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Suggest me a fish for my setup

2K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  Byron 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi all, I've got a well planted 47 gal that will soon house 11 neon and 9 glowlight tetras, plus 6 panda cories. I'm looking to add something a bit larger as a centrepiece fish. or perhaps a shoal of something a bit bigger? ideally i'd like to keep a south american theme but thats not essential

parameters

temp 24.5 C
ph 6.9
nitrates <10

any suggestions?
 
#2 ·
Some of the dwarf cichlids would work; the Bolivian Ram comes to mind as it would be fine in your water parameters. Some of the dwarf cichlids prefer warmer water, so keep this in mind; right now 74F is perfect for neons, glowlights and panda, couldn't be better. But if you needed to, raising the temp to 78F would not harm the existing fish, but no warmer. Most of the dwarf cichlids can be kept in mated pairs, some are better with one male and 2-3 females; and the Bolivian can be alone as mentioned in the profile [if you click on shaded fish or plant names in posts you will see the profile from this forum].

For larger shoaling fish, have a look at the Hyphessobrycon species in the profiles. Some, like Bleeding Heart Tetra grow larger than neons and glowlights, and the disk-shape is a nice contrast. Most would manage in the current temperature too.

Byron.
 
#7 ·
Some of the dwarf cichlids would work; the Bolivian Ram comes to mind as it would be fine in your water parameters. Some of the dwarf cichlids prefer warmer water, so keep this in mind; right now 74F is perfect for neons, glowlights and panda, couldn't be better.
I'd say the Ram is a great suggestion. 24.5 C is an ideal temp for that fish. It's about 76 F.
 
#3 ·
I couldn't agree with Byron more. I currently have 2 Bolivian Rams and have also had Bleeding Heart Tetras in the past. Bleeding Hearts are a great larger shoaling fish that will bring nice color to your tank. They are quite active and would make a great addition.

I also love the Bolivian Rams. I believe I have 2 males (although they're still juvies so it's hard to tell) but in my well planted 55g tank, they do just fine together. They are also a nice addition if you're not looking for another shoaling fish. That's your personal preference. They have fun personalities and they are very cute (IMO). As they get older, they color up nicely too so don't let the color of a juvenile fool you.
 
#4 ·
bolivian ram is good suggestion. they look great. sadly they don't stock them at my lfs, though i did ask if they could get some in if possible - so i shall have to wait and see. i don't really trust any of the other shops in the area as they don't look like thier fish care standards are as good

my lfs does however stock bleeding heart tetras, which are really nice looking and are definately up for consideration along with pristella tetras

i'm also considering a whiptail cat

think i'll give it a couple of weeks while my lastest fish settle in and then make a decision.
 
#5 ·
bolivian ram is good suggestion. they look great. sadly they don't stock them at my lfs, though i did ask if they could get some in if possible - so i shall have to wait and see. i don't really trust any of the other shops in the area as they don't look like thier fish care standards are as good

my lfs does however stock bleeding heart tetras, which are really nice looking and are definately up for consideration along with pristella tetras

i'm also considering a whiptail cat

think i'll give it a couple of weeks while my lastest fish settle in and then make a decision.
This is all good thinking. Don't rush. And from my experiences, if you find a fish you'd like, wait until it is available rather than getting a "replacement." I have sometimes waited 10+ years to get certain fish, and once they become available, you need to have the space for them.

Whiptails are fascinating bottom fish, just make sure they are the smaller species of Rineloricaria; there are similar if not identical-looking fish that get quite large and can mess up a tank. I have one each of two of the small species, they get about 5-6 inches but are so thin the length is almost un-noticed. They bother no other fish, they "hop" from surface to surface to browse it, they love wood esp with a hiding place (but they will be out and about as the mood strikes them). Good algae eaters (common green and diatoms). With their "prehistoric" appearance and excellent manners, a perfect community fish.

With your current colourful fish, Pristella would be nice; they are less "colourful" but their silver, black and white will sparkle against plants and be a nice complement.

For all of these keep the lighting subdued, as with floating plants; all of the named fish will brighten up more under less light. They all come from dimly-lit forest streams and pools that often never see direct sunlight.

Byron.
 
#6 ·
well i've gone for a whiptail. he looked very unwell for the first day - hardly moving for the first 24 hrs. He seems to have perked up a bit in the last few days and his belly looks full. there's plenty of algae in the tank to keep him going though he still doesn't seem interested in the cucumber or zuchini i've put in. hopefully he's acclimating and gathering strength after his time in the shop

as for the bolivian rams i'm going to see if my lfs can get some in - if not i'll have to go for mail order. I was wondering how many would be appropriate for my setup - is there room for 2 males and 2 females in my tank or is this asking for trouble?
 
#8 ·
well i've gone for a whiptail. he looked very unwell for the first day - hardly moving for the first 24 hrs. He seems to have perked up a bit in the last few days and his belly looks full. there's plenty of algae in the tank to keep him going though he still doesn't seem interested in the cucumber or zuchini i've put in. hopefully he's acclimating and gathering strength after his time in the shop

as for the bolivian rams i'm going to see if my lfs can get some in - if not i'll have to go for mail order. I was wondering how many would be appropriate for my setup - is there room for 2 males and 2 females in my tank or is this asking for trouble?
On the whiptailo, I find they take sometime to adjust. I would just leave it, if it is "full" as you describe it will be OK, fish can go days without eating. Be careful the cucumber/zuchini don't fould the water, the will and should not be left long.

In a 47g 2 Bolivian Ram would work, or one. If more than one, and not a pair, you will need good separation of their territories. Plants and wood or rock do this well. Getting two pairs is not easy, as this fish does not show sex until fairly good size. The Profile info tells how.

Byron.
 
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