Another Stocking Question

[rchambers]

Well my tank (Juwel Vision 260) is up and running nicely now and have the following fish:

- 12 Cardinal Tetras
- 3 Dalmation/Marbled Mollies
- 3 Panda Cory's
- 6 Threadfin Rainbows

I won't be adding anymore fish for a while yet but I'm looking for stocking suggestions now so I have time to research and see what the LFS has.

I'd quite like a bristlenose catfish and maybe a couple of amano shrimp although maybe this is too many bottom fish considering I should really add another 3 Panda Cory's to make them feel a bit safer. I would like maybe a couple of bigger fish or perhaps another shoal of small fish.

My tank doesn't have a cover on it so fish that can jump out of the tank are a no no unless I get a glass cover made. The tank is 260 litres, I don't really know how many more fish I can comfortably fit.

I await your ideas...

 

[rabbut]

Ok, you have 58 gallons. That equates to 58 inches of adult fish to fully stock (approximately) you have approximately 40 inches of fish in there ATM. The Bristlenose is doable, and grow to arround 6 inches. You should allow 12 inches for this chap in your stocking, however, as s/he is a high waste producer.
Armanos have neglegable waste production, so wouldn't get a mention in your stocking list, as far as inch contributions go. A group of 10 would be a good starting point.
A small group of tetras, along with the other 3 panda corrys you mentioned would be a reasonable stocking, assuming you keep on top of waterchages. Did you have any in mind? Tetras and corrys are low waste producers, so the inch per gallon rule can be streached a little arround them

HTH
Rabbut

 

[LolaLouie]

How about a centre piece like a gourami or angelfish or some other cichlid. I have a similar sized tank and I love having bigger fish in it as they have o much more character than tetras etc. which just get lost in the crowd!

 

[rchambers]

Well I went to the fish shop for filter wool and came back with another 2 panda cory's lol. Also had a look at what they have and what I would like.

Current stock:
- 12 Cardinal Tetras
- 3 Dalmation/Marbled Mollies
- 5 Panda Cory's
- 6 Threadfin Rainbows

Would like:
- 1 Bristlenose Cat
- 2 Rams (Preferably Bolivian but might only be able to get German)
- 2 Boeseman's Rainbowfish
- some amano (called Japonica in the shop?) shrimp, around 6?

Would this make me overstocked and would all the fish get along ok? Would it be best to get one male and one female of the rams and rainbows or better to have all one sex? If it is better for the fish I would go with 4 rams and leave out the rainbows.

Thanks
Richard

 

[loachman]

Anyone know if bosemanis and the small fish will get along? IME the related types of rainbowfish are pretty active feeders.

 

[Ace Of Spades]

Get some guarmi, I thought these were a bit wierd at first but after purchasing 2 they are quite active and playful

 

[rchambers]

Ok so through a bit of research it turns out that Rainbows should be kept in a bigger group so how would this sound for a stock list:

Current stock:
- 12 Cardinal Tetras
- 3 Dalmation/Marbled Mollies
- 5 Panda Cory's
- 6 Threadfin Rainbows

Would like:
- 1 Bristlenose Cat
- 2 Rams (Preferably Bolivian but might only be able to get German)
- 5 Boeseman's Rainbowfish (2 males, 3 females)

Would this be overstocking and would the rams and boeseman's get on ok? If its a choice of one or the other I'd rather the rams so would it be ok to increase the number of rams to 4? What quantity of males and females would you recommend?

 

[rabbut]

looks fine to me

Rabbut

 

[Larissa]

If you do go for 4 rams make sure you get 2 males and 2 females. Try and find 2 pairs in the shop. If not you'll just have to hope they form pairs once in the tank - which they hopefully should. I would think that if you keep up with regular water changes and have a good filter you could do both the Rainbow fish and 4 Bolivians. I think that would finish your tank off nicely for now.