23 Gallon Amazon Biotope

[KingofthePisces]

ok so, heres the plan:
23 gallons
neon tetras: 8
bristlenose plecos: 2
pristella tetras: 4
possible labyrinth fish: 1-3
blue rams: 2

what do you think of this?
and what labyrinth fish could i put in with them?

 

[pinkdolphin_113]

that sounds like a plan!

i don't think there are any labyrinth fish from the amazon though, they're all from malaysia and thailand... the other side of the world really.

i think you need some cats on the bottom... corydoras

 

[jacko9901]

i wouldnt go for any labyrinth fish as they come from asia. i would go for a range of tetras and 2-3 dwarf pencilfish and if you have enough room you could get some hatchetfish.

 

[pinkdolphin_113]

is the tank going to be a brand new set-up?
if so, i wouldn't put the rams in for about a month or 2 because they can be abit sensitive and aren't really suitable for new set up tanks.
saying that, neons have had a similar reputation too.

if you were going to go with some corydoras for the bottom, i'd add them first (after cycling of course) because they can be pretty tough.
wait and see if everything is ok.
then add the BN's.
check your water again.
then add the x-ray tetras or pencil fish (which ever you prefer)
check the water again.
then add the neons before the rams because they're cheaper.
if the neons survive, i can garantee the rams will.

EDIT: this would be over a period of about 2 months after its set up.

 

[KingofthePisces]

well i was thinking of adding sailfin mollys to fill up the top layer
i think mollys are from the amazon, any certification on this?
and for the corydoras
bronze or dwarf corydoras?

thanks
KOTP

 

[ALW]

well i was thinking of adding sailfin mollys to fill up the top layer
i think mollys are from the amazon, any certification on this?
and for the corydoras
bronze or dwarf corydoras?

thanks
KOTP

Sailfin Mollys range from North Carolina Mexico. So they are not from the Amazon. As for Corys go either as long as they are in a small group.

 

[geo7x]

You could have either but personally if you are going for a biotope then I would get dwarf cories and then you could have a larger shoal which would look more natural.

 

[Straydum]

dont mean to burst your bubble, but isn't that stocking pushing the limits for a 23 gallon?

 

[OscarWilde]

dont mean to burst your bubble, but isn't that stocking pushing the limits for a 23 gallon?

I dont think you've 'burst anyones bubble.' No offence but people throw that phrase around but it's very patronising IMHO.

Not overstocked at all however the Tetras will be happier and look much better in larger groups. I have 12 of each type but in this setup I'd maybe go for.

Neon tetras: 8
X-Rays: 8
A Few Corrys
Blue rams: 2

Should be a nice tank.

 

[KingofthePisces]

dont mean to burst your bubble, but isn't that stocking pushing the limits for a 23 gallon?

I dont think you've 'burst anyones bubble.' No offence but people throw that phrase around but it's very patronising IMHO.

Not overstocked at all however the Tetras will be happier and look much better in larger groups. I have 12 of each type but in this setup I'd maybe go for.

Neon tetras: 8
X-Rays: 8
A Few Corrys
Blue rams: 2

Should be a nice tank.

indeed that phrase is a bit patronising
so the few corys could equal out from 2-4 of them?
i am also getting excited about this tank!
the neons and the pristellas should fit in nicely with the corys and rams.
but i believe we forgot about the bristlenoses?
the following i already have:
2 blue rams
2 neon tetras (from an origional school of 11)
1 peppered corydoras (rescued)
4 pristella tetras
2 adult bristlenose catfish
those are the fish i have that origionate in the amazon somewere
thanks for the help!!!
KOTP

 

[Biulu]

I would with that stocking only up your cories and tetras then. What was the reason that your tetras died? NOrmally cardinals are considered more hardy, and neons shoal with them (if they don't have any mates of their own), so you could consider that as an alternative if it was difficult for you to keep the tetras before. Although if it was the water, then you should equally have a problem with the rams, and they are doing fine I blieve?

I would go for 7-9 tetras, 5 - 7 pristillas and 5 cories plus what you have already.

 

[KingofthePisces]

the neons died of old age.
they were the first fish in the tank when i got it.
i started with 11, lost one, then lost the rest about 3 years later
nothing wrong with them
and i never had a problem keeping any tetra before
thanks for the advice though.
KOTP

 

[Biulu]

ok, good luck then!