At A Dead End...help Appreciated

[kevin82]

I guess IU'm at that stage where I dont know which way to go. I'm planning (or wanting to) a stock change and have already started moving fish to new homes.

I dont know what I fancy as by now I've had pretty much everything and just cant decide. I've been looking through everyones beautiful pictures but I think It's time I sought advice. I'm not against single large fish or shoals of smaller fish, would even consider selling/swapping what I have.

I've attached a fish stock list from Tyne Valley Aquatics I'm planning on buying from. I know some of the prices are high but he fish are top quality and he is local so wont be paying delivery on some of the less common species that others dont keep.

If you want to help compile a complete stock list I would appreciate it. My current stock and setups are in my signature.

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Are you wanting to add to your current fish, or start from a "clean slate?"

 

[kevin82]

I'm prepared to change all except the plecs. Given the fish I have I think I could go either way (large or small fish) and thats what is causing my confusion. It's almost like starting out again

Only think I'm not wanting are cichlids (with the exception of dwarf cichlids)

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Kevin82, what temp and water movement condition do you have in your 240l presently?

I'm asking as having just looked up your plecs, your LDA051 supposedly likes cool (21-27C) moderate current water, while your L059s supposedly like tropical (25-28C) [cannot find mention of current needs, but I've read reference to them needing high oxygen requirements that show signs of issues if they spend time close to or even breaking the water surface].

My immediately thoughts right now is that a riverine stocking is the way forward, giving your plecs the condtions they need and so we need to find suitable tankmates in what looks like the 25C ballpark (although I'm not sure how your LDA051 will do at a regular 25C long term).

African riverine certainly look a possibility, albeit I need to look at the price list...

 

[Mad Duff]

Are yu still getting the Congo tetras Kevin?

I would consider a river manifold in the tank, the plecs will benefit from the extra low level current and then mix a couple of rainbow species with the congo tetras.

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

E. buffei (Deabuawi Catfish)... Although I would bet money on the stock being P. buffei instead!
Pelmatochromis thomasi (African Butterfly Cichlid)
Nanochromis tranvestitus (Transvestite Cichlid)... Beautiful, small, yet very unpredictable!
Ctenopoma acutirostre (Leopard Bushfish)... Fine as long as there are some calmer spots in tank, they like to "mix it up"
Pantodon buchholzi (African Butterfly)... Again, will need a calm corner of tank plus as I've recently found out, they do much better in a group (I still need to give my fella another 3 or 4 "friends")

There were a few others that intrested me personally, including...
Tanganyikan Lampeye Killifish
Transvestite Cichlid
Red Tailed Goodeid

 

[kevin82]

Are yu still getting the Congo tetras Kevin?

I would consider a river manifold in the tank, the plecs will benefit from the extra low level current and then mix a couple of rainbow species with the congo tetras.

I'm getting them later this week. Was going to get them today but got my prioritise right, North East Derby and all.

N0body Of The Goat - I was thinking of a small group of Killifish for my 28L.

My tank is well aerated with the filter outlet moving the water round fairly quickly across the surface and I've a tetratec air pump at the opposite end of the tank.

 

[kevin82]

I've enquired with Richard at TVA about getting hold of the following fish:

Yakati rainbowfish - Melanotaenia angfa
Parkinsoni rainbowfish - Melanotaenia parkinsoni
Lake Tebera Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia Herbertaxelrodi

I'm thinking of a small should of 2 out of the 3 would look great if I can gt hold of some. My reason for these are the colours and the fact that they are not as common as others. I've never personally seen them but others may have down south, LFS up in the north dont carry many rare species.

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Clown Killifish (Epiplatys annulatus) could work in the 28l, but you need to check on the temprement of those tetra, as these killi need very peaceful tankmates.
http/www.seriouslyfish.com/profile.php?genus=Epiplatys&species=annulatus&id=358

As regards those Rainbows, none of them strikes me as being that suitable for your plecs, as your plecs need moderate current as well as ~25C. Your LDA051 appear to be a good match for Madagascan Rainbow, but your L059 plec need warmer water.
In case you do not have a link already, here is what is generally regarded as the Rinbowfish "bible" to find a suitable match for your plecs...
http/members.optushome.com.au/chelmon/Contents.htm

 

[kevin82]

thanks

My L059's have been in the tank now for a month or so at 25 degrees and are very active and feeding well. They were imported fish and housed in 25 deg water at 7.2ph, which matched my perfectly.

I agree that most sites give you stats on fish, but the results are so varied you have to take the extremes for all in mind. I'll sift through everything and give all advice they offer serious consideration before commiting

 

[moochy13]

I'm getting them later this week. Was going to get them today but got my prioritise right, North East Derby and all.

i hope you're cheering for the right team, the ones in black and white

 

[kevin82]

I'm getting them later this week. Was going to get them today but got my prioritise right, North East Derby and all.

i hope you're cheering for the right team, the ones in black and white

Of course