PDA

View Full Version : Review of Fish Choices for a 48 gallon tank


asginpg
February 12th 04, 07:54 PM
I have a 48 gallon tank that is now mid cycle with fish that I will be
returning to my LFS. I have been planning what I want to eventually
add to the tank (not all at once of course). I would really like
schooling fish and active fish. At one point, I thought I would get
a 20 gallon tank this board helped me with some suggestions which I
have incorporated. Now with a larger tank, I have rethought the set
up. I am wondering about the following:

1. With a tank this size, can I have two schools of tiger barbs and
harlequin rasboras or am I asking for trouble? I understand that I
need at least 8 barbs, do I need the same number of harlequins? I
would add these two fish types first after cycling.

2. I thought I might add 3 kribsenis or 3 keyhole cichlid. (Or do I
need more for a happy group?) I understand both are not very
aggressive. I am leaning toward the kribensis as they appear a bit
less shy and perhaps less likely to be concerned about the more active
barbs.

3. I was planning on moving my plec to this tank.

4. Eventually, I would like to add some loaches when the tank is more
mature.

If I add all of my choices as set out above, would that be it for the
tank? Or can I squeak in some corys. And if so, how many corys are
needed for a happy group?

Also, I have set out a few large rocks on the bottom of the tank with
some medium rocks in top such that there are spaces in between. I
would not call these "caves" as they have two open ends. Not that I
want to breed any fish at this point, but would this set up keep the
cichlids happy, or do they need one entrance only caves?

Much thanks in advance.

MartinOsirus
February 12th 04, 09:20 PM
Barbs are great fish to watch - you might consider a barb only tank - 8 each of
tiger barb; green barb; and albino(orange) barb

Victor Martinez
February 12th 04, 11:49 PM
asginpg wrote:
> I have a 48 gallon tank that is now mid cycle with fish that I will be
> returning to my LFS. I have been planning what I want to eventually

Your lfs will take injured fish back? Or are you not going to tell them
they were used for cycling a tank?

--
Victor Martinez
Send your spam here:
Email me here:

asginpg
February 14th 04, 05:12 PM
Victor Martinez > wrote in message >...
> asginpg wrote:
> > I have a 48 gallon tank that is now mid cycle with fish that I will be
> > returning to my LFS. I have been planning what I want to eventually
>
> Your lfs will take injured fish back? Or are you not going to tell them
> they were used for cycling a tank?

They know the fish are for cycling, they suggested it. BTW, I am
still taking care to limit their stress with water changes. Also,
they are not over crowded. However, these fish are destined to be
lunch for other fish.

asginpg
February 16th 04, 10:18 PM
>
> 2. I thought I might add 3 kribsenis or 3 keyhole cichlid. (Or do I
> need more for a happy group?) I understand both are not very
> aggressive. I am leaning toward the kribensis as they appear a bit
> less shy and perhaps less likely to be concerned about the more active
> barbs.
>

Here I am, posting to my own message. Just realized (more research)
that I should not have 3 of any type of fish. 1, 2, 4 or more but not
3. So, I will add 2 OR 4 cichlids, unless more experienced hands tell
me my plan is unworkable and I should go back to the drawing board.

Boy, there is a LOT of stuff to learn in this hobby. Even with
research I keep making mistakes. Hopefully smaller ones though. ;)