Help me stock a 30g Hex!

Charger1969

Hi,
I came across a 30g hex recently, and I am currently cycling the tank. I am playing around with ideas of what to put in it. The tank is running with a Penguin BioWheel 200, Penguin 660R (set up with reverse flow on the under gravel kit), stealth heater, and I plan to add additional oxygen with a couple of air stones. I hope to have it setup with driftwood and live plants.

I am aware hexagon tanks are bad for surface area (o2 diffusion is bad), so with that in mind I need to select fishes that may be able to tolerate the smaller area. The only occupant of the tank will be an old Rafael Catfish that I've had for many years. (He is an adult, around 4" in size.) The biotype must be similar to the cat's.

So keep in mind, the Rafael will likely eat any smaller occupants. The only fish I have in mind are Botia kubotai (Angelicus Loach), bichirs (any type), dwarf/smaller Amazonian cichlids, or Angels. Are Discus out of the question?

Thanks!

iamntbatman

Not sure that I'd fiddle with Discus in a tank that small, but you might want to wait for more expert opinions on that. Though 30 gallons is considered small for angels, I think it would work well since the hex is so tall.

Charger1969

I prefer to understock my tanks, so if I was planning on Discus or angels they wouldn't exceed three fish. Any other suitable fish for this type of aquarium?

iamntbatman

Festivums are another peaceful cichlid that would appreciate the vertical space offered by a hex tank.

Charger1969

I'll have to look into them. They look really interesting, thanks!

Seems my local water is extremely hard. More issues to sort with! BAH

frogman6

bichirs wont fit either