Preliminary Fish List!

Hello, after watching my empty tank for a few days now, I am getting
itchy to start building my fish! (I know I have to add gradually and
slowly - probably no real fish for 2 weeks, and can't have the total
number for 2 months or more.)

Here is my fish plan: the preliminary "total fish list" for when my
tank is cycled and ready for gradual additions. I've researched the
species, and I am aiming for a community tank. I've compiled their
water parameter needs as well as their maximum sizes. What do you
think? Any red flags? Suggestions? Warnings? :-)

Tank parameters: (5=B0dH, 7.0 ph) 50 Gallon bow-front tank, with 404
Fluval canister filter, 2-inches medium gravel, only one small live
plant so far

Desired Fish:
1-2 large angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare?)
* 6-8 ph
* 5=B0dH-13=B0dH
* 6" max size (12" total fish)
6 Cory catfish (Corydoras aeneus?)
* 6 - 8 ph
* 5=B0dH - 19=B0dH
* 2.7"max size (16.2" total fish)
6 Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Rhombatractus praecox)
* 6 - 8 ph
* 8=B0dH - 16=B0dH
* 1.9" max size (11.4" total fish)
4 Blue Gouramis (favorite!) (Trichogaster trichopterus)
* 6 - 8.8 ph
* 5=B0dH - 20=B0dH
* 3.5" max size (14" total fish size)
1 Bristle-nose Pleco (Ancistrus sp)
* 5.8 - 7.8 ph
* 5=B0dH - 19=B0dH
* 4.7" max size

Question: is my water too soft for the Rainbowfish? Total Fish number:
16-17 Total "Fish Inches" at maturity: 52.3 - 58.3"
Thanks for any advice!

- Lisa

Lisa wrote:
6 Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Rhombatractus praecox)

When did they change genus?

Question: is my water too soft for the Rainbowfish? Total Fish number:

Water hardness is not that relevant unless you're planning on breeding
certain species. They'll be fine.

--
Victor M. Martinez
Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM)
Send your spam he
Email me he

6 Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Rhombatractus praecox)
When did they change genus?

I got that from a fish info website - www.fishprofiles.com - it's
listed as a "synonym." ??
I must have grabbed the wrong name. Maybe it should be Melanotaenia
praecox.
Sorry about that.

- Lisa

"Lisa" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hello, after watching my empty tank for a few days now, I am getting
itchy to start building my fish! (I know I have to add gradually and
slowly - probably no real fish for 2 weeks, and can't have the total
number for 2 months or more.)


Err?
Why two weeks? - either you run the tank for a few days to make sure the
equipment works & then start the cycle with hardy fish after a couple of
days, do a fishless cycle which typically takes at least three to four
weeks or do a boosted cycle using mature filter media & feed it for a few
days - so you'd have a few days wait or a few weeks wait but two weeks
doesn't work out.

You actually can't have the total number for around six months.

If you want angels & blue gouramis you'll need to have some tall plants or
decor so they can get out of each others line of sight - both species can be
territorial & if they can see the whole tank at once they'll claim the whole
tank ;o)

HTH
Sue

Lisa wrote:
I must have grabbed the wrong name. Maybe it should be Melanotaenia
praecox.

That's the genus I'm familiar with.
http://members.optushome.com.au/chelmon/Contents.htm

Sorry about that.

Nothing to be sorry about, I learned a new thing today.

--
Victor M. Martinez
Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM)
Send your spam he
Email me he

"Lisa" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hello, after watching my empty tank for a few days now, I am getting
itchy to start building my fish! (I know I have to add gradually and
slowly - probably no real fish for 2 weeks, and can't have the total
number for 2 months or more.)

Here is my fish plan: the preliminary "total fish list" for when my
tank is cycled and ready for gradual additions. I've researched the
species, and I am aiming for a community tank. I've compiled their
water parameter needs as well as their maximum sizes. What do you
think? Any red flags? Suggestions? Warnings? :-)

Tank parameters: (5°dH, 7.0 ph) 50 Gallon bow-front tank, with 404
Fluval canister filter, 2-inches medium gravel, only one small live
plant so far

Desired Fish:
1-2 large angelfish
6 Cory catfish
6 Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish
4 Blue Gouramis (favorite!)
1 Bristle-nose Pleco

snipped out the unneccesary stuff (for me).

I think that's a nice mix, and my only behavioural reservation would be
around your favorite fish. Gouramis vary in how territorial they are,
and the Blues are up there in the top 5 worst. The only fish in danger
(besides other gouramis) are the Angels. You would improve your odds
considerably with plants which reach the surface, and by starting with
Gourami juveniles. I would also be tempted to start with 3 Angels,
rather than just 2 (spreads internal quarrels better).

In terms of layers, I think everything is well represented, with the
Corys/Plec at the bottom, Angels/Rainbowfish in the middle, and the Blues
in the middle/top. I would think about adding some reds or oranges for
contrast. Maybe some Kuhli loaches and switch to a smaller cory. I pick
my corys based on substrate colour.

ps: my favorite Angelfish is the Altum, but they are often hard to find,
and don't come in any fancy colours, so it's an aquired taste ;~).
--
www.NetMax.tk

- Lisa

I think that's a nice mix, and my only behavioural reservation would
be
around your favorite fish. Gouramis vary in how territorial they are,
and the Blues are up there in the top 5 worst. The only fish in danger

(besides other gouramis) are the Angels. You would improve your odds
considerably with plants which reach the surface, and by starting with

Gourami juveniles. I would also be tempted to start with 3 Angels,
rather than just 2 (spreads internal quarrels better).

Good point about the Gouramis. I had an old Blue Gourami (aka "Gary
the Gourami") for 6-7 years that was my all-time favorite "buddy" fish.
He got along OK with one other Blue (I think they were tankmates when
very young, though) and then, later, OK with a newer Pearl. He
outlasted them both by quite awhile. I never observed any signs of
fighting, but there were never more than 2 fish at a time in that tank.
That's why the Blue Gourami is kind of a sentimental favorite with me
now. He was moody, and seemed so responsive. I remember when he
sulked terribly when I added 5 zip-fast zebra Danios. His whole BODY
looked grumpy, and he kept hiding. He then perked up when I moved the
Danios to another tank, and would wiggle in front of the tank when I
came over. In keeping him all those years, I first realized how
personable certain fish can be.

Would (3 angelfish) and several dwarf Gouramis maybe work better than
the Blues? Or, skip the angels (my tank is rectangular and wide,
anyway, although it is 50 gall.) and just have 6 Blue Gouramis? (Or is
that guaranteeing fights?) 3 Angels and no Blues - maybe Pearls
instead? Or Red Flame Honey Gouramis to add the red contrast you
mentioned? Argh - so many choices! :-)
Thanks for all the good suggestions.

- Lisa

"Lisa" wrote in message
oups.com...
Would (3 angelfish) and several dwarf Gouramis maybe work better than
the Blues? Or, skip the angels (my tank is rectangular and wide,
anyway, although it is 50 gall.) and just have 6 Blue Gouramis? (Or is
that guaranteeing fights?) 3 Angels and no Blues - maybe Pearls
instead? Or Red Flame Honey Gouramis to add the red contrast you
mentioned? Argh - so many choices! :-)
Thanks for all the good suggestions.

I was going to suggest Dwarf ( Colisa lalia ), Honey ( Trichogaster chuna )
or Flame ( Colisa lalia ) as alternative to the semi-agressive larger types.

I myself am fixing to get myself a couple of pairs of Colisa lalia in a few
weeks.

I just want to get my plants, currents and CO2/pH/KH right first.

I am not sure whether to try the Hydrogen Peroxide bath on them that I am so
fascinated in at the moment, over quaranting them for 4 weeks in the other
tank. We'll see when the time gets closer to get them.

They are beautifil fish and I've been told they get on well in a Community
tank, except when they are protecting territory (when they breed or blow
bubble nests).

I have Serpae, Black Neons and Hockey Sticks atm, so I too am wondering if
the Serpaes will leave the Gouramis alone - it must be noted though, since
the tank move the Serpae have been shoaling, and seem far too interested in
mating with each other than to be chasing and fin nipping as they were
before. I think my old tank may have been overstocked

Oz

Angels are very individual, and my 2 goldens appear to be a spawning pair.
As angels are very hard to sex until they spawn/pair up, and by then are
large if you need a back up plan if one is very agressive.Mine are in 65gall
with platies and one has just turned into a real cichlid male
overnight,terrorizing his mate. Being a good 8" tall,too big for my other
tanks. Be prepared with another 25g tall as they get bigger!!! Of course
your's might turn out to be "little angels" with no problems. They are
delightful fish and very beautiful. Mine are fine with platies, cories/otos
and 3 clowns.
"Lisa" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hello, after watching my empty tank for a few days now, I am getting
itchy to start building my fish! (I know I have to add gradually and
slowly - probably no real fish for 2 weeks, and can't have the total
number for 2 months or more.)

Here is my fish plan: the preliminary "total fish list" for when my
tank is cycled and ready for gradual additions. I've researched the
species, and I am aiming for a community tank. I've compiled their
water parameter needs as well as their maximum sizes. What do you
think? Any red flags? Suggestions? Warnings? :-)

Tank parameters: (5°dH, 7.0 ph) 50 Gallon bow-front tank, with 404
Fluval canister filter, 2-inches medium gravel, only one small live
plant so far

Desired Fish:
1-2 large angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare?)
* 6-8 ph
* 5°dH-13°dH
* 6" max size (12" total fish)
6 Cory catfish (Corydoras aeneus?)
* 6 - 8 ph
* 5°dH - 19°dH
* 2.7"max size (16.2" total fish)
6 Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (Rhombatractus praecox)
* 6 - 8 ph
* 8°dH - 16°dH
* 1.9" max size (11.4" total fish)
4 Blue Gouramis (favorite!) (Trichogaster trichopterus)
* 6 - 8.8 ph
* 5°dH - 20°dH
* 3.5" max size (14" total fish size)
1 Bristle-nose Pleco (Ancistrus sp)
* 5.8 - 7.8 ph
* 5°dH - 19°dH
* 4.7" max size

Question: is my water too soft for the Rainbowfish? Total Fish number:
16-17 Total "Fish Inches" at maturity: 52.3 - 58.3"
Thanks for any advice!

- Lisa

"Lisa" wrote in message
oups.com...
I think that's a nice mix, and my only behavioural reservation would
be
around your favorite fish. Gouramis vary in how territorial they are,
and the Blues are up there in the top 5 worst. The only fish in danger

(besides other gouramis) are the Angels. You would improve your odds
considerably with plants which reach the surface, and by starting with

Gourami juveniles. I would also be tempted to start with 3 Angels,
rather than just 2 (spreads internal quarrels better).

Good point about the Gouramis. I had an old Blue Gourami (aka "Gary
the Gourami") for 6-7 years that was my all-time favorite "buddy" fish.
He got along OK with one other Blue (I think they were tankmates when
very young, though) and then, later, OK with a newer Pearl. He
outlasted them both by quite awhile. I never observed any signs of
fighting, but there were never more than 2 fish at a time in that tank.
That's why the Blue Gourami is kind of a sentimental favorite with me
now. He was moody, and seemed so responsive. I remember when he
sulked terribly when I added 5 zip-fast zebra Danios. His whole BODY
looked grumpy, and he kept hiding. He then perked up when I moved the
Danios to another tank, and would wiggle in front of the tank when I
came over. In keeping him all those years, I first realized how
personable certain fish can be.

Would (3 angelfish) and several dwarf Gouramis maybe work better than
the Blues? Or, skip the angels (my tank is rectangular and wide,
anyway, although it is 50 gall.) and just have 6 Blue Gouramis? (Or is
that guaranteeing fights?) 3 Angels and no Blues - maybe Pearls
instead? Or Red Flame Honey Gouramis to add the red contrast you
mentioned? Argh - so many choices! :-)
Thanks for all the good suggestions.

- Lisa


The requirement for Angels is a tall tank (or at least not short), and
not too turbulent (or having enough quiet zones for them to hang out in).
Pearl gouramis are a very nice choice, getting reasonably large (so you
don't need many) and having a much better disposition. They are somewhat
monotone though, so it just depends on your objectives. A few Flame
gouramis would work too, but keep in mind that the personable
characteristics you watched with your Blue, tend to diminish as you go to
smaller fish, though this is a generality. Sometimes I'll narrow my
choices down to 2 or 3 fish, and then I'll tour all the local pet shops
to see what their stock looks like. Sometimes my purchase is even one of
my 2-3 choices ;~).
--
www.NetMax.tk