Considering My Final Stocking

[coldcazzie]

Juwel Rio 240, heavily planted, APS 2000 filter.

Currently home to:
22 silvertip tetras
14 harlequin rasboras
3 amano shrimp
1 ghost shrimp

The harlequins will be moving to my biotope when it eventually gets set up, so...

Possible final stocking:
45 silvertip tetras
15 habrosus corydoras (waiting on these from the lfs )
more amano/ghost shrimp and some cherry shrimp (not particularly bothered about numbers)
1 larger centrepiece fish <-- here is where I need help!

Was considering a single or pair of keyholes (can reduce the number of silvertips accordingly if necessary), but not sure what they're like with plants? What other options do I have? No gouramis - they can't handle the high flow for the plants, don't want angels as tank's not really tall enough, plus they're bolshy in pairs! something mid-upper dwelling that doesn't get more than 3-5 inches. Killifish might work I guess? Would a pair be ok or would a group be better?

 

[minnnt]

Jade Eyed Cichlid

Ellioti

 

[coldcazzie]

Oohh ta I shall look at those what're your HRPs like?

 

[minnnt]

Totally awesome

 

[coldcazzie]

I meant, what're they like with smaller fish/plants/shrimp etc (they're so pretty!)

Shame you're so far from me, I might've been tempted by a baby

 

[minnnt]

Mine have never bothered with smaller fish, only thing they didn't like much was the Ellioti when they were breeding. I'm assuming they would be similar to my Ellioti's behaviour with smaller fish when kept alone. (Not in a breeding pair) He doesn't pay any attention to my Tetra's or Platy's att all, more concerned with my L001 Plec. He has given him a good nipping it would seem.

And yes, £10.50 for a single HRP is a bit pricey.

Where abouts are you?

 

[coldcazzie]

West Yorkshire

 

[minnnt]

Shame. If these are what you would like then try sourcing them locally. I reckon they would make a nice centrepiece fish, expecially if you got a male. I am currently planning my stocking for when i go to collect Myrtle's old 4ft tank from her in a few weeks time. Really looking forward to seeing my Jade Eyeds develop. My female keeps changing from day to day. Her colouration is different every hour of the day!

 

[coldcazzie]

Hmm... what about 30 silvertips and 15 columbian redfin tetras? I know they get a bit bigger than silvertips so it'd be pushing the stock a bit more... but they're so pretty... could drop the silvertip numbers to 26 maybe.

 

[coldcazzie]

Never mind... I think this is what I've settled on:

30 x silvertip tetras
30 x blue tetras (platinum tetras if I can't get the blues)
15 x habrosus cories
Shrimp (add more amano & ghosts and also some cherries)

Reckon that's me fully stocked. Can't find a centerpiece that I really like at the moment, but that may change.

 

[minnnt]

Never mind... I think this is what I've settled on:

30 x silvertip tetras
30 x blue tetras (platinum tetras if I can't get the blues)
15 x habrosus cories
Shrimp (add more amano & ghosts and also some cherries)

Reckon that's me fully stocked. Can't find a centerpiece that I really like at the moment, but that may change.

The CRF's are beautiful fish Caz, would look brilliant with the contrast of the ST's. Have you considered Rosy Tetras?

 

[coldcazzie]

I know, they're lovely. I'm not sure I want 3 shoals though, and I love the blue tetras. I think they'd contrast the gold of the silvertips wonderfully. I shall probably fall back on the Colombians if/when I can't find any blues or platinums. As for the centerpiece, I'm just not completely sold on anything yet. Although, if you were closer I'd have snapped a baby off you quicker than you could blink! Don't suppose you're coming ooop nooorth any time this year are you?!

 

[minnnt]

Unfortunately not. How about a pair of Anomalochromis Thomasi? Or maybe a pair of Apisto's or Bolivian Rams?

 

[BigTom]

I reckon keyholes are a great choice, really underated fish.

Or maybe something a bit rarer likle Taeniacara candidi?

 

[coldcazzie]

I did consider apistos (and would love them) but ruled them out cuz of the cories. Rams I've had already and I want something new. I shall look up the Anomalochromis thomasi though

The man-wife did suggest he could ride down, but when we looked at the distance we ruled that out.

Edit to add: I'm just a little put off Tom, Ian had keyholes and they pulled his plants up