90 gallon stocking planning

[Waterstrider]

Ok starting this out by saying, the 90 is currently empty and I’m loosely planning at this point so no emergency time expectations etc.
I tend to stock lighter then other people too.

The fish im thinking of are a firemouth with 10-12 Colombian tetras and most likely at least 1 pleco (possibly 2) . Also considering 3-4 black Molly, maybe the 4th being a different color not sure yet.
I did consider pictus at 1 point but I’ve heard mixed reviews on how they do with cichlids.

Feel free to add your thoughts on stocking, pictus, or whatever. This is early days for this tank.
Btw not my first rodeo with a firemouth or breeding plecos

 

[anewbie]

a small comment - molly are hardwater fish and firemouth is medium hard-water fish most (all?) pleco are softwater fishes not sure about columbian tetra but i believe they are a softwater fish. I'd start by looking for fishes that natively share the same kind of water that is compatible with your tap water.

 

[jaylach]

a small comment - molly are hardwater fish and firemouth is medium hard-water fish most (all?) pleco are softwater fishes not sure about columbian tetra but i believe they are a softwater fish. I'd start by looking for fishes that natively share the same kind of water that is compatible with your tap water.

Totally agree. Sometimes one may have to leave out a fish they want but it is important that all fish in a tank share similar water needs.

 

[Oldspartan]

This is the fun part --- enjoy

 

[Waterstrider]

a small comment - molly are hardwater fish and firemouth is medium hard-water fish most (all?) pleco are softwater fishes not sure about columbian tetra but i believe they are a softwater fish. I'd start by looking for fishes that natively share the same kind of water that is compatible with your tap water.

Most pleco do very well in hard water . I’ve bred them with firemouth before so I’m not worried about that. More unsure about the tetras

 

[Waterstrider]

Totally agree. Sometimes one may have to leave out a fish they want but it is important that all fish in a tank share similar water needs.

They seem to all do well in the same hardness range for what I can alter. More wondering if people have experience with size of tank influence on number of tetras getting along with firemouth

 

[Waterstrider]

Most pleco do very well in hard water . I’ve bred them with firemouth before so I’m not worried about that. More unsure about the tetras

Never mind this same site says they do great in hard water

 

[Waterstrider]

For better reference the plecos I would likely get are bristlenose- they eat concrete for breakfast lol.
The bigger question is stock numbers and should I keep the cichlid alone or not In terms of cichlids. I’ve gone back and forth in if I want another cichlid or just the one.

 

[Fishkeeper123]

Ok starting this out by saying, the 90 is currently empty and I’m loosely planning at this point so no emergency time expectations etc.
I tend to stock lighter then other people too.

The fish im thinking of are a firemouth with 10-12 Colombian tetras and most likely at least 1 pleco (possibly 2) . Also considering 3-4 black Molly, maybe the 4th being a different color not sure yet.
I did consider pictus at 1 point but I’ve heard mixed reviews on how they do with cichlids.

Feel free to add your thoughts on stocking, pictus, or whatever. This is early days for this tank.
Btw not my first rodeo with a firemouth or breeding plecos

I’ve heard firemouth a do well in groups. I personally don’t see any problems with the fish you want but numbers depends on how stocked you want the tank to be.

 

[Waterstrider]

I’ve heard firemouth a do well in groups. I personally don’t see any problems with the fish you want but numbers depends on how stocked you want the tank to be.

Kinda medium I guess? In terms of stocking. Maybe more than 1 female or could I keep 2 -3 males together?
I don’t want the sudden crazy over egg laying that cichlids can sometimes do
The last time I- many years ago - had a firemouth it was with mixed cichlids but I’m not sure I want different species this time

 

[anewbie]

They seem to all do well in the same hardness range for what I can alter. More wondering if people have experience with size of tank influence on number of tetras getting along with firemouth

Depends on the species and if they are domestic or wc; i will state that the species i keep do not do well in hardwater and leave it at that; of course doing well is relative... so i think what you mean is that they don't flip over and die over night or in a year or two.

 

[Waterstrider]

Depends on the species and if they are domestic or wc; i will state that the species i keep do not do well in hardwater and leave it at that; of course doing well is relative... so i think what you mean is that they don't flip over and die over night or in a year or two.

No, that’s not what I mean. Mine lived well over 10 years and I maintained a steady supply of fry to stock 2 fish stores for years lol.
I get that you’re trying to bait me, but your accusation is ridiculous.

 

[anewbie]

No, that’s not what I mean. Mine lived well over 10 years and I maintained a steady supply of fry to stock 2 fish stores for years lol.
I get that you’re trying to bait me, but your accusation is ridiculous.

As i said it also depends on species there are over 200 species of pleco; also you have not yet stated your water parameters. If you water is soft then this discussion is mute with regards to your pleco longevity; though I suspect they are domestic bn as oppose to L246 or L208 or L237 or L046 or .....

 

[AquaBarb]

Cant see a problem with your stocking. Ive had my pictus with cichlids of all size and temperments for years with no issues.

Mine are with bocourti and lyonsi atm and they dont take no notice of each other.

Nice group of colombians will look great, dont think you will need the mollies tbh.