Centerpiece Fish

[karawr]

Hi all,

I'm going to be setting up a 75g tank but I don't really know how I want to stock it. I'm looking for a nice, big centerpiece fish/school. I've considered angels... but, I don't know. I really, really like discus but I can't do the warmer waters.

Right now what would be going in:
x 10 corydoras habrosus (would they be eaten by angels?)
x 8 black phantom tetras (fin nippers?)

I like the look of big, schooling fish. Something like 5 or so fish. Are angels my only option?

Thanks.

 

[Caprichoso]

What about Congo, bleeding heart or emperor tetras? They get fairly large, though not as big as angels but at least you don't have to worry about them eating smaller fish.

 

[Verminator89]

You like the look of bigger grouping/shoaling fish. Well a slightly different, but increasingly more common genus of fish are Geophagus and/or Gymnogeophagus cichlids. They come in many shapes, sizes and colours. They boast big characters and do better in groups. There are some great species available that don't get too big, maxing out at around 6-8", that are also quite easily found. A personal favourite of mine is Geophagus sp Pindare, a beautifull smaller geo that generally grows no bigger than 6". Geophagus Brassiliensis are another very attractive Geo IMO. I kept a small breeding group, and found hours of enjoyment watching them interact with one another. Geophagus Surinamensis (spelling) is another commonly available species.

A slight alternative would be Cupid cichlids, very very adoreable and sociable little fish.

A fish commonly overlooked for bigger tanks is the Firemouth cichlid. They are simply magnificent fish, with stunning colouration when adult, especially during breeding. Although a group may be harder to cater for in terms of internal squabbling, i still believer they would be a beautifull choice.

Smaller severums, such as Rotkeil Severums would be an interesting choice, i have one and really wish i could get a bigger tank for him and have more. Colouration and character are fantastic to see!

 

[twodoctors]

What is your pH?

Angels are not schooling fish. Full stop.

Try to match your fish to your pH. It's easier that way. Also try to limit to 2 large schools at most, or 1 large school. It will look better that way than having 10 of these and 10 of that.

Adrian

 

[karawr]

@Twodoctors: I believe my pH is 7.6. I would test for you but I'm out of town so no where near my tanks.

Apologies for the angelfish mishap. I don't know much about them, still have to do lots of reading, I just normally see tanks with a couple of angels so thought you could keep them in groups. What is the rule of thumb for them, then?

@Verminator89: And apologies again for ignorance, but I don't know much about cichlids. Don't I need a lower pH for them?

@Caprichoso: I like the looks of those tetras... I'll definitely keep them in mind.


Thanks.

 

[dtaylor21184]

Think angel fish are best kept alone or in groups of 6+ to elimate fighting they would eat tetra though so if you got angels I'm not sure many small species of tetra would survive long.

They like taller tanks too as they get quite big

 

[Talking Catfish]

karawr,Have you thought about silver dollars,they swim in groups, I have three at present and they follow each other everywhere.
You can buy them small at a decent price and they grow quite quick to about two or three inches in diameter they are placid and good community fish
S.B

 

[twodoctors]

At pH of 7.6, which is similar to mine, you might be better off getting Asian or African varieties. It's not they South Americans fishes will die, but they tend to do better in acidic water (or so I heard). There are people who say that fishes sold in shops, which comes from fish farms and is acclimatised to your local water (assuming you buy it from your LFS), will be ok. Can't say who is right and who is wrong.

Consider Mbunas or Lake Tanganyika varieties if you want bigger fishes.

Adrian

 

[karawr]

oOOHHH so this means I can get some cichlid varieties? Considering I stick to the right ones, that is!

I thought I still wouldn't be able to get those because they would be better in a 8+ pH. But I have never dove into cichlids so I really don't know much at all.

Research timee!. Thanks, that was some good news!

Edit: since I'm so ignorant with cichlids would you mind helping me out a bit more?

The aggression bit is intimidating. How many should I get to spread out aggression?
Will I have problems with them harming my other fish? I would like to get a school of tetras (not sure which, yet). There were also be corydoras habrosus in that tank (which I already have in a 20g but was hoping to move to the 75g) and I'm concerned for their survival.

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Malawi and Tanganyika fish cannot be safely mixed with Corydoras habrosus and Black Phantom Tetras!

Those little catfish are going to severly limit suitable tankmates in a 75g, you would be better off either rehoming them or set them up in 10-15g tank with another group of small, upper water schooling fish.

 

[twodoctors]

Yes they are for species only tank. Ocean rock or tuffa rock would raise and stabilise your pH. It's easier to raise pH than lower it in general.

If you have other fishes in the 70G already then don't bother. Consider "biotope" tank, ie fishes from the same region and get big groups rather than "United Nation".

Adrian

 

[karawr]

Never going to rehome the cories!!!!!!! lol. I went through hell getting them and vast, vast searching... (not available locally, had to smuggle them on a plane).

Will the cories severely limit just due to their small size = suitable snacks for bigger fish?

I think I'm just going to go along the larger tetra route... but would they still be a problem for the cories? I guess I don't mind keeping the cories in their current 20g tank. I just love them so much, I wanted to see them swimming happily in a bigger tank!

 

[Caprichoso]

All tetra and cories are fine together

 

[karawr]

Okay, thanks.

 

[Caprichoso]

You're welcome, good luck with whatever you decide