deciding between sparklers and croakers...

[pica_nuttalli]

and just to check on something real quick, i could keep 5 in a 10g if necessary, correct? and while they would need some filtration, it wouldn't have to be very much, correct? (just formulating an emergency backup plan...)

ok, this is the tank they'd be going into:

planted 60 gal
-- 1 Kribensis Male
--30 Kribensis Fry
-- 1 Otocinclus
-- 5 Dwarf Sunset Platies
-- 1 Paradise Fish
-- 3 L-200 plecos
--12 Guppies (pop. subject to change)
-- Plenty of Pond, Malaysian, and Ramshorn snails

my tank tends to have some nitrates in it at all time, would that be an issue for either species? also, how long does each one live? i've heard only a year for the sparkler; is that right? which one is overall the hardier fish? has anyone ever bred either species?

thanks!

 

[sylvia]

Firstly, 5 sparklers in a 10 gallon would be ok but not 5 croakers - that would be over-crowded. As a temporary measure (say a week), either would be ok but, if you are trying to decide between the two species and this is something you'd base your decision on, go for the sparkling gouramies.

Filtration doesn't need to be strong but, obviously, it has to be enough to cope with the bioload.

The nitrates, provided that they are within reason, shouldn't be a problem. Of course, like with any other fish, a weekly water change to keep these nitrates udner control is a must.

IME, both are equaly hardy. I have never had trouble with either and they aren't particularly susceptible to anything either.

When it comes to lifespan, I've heard a lot of different things. IME, sparklers can live to 3 years but more commonly to about 2. Croakers live longer, usualy averaging 5.

Breeding them is similar to breeding gouramies in the trichogaster and colisa genus (or like bettas) in that the male builds a bubblenest, usualy under a leaf, into which the eggs are laid. The male then guards the nest. The female should, idealy, be removed and the male removed once the fry are free-swimming. Then the fry need to be fed on tiny infusoria and later microworms. Soem people also use liquid fry foods and then baby brine shrimp. I'll tell you now I'm not a fan of brine shrimp as a first food - despite their value as far as nutrition goes - because they carry with them the risk of death if a fry manages to swallow one of the shells. Both species can be rbed in a similar fashion and a search of this forum and on www.google.com should reveal plenty more detailed infromation. The one thing to note is that you won't be able to breed them in a community tank - you'll have to set up a seperate breeding tank, and sexing CAN be difficult (though it gets easier with time as you get to know your fish).

 

[abstract]

i would also go with the sparklers and agree 5 in a 10g would be just fine if you had to...

on a side note be very careful when gravel vaccing...yesterday was probably the 5th time i've cleaned since i've got them and one got sucked into the python when i was away from the tank for 5 seconds...roomate started laughing and i realized why when it was half hanging out of the python connector at the tap...it was too far gone to save and i felt absolutely horrible for killing such a cute fish with a great personality (that is the only fish that has ever been sucked into my python - so sad) ..like they say, curiosity killed the cat

 

[pica_nuttalli]

thanks again! would it be ok to pm you guys if i have any more questions just pop into my head?

 

[abstract]

..of course, thats what we're here for (well i can't speak for sylvia, but i'm sure she wouldn't mind)!

 

[sylvia]

Of course, I wouldn't mind either

 

[lucky62]

Group hug


I would go for sparklers my self , I only have 2 ATM .........they love plants , not to eat ........to swim through

 

[cometcattle]

With the stocking of the back-up 10g aside, I personally would go with the Croakers. I love them both, but I like Croakers a little better. Maybe because it's harder for me to find them.

Here's pics of my Croakers:
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...l=croakers&st=0

Honestly, you'll be happy with whichever you choose.

 

[lucky62]

With the stocking of the back-up 10g aside, I personally would go with the Croakers. I love them both, but I like Croakers a little better. Maybe because it's harder for me to find them.

Here's pics of my Croakers:
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...l=croakers&st=0

Honestly, you'll be happy with whichever you choose.

I said sparklers cuz they're easier for me to find hahaha!!!!



Quote comet
Honestly, you'll be happy with whichever you choose.


I couldn't agree more .