Centrepiece Fish For A 60L Tank?

[CezzaXV]

Hello all,

I'm currently in the process of cycling my new 60L tank. I'm also in the process of trying to decide what fish to stock, but I'm having difficulty finding suitable fish. I like the look of neon tetras, cories and guppies, though think I might be pushing it having all three of these species in a big enough group AND having a centrepiece fish, so will probably have to cut back.

This isn't helped by having no idea what to have as my centrepiece fish. All fish I've seen so far generally grow too big for my tank, have aggression issues or wouldn't mix well with the species I like.

What would you recommend as a centrepiece fish in this relatively small tank?

 

[soybean]

Dwarf gourami or a small group of honey gouramis.

 

[KittyKat]

I have created a list of some suitable species for a 60*30*30 cm here: http/aquariumadventure.wordpress.com/species-for-a-60-litre-aquariums/

I'm currently in the process of cycling my new 60L tank. I'm also in the process of trying to decide what fish to stock, but I'm having difficulty finding suitable fish. I like the look of neon tetras, cories and guppies, though think I might be pushing it having all three of these species in a big enough group AND having a centrepiece fish, so will probably have to cut back.

Corys and tetras do best in quite different water from guppies, so it's best to not mix those.

Just to make sure… you are adding a source of ammonia, right?

This isn't helped by having no idea what to have as my centrepiece fish. All fish I've seen so far generally grow too big for my tank, have aggression issues or wouldn't mix well with the species I like.

What would you recommend as a centrepiece fish in this relatively small tank?

Depends on dimensions of the aquarium, the other species you want to keep and your water parameters (pH, water hardness)…

 

[CezzaXV]

Not a massive fan of the gouramis if I'm honest.

Thanks for that list, KittyKat, it's definitely giving me some ideas.

Indeed I am adding ammonia. I'm only 4 days into my cycle, but I'm getting some mature media tomorrow and hoping it comes along quickly after that. Been having some trouble with the online seller I bought my test kit from (ordered almost 2 weeks ago now but still not recieved), so at the moment I only have an ammonia kit, but plan on buying a test kit tomorrow so will know more about the pH then. I've googled my area though and I seem to be in a soft water area.

 

[lilfishie]

A nice group of 8 Green Neons (smaller than regular so you get more!) 8 Drawf Cories (if you have sand that is) & a Betta i've done this before and in a mid planted tank it looks great

 

[KittyKat]

I've googled my area though and I seem to be in a soft water area.

If you find that your pH really is acidic (after standing water for 24 hours in a glass), then your water is probably soft. If it is soft, I recommend that you go for three South American species, one from each section on my list. Be aware that the centre piece fish (SA dwarf cichlids) I list really *must* have at least a 60*30 cm bottom area, especially if you want to combine them with Corys. I also recommend one of the Apistogramma species as a better choice.

Another couple of points, just to be sure you're aware of them: Corys do best on sand (as do SA dwarfs), and Corys and tetras are both schooling species.

A nice group of 8 Green Neons (smaller than regular so you get more!) […]

When I kept Paracheirodon innesi and P. simulans, both species grew to a size of approximately 40 mm nose to base of tail by the time they were in the 10 years old region. I think 8-12 is a good number for either species in a 60*30*30 cm aquarium.

 

[CezzaXV]

I have half sand and half gravel right now, but I'm considering upping the ratio of sand to gravel anyway.

According to my LFS, different species of cories will school together. Is this true?

 

[lilfishie]

cories don't really shoal with other cories, they do better with there own kind.

 

[Didge007]

They seem to occasionally socialize with different species, but definitely like their own. I also like the idea of a betta, you get get some real nice imports of bettas now

 

[Didge007]

They seem to occasionally socialize with different species, but definitely like their own. I also like the idea of a betta, you get get some real nice imports of bettas now

 

[KittyKat]

According to my LFS, different species of cories will school together. Is this true?

As above, different species socialise, not shoal or school: this is why I think it is best that you stick to only one species in such a small tank.

 

[CezzaXV]

Okay, that's all well.

I really like the look of panda cories, though I'd have to either order them online or ask my LFS to get some in.

I've been considering a betta, as so far I've not really found anything I REALLY like the look of. Just seems weird that my centrepiece fish isn't really that big!

 

[Louiseness]

I've been considering a betta, as so far I've not really found anything I REALLY like the look of. Just seems weird that my centrepiece fish isn't really that big!

I know, I've been there with a 70L myself. Sadly, if you want bigger fish, get a bigger tank!

 

[CezzaXV]

Right, so say I went for a betta, a shoal of neon (or maybe cardinal?) tetra, and some panda cories, how many could I have of each to both keep the fish happy and not go over my limit? Obviously I can only have one betta.

Is it true that you don't need to count things like shrimp and snails towards your limit as they help keep your tank clean?

 

[KittyKat]

I've been considering a betta, as so far I've not really found anything I REALLY like the look of. Just seems weird that my centrepiece fish isn't really that big!

I know, I've been there with a 70L myself. Sadly, if you want bigger fish, get a bigger tank!

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