Centrepiece Fish For My Tank

nehpets81 · Dec 18, 2011

Hi there,

I realise there a probably a lot of questions like this but I would really like some advice as to what to get as a centrepiece fish.

I currently have a 125L Fluval Roma stocked with:

2 x Male Guppies
5 x Female Guppies
5 x Cardinal Tetras
5 x Sterbai Cory

ph is 7.6-7.8
temp is 26-27

I do intend to get some shrimp, I initially wanted cherry shrimp but was told they would probably get eaten so I'm open to other shrimp suggestions but would ideally like my centrepiece to not eat them.

I realise a male betta is probably not a good idea but thought I'd include it as an option anyway. I think the Kribs would be too aggressive if they bred but not sure about this. My male guppies have long fins so I would need the new addition not to nip at them and I don't want anything new to out compete the Cories. Also the new fish should be able to tolerate slightly alkaline and hard water, and be happy at the above temps.

I would be happy to get a small group of the above fish if necessary. Thanks!

eaglesaquarium · Dec 18, 2011

I would steer clear of the betta with guppies.

minnnt · Dec 18, 2011

The Ph is also a little high for the Cardinals and Cories.

Out of the ones you mention i would go with a Pearl Gourami if you can find a very nice one or maybe a pair of Blue Rams. But forst you need to address your PH.

Fishy friend2 · Dec 18, 2011

a dwarf gourami?

nehpets81 · Dec 18, 2011

Thanks for the votes and replies so far!

Eagles - I had pretty much already discounted the male Betta for that reason - do you think female Bettas would be incomatible too?

Minnnt - I'm surprised you say that about the Sterbais - I thought it was in the upper range of what they are comfortable with? I agree about the Cardinals - I asked the LFS and they said they were captive bred had been living in hard alkaline water for their time in the shop so should tolerate my conditions ok. They were also something that my other half REALLY wanted so my hand were somewhat tied. I take it the Rams would need a lower ph then?

Ah, someone voted for another dwarf cichlid - what did you have in mind?

eaglesaquarium · Dec 18, 2011

Yes Rams need soft water and low pH, as far as I know.

I would steer clear of all bettas with guppies. Not that I know it can't work, but why chance it?

Fishy friend2 · Dec 18, 2011

+1 about the bettas and guppies, usually it wont work and you even said your guppies had long flowing tails, and that is what a betta will go after, i wouldnt even risk it

minnnt · Dec 18, 2011

I'm not saying they won't tollerate it, but they would be happier with a lower ph. Rams are extremely sensitive and do far far better in Acidic conditions.

moochy13 · Dec 18, 2011

you should get at least a couple more cories and a couple more cardinals, to boost their numbers and make them feel a bit more comfortable.

nehpets81 · Dec 18, 2011

moochy13 said:
you should get at least a couple more cories and a couple more cardinals, to boost their numbers and make them feel a bit more comfortable.

This is probably a question for a different thread, but this is something I have wondered for a while - As ppl lose fish, do they replenish them one by one to keep them in suitable sized groups? If so, and one or two are purchased - what is done about quarentine? Would two tetras be ok on their own while being quarentined? I did start of with 6 of each btw.

nehpets81 · Dec 20, 2011

Thanks for all the votes so far. If ppl vote for "other" fish, it would be great if you could give me suggestions, I'm always open to more...

N0body Of The Goat · Dec 20, 2011

I would double the group size for the Cardinals and Sterbais myself, ideally quarantining the new additions for a few weeks. Perhaps adding a trio of Apistogramma cacatuoides a month or so later.

eaglesaquarium · Dec 20, 2011

N0body Of The Goat said:
I would double the group size for the Cardinals and Sterbais myself, ideally quarantining the new additions for a few weeks. Perhaps adding a trio of Apistogramma cacatuoides a month or so later.

Nice choice... 1M, 2F. :good:

nehpets81 · Dec 23, 2011

Well it seems like the Honey Gourami is in the lead. Is this a senisible choice? I like the look of them. Would they be better in a small group of one fish? anything else I should know about them?