Alrighty... Trying To See If These Fish Are Compatible....

[phlawed]

Any more suggestions guys?

i disagree with RTBS statement to some extent. I have a rainbow shark which is almost identical in behavior as a RTBS. I have him housed with rainbows, loaches, and plecs and he is fine. He will chase smaller fish around like barbs or other small schooling fish, but he has never hurt any of them. They also rarely grow over 5-6". I have also seen them housed MANY times with rainbows which are very bright colored fish and never any tank problems. In fact, that is the last fish he plays with in my tank. Now him and the yo-yo loaches is a different story, they chase each other quite often, but it is fun to watch. None have ever died or been sick as a result of this behavior. Although, if you do get a RTBS or RFBS (rainbowshark), then i would like to say a thick planted tank is great to occupy their time with and takes them off of other fish. Mine spends 95% of his day just rummiging through the plants and caves cleaning up leftover food and just playing. They are fun to watch as they often like to swim upside down and backwards cleaning off leaves of plants.

RTBS 5-6"
Rainbows can get larger up to 8-9" in some reports, but rarely over 7"
55g tank would be fine for either one as longs as plants are ample to explore.

 

[jollysue]

Re: Clown Loaches. Remember that clowns will quickly get to 3-4 inches, then their growth will slow. So 5 clowns could easily reach 20-25" of your space if you are trying to use the 1" per gal rule which is not really a true guideline for most fish and certainly not clowns.

Clowns are rough and tumble and playful. Since they quickly gain bulk they can be tough on other bottom fish like cories. They will drive sensitive cories into hiding. You will need to have the larger bolder species of cory to compensate. If you like Botia/Loaches, concentrate on them. There are several smaller species that will mix well with the clowns. Be sure to research as some Botia get mean as they age. Also Botia/Loaches don't breed well in captivity, but many Cories are avid breeders and easy to reproduce.

Another thought, remember Tokis-Phoenix said that she has had several of the sharks and that they have different personalities. Some are more difficult than others. Experience with one fish is not expereince with a species. No Offence.

As for your schooling tank (the thirty), It's really a matter of taste. Pick something and start with it. Most recommend schools of five, but I have found that 6 or more make much better shoals and visuals. I actually usually start with at least ten. Some find the Lemon to be nippy, I loved them and thought they were moderate. Frankly all Tetras are nippy and one mavereck in the school can make havock. The small Tetras have too tiny mouths to do damage. Some Tetra species are pirahnas--which is a Tetra so pun intended.

In addition the biggest mistake made with new tanks is overstocking. Take it slow and add gradually.

 

[WayneVT08]

Hmmm okay cool. I'm kinda leaning away from the RTBS... is that a Red tailed shark? Whats the B stand for? I'm not looking to breed loaches. I was just wondering if 3-4 Clown Loaches would be fine. I just need types of plecs that will grow to about 7" or less. I'm probably going to have to end up ordering some fish online, so if you guys could point me in the right direction with that... it would be very much appreciated.

 

[keane]

Hmmm okay cool. I'm kinda leaning away from the RTBS... is that a Red tailed shark? Whats the B stand for? I'm not looking to breed loaches. I was just wondering if 3-4 Clown Loaches would be fine. I just need types of plecs that will grow to about 7" or less. I'm probably going to have to end up ordering some fish online, so if you guys could point me in the right direction with that... it would be very much appreciated.

Hi there,

Clown loaches are not suitable for any 55 gallon tank but moreso for your tank which has an unusually narrow footprint (dimensions). They can easliy grow to in excess of 12" long, meaning at full length they will struggle to even turn around in your tank.

So far as plecs are concerned, you may like to consider Bristlenose Plecs, which grow to no more than 2-3"

Online ordering - Trimar. Though I have not used it myself, there are may on here that have and been happy with the service.

Steve

 

[jollysue]

I think Wayne would be better to stick with a US shipper Trimar is Brit I believe.

I got a queen (Botia dario) and 2 zebra loaches (Botia straita) on Aquabid fairly reasonable. Also if you have a reputable LFS they will often order for you from their supplier. The botia straita was recommended in the loach forum by the mod as the best choice for a small effective snail eating even tempered loach that would mix with my clowns. A queen is a 2nd choice. So I am satisfied.

The positive in buying local is that they may acclimate the fish to your local water. Not a small thing.

Loaches aren't plecs...? Very different fish from different kettles.

 

[WayneVT08]

Alright thanks guys. I pretty much have the stocking down. I will post a final list when I get a chance.