previously. The other SA small cichlids need stable water (not that the ram or even krib doesn't as well, but they seem to be a bit more forgiving), but once your tank is fully matured (give it 5+ months) and if you are doing regular weekly partial water changes (critical) and the pH is stable and slightly acidic, you shouldn't have problems with them.
 
#17 ·
Sorry that I can't answer you tetra question, but I have no experience with serpaes. Since you have a not so good pet store that you are going to, I would suggest that you see what fish are available to you, and really get a feel for what they look like, and how they swim. Pick 3-8 different type of fish that you like from your local store, and we can tell you if they will all work together, and how many of each fish would be best. I know that ordering online will be a waste of money since you wont be able to buy too many fish, and you are not looking for specialty breeds. I think it would help tremendously if we knew just exactly what type of stock we are working with.

Also, if it is a smaller store, then you might want to talk to someone about making requests on what fish that the store can buy. If they don't have rams, and you tell them that you will put money down for three if they will order some. If they have control over what is ordered for the store, and you aren't asking for rare strains that may not be sellable, they will probably try to oblige you. Places like Petsmart, Petco, and WalMart wont do this though because they have no control over what is shipped to them, a regional buyer usually makes those decisions. Hope this all made sense, I had a few distractions while typing the reply...:shock:
 
#18 ·
its not that i dont like the pet stores, they dont exist here. the only store within 30 min drive is Walmart. right now i am going to hold off on the rams. once my cycling is done i am just going to order some schooling fish, tetras and such. maybe the rams would come later.
 
#19 ·
I understand that, by not so good I meant "limited by selection". Sorry if that came out wrong. If you don't mind me asking, where is your general location? Maybe we could help you find an unknown store around you, or a club that you didn't know about.
 
#21 ·
i live about 30 min south of tuscon in az. there is a petsmart i used to go toin tuscon, but their stock was limited and their "experts" didnt know the difference between livebearers and egglayers. i have also tried a petland close to where i work, but they were tearing down their aquariums and had no fish. i would rather see the fish before purchasing, but real petstores are rare here. i have been looking at liveaquaria.com, they offer 14 day stay alive guarantee, and they have a large selection.

thanks for the info on the serpaes i was looking at the Red Minor Serpae Tetra. i dont need aggressive fish, i got enough of that with my platys in my 55.

here is what i have been looking at on liveaquaria:

FW - Peppered Cory Cat 12
FW - Neon Tetra Jumbo 12
FW - Golden White Cloud 12
FW - True Rummynose Tetra 12
FW - Black Phantom Tetra 12
FW - Zebra Danio 12
FW - Bleeding Heart Tetra 12


any comments?
 
#20 ·
Serpae tetras have gone through some name changes, and it is not always a certainty which particular fish might be in the tank labelled "serpae tetra." Similar fish also appear under names like "red minor tetra" and "callistus tetra." The scientific name of each fish is the only way to ensure the fish is this or that, but of course the supplier or store might get the scientific name wrong. This fish has ben known as Hyphessobrycon serpae, H. callistus, and H. minor. In the most complete work to date on the characidae, "Characoids of the World" (1977) by Jacques Gery, this fish is within the Hyphessobrycon serpae complex which includes four forms difficult to tell apart, H. serpae, H. minor, H. heraldschulzi and the "red minor." It was the view of the late Dr. Gery that this genus and indeed the characidae in general are in need of a review, and this is now in progress.

The serpae tetra has a reputation as a fin nipper, although some writers maintain this is only within their own species. In my view, the caution should be taken seriously, and I would avoid putting this fish into a community tank unless you have separate tank space to place the fish on its own should trouble in the community tank occur. It is not just the possibility that the fish might nip at others, but if the fish is somewhat bullying towards other fish, even if no actual physical damage results, the other fish might be severely stressed and thereby succumb to disease and eventual death. I once acquired a group of rather small fish for one of my large tanks, and everything was fine for a couple of days; on the third morning I noticed that most of the other inhabitants in the tank were hidden among the plants, and during the day I realized that they never came out into the open. Then I saw why; the small fish I had added simply chased them, never nipping or doing any physical damage, but the other fish became so hounded that they literally hid shivering and shaking in the plants. I removed the offenders and things returned to normal within a day, although an outbreak of ick ensued, undoubtedly brought on by the stress to the fish.

I would stay away from serpaes; there are several similarly-shaped and coloured tetras that are perfectly safe, fish like Rosy Tetra, Bleeding Heart Tetra, Red Phantom (and Black Phanton) Tetra, Flame Tetra, Roberts Tetra, etc.

MBilyeu has good advice on stores and thinking ahead before buying any fish. The ideal thing is to have a good reputable aquarium store and make it your "headquarters" and get to know the staff. In such stores the staff are frequently hobbyists themselves, and their advice can be invaluable. Pet departments in major stores are usually not so knowledgeable; I remember going into one such store near me, and the two employees in the fish section knew that the little critters swimming in the water were "fish" but that was the extent of their knowledge. Not a good place to buy fish from in my view.

You mention there are no fish stores near you, so perhaps you could find a good one that you can get to once in a while, and keep in touch with them. The manager or staff probably have email, and in most cases wouldn't mind corresponding with you if you want to know what fish they are getting, or if you would like them to try and get some, as MBilyeu said. Always know what you are buying before you buy it. You don't want to buy a nice looking fish only to get it home and discover it killed all the others overnight.

While writing this, I see MBilyeu has responded, and another good suggestion; tell us where you are and we may have suggestions.
 
#23 · (Edited)
good idea about the cories. maybe mix the peppered with pandas.
this tank wont have a cooler and living in the desert, i would rather go with fish that like it on the warmer side. i have some neons in my 55 now, and would like to move them to my 75. i only have 3 so i wanted to add more. thats the only reason i was going with the neons. that and cardinals are often more money. but switching to cardinals is something i would be willing to do. as long as the neons would school with the cardinals.

ok clouds are out due to temp.
danios might be too lively for my tank.
i also have 12 harlequin rasboras that are going into my 75.
and yes the numbers would be my stcking for the tank.

FW - Neon Tetra Jumbo 12
FW - True Rummynose Tetra 12
FW - Black Phantom Tetra 12
FW - Bleeding Heart Tetra 12
FW - Panda Cory Cat 4
FW - Peppered Cory Cat 4
harlequin rasboras 12
still feel like i have room for my 75g...............any more idea?
 
#24 ·
I'm careful about recommending fish to others; after all, it is your tank and you should have what you like to watch. I do comment on what you may suggest, as that is why we're all here, to learn from others who have done this and that so we avoid the mistakes and have better success. I'd have no trouble stocking several aquariums if I could only find the fish that I'd like to have! As you are (I think wisely) narrowing down your options to quiet, peaceful and small fish that like warmer/normal community tropical temp water that's slightly acidic, there are plenty of choices within the South American characins (tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish). You might find it worth searching these on the internet.

A simple Google search of "characin" or tetra, hatrchetfish, pencilfish will provide hundreds of photos with descriptions and you can make a list of what you like and then narrow it down. Some will probably not be readily available anywhere, but its a good way to get a nice mix--as you read the descriptions think about fish that primarily live at the surface like the hatchets, fish that spend most time in the middle (most of the shoaling tetras), fish for the bottom (corys obviously, but there are other interesting catfish that are small and peaceful), so you fill out the aquarium. Right now my 90g seems to have the fish all middle to lower in the tank, nothing near the upper third--I've got ideas but as I said so far can't get the fish anywhere. It's nice to have the fish spread out, and the interaction between them is interesting to watch.

The harlequin rasbora will fit in nicely with the others you've listed, in temperament and water conditions. Another idea for the bottom are some of the loaches; just avoid those that get big (everyone loves clown loaches, but they can reach 12 inches although even at 6-7 inches which is what they often peak at in aquaria (I suspect due to the space and water chemistry preventing further growth) that is fairly big. But there are dwarf loaches and others that are peaceful and relatively comparable to corys in adult size.

Neons will fit in with cardinals; the neons do like it just a tad cooler as I mentioned but as you already have them, they'll be OK. When the weather gets hot and the tank heats up, I'm not sure what they may do, but that would happen whatever you have in the tank.

I don't think the pH and hardness of the water were mentioned yet, that is something to think about if you're ging with cardinals and pencilfish, also some of the other characins, as these are mostly wild-caught fish and water parameters are more important to maintain them at their best.
 
#25 ·
#26 ·
Sorry I only had time to do a quick search since I am on my way to an Easter dinner, but have you checked out these places?

Pets West & Desert Pet Sierra Vista & Tucson Arizona - Store Locations

or

http://www.tropicalkingdom.com/

They seem like smaller stores, so they will probably have a better selection and quality. Let me know if that helped!
i went to desert pets once.......they didnt have a very big selection, and what they did have was extremely expensive.

tropical kingdom would take me about an hour to get there from my house. so it is kinda far for me. especially if i get bad stock and the fish die. i dont want to have to drive all the way out to the store again.

to narrow i have been to the petcos, petsmarts, petland, and desert pet. i have been dissappointed with all their stock except for one petsmart, but their "experts" are clueless and are just unpleasant to deal with.

i think the ideas i have for my 75g will be a good starting point.

just for fun here is a pic of my 75g, currently cycling:



and here is my planted 55g housing harlequin rasboras, neon tetras, and lots of platys.
 
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