[Bigdawg355]

Hi everyone I'm new to the hobby and would like to have a good balance in plants and fish as of now I have 1 African featherfin catfish 3 bala sharks and 5 tiger barbs as for plants I have one bundle of what I think is moneywort and one other plant not sure what it is but the guy at store told me it was lettuce? What I would like to find out is what plants to put with them to look natural and what other fish I could possible add. Any ideas ?
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[Bigdawg355]

Just an update the"lettuce" plant is actually an amazon sword
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[Byron]

I see some possible issues with the fish mentioned;-) so could you indicate the tank size? And are all of these permanent, meaning would you be able to replace any or not?

I can get to the plants when we have the fish settled.

Byron.

 

[Bigdawg355]

It's a 55 gallon, the guy at the store said the balas would be fine in that size tank but I have learned he dont know anything bout fish, they will be moved to a custom built tank just for them in the future.
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[Agent13]

Oooh. The bala sharks will outgrow this. I have 3 in my 75 and thats pushing it really and will be upgraded to a ~125 within a yr. They get BIG and are active swimmers.

 

[Bigdawg355]

Ya that's what I've learned , I have plans to build a larger tank soon
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[Byron]

That deals with the Balas. Which leaves us with the Featherfin, of which I personally know nothing but from my research I gather this is a risky fish. Attaining 9 inches, some note it is aggressive. Planet Catfish says OK with similar-sized fish, and Julian Dignall (the owner) certainly knows catfish if anyone does, so I would accept this. Here's the site:
Synodontis eupterus • Mochokidae • Cat-eLog

Which leaves us with the Tiger Barb. I would certainly up these to avoid possible (read, probable) nipping of the other fish in time, but given the warning on the Featherfin, you might want to remove them altogether. Here's our profile:
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/cyprinid-species/puntius-anchisporus-193721/

Hope this helps.

Oh, plants. With large fish, something sturdy. The common Amazon sword might manage. And Anubias (attaches to wood or rock) is pretty tough.

Byron.

 

[Agent13]

Oh good! They are pretty cute. I love mine. I wouldn't add more fish till you do that but I would get plenty plants if I were you. I don't honestly remember the name of most of mine but I ordered a stupidly huge amount from an aquarium plant website. Whatever doesn't live they will all have fun destroying.

 

[Bigdawg355]

The catfish seems very docile and seems to get along with everyone ok, never have seen him pick on any of the others was even kinda schooling with the balas a few times
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[Agent13]

Catfish may be OK. I have a pretty good size Synodontis nigriventris in my African tank and he is so sweet and seems to cause some kinda peace amogst the psycho cichlids. Really of my experience and knowledge my concern is just the barbs.

 

[Bigdawg355]

Why the barbs
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[Agent13]

I only say because they are a bit mean and just don't care. I have mine in with my psychotic blue cray fish( 5-6in female and 3-4inch male). Only fish crazy enough to not care about those claws and bite me every time my hand is in the tank...therefor I deduce they are quite nippy and aggressive. Would not do well IMO in most communities. But I could be wrong.

 

[Bigdawg355]

Oh ok
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