Gardeneri In Community - Some Basic Q's

[teejake]

Hi all,
 
I'm currently making stocking plans for my 90 litre community tank. My LFS has some lovely gardeneri and australe killifish, and to be honest I'm smitten. They get them very regularly, which is great. I'm thinking the gardeneri, as they seem hardier and easier to care for, and more suited to the community. So I'm tempted to say the least. I've read the sticky in the reource center, which has been helpful, but there are a few q's I have:
 
1. I'm returning to the hobby after quite a few years, so still quite new. The gardeneri sounds reasonably easy to care for, but I do worry a little that I'll be biting off more than I can chew. Thoughts?
 
2. How many to keep in a community? There isn't much clarity on this online. LFS sells in pairs, AQA Advisor says you must keep in groups of 5, some guides say keep one male to two females, others say you can keep two pairs with no problems. So what exactly is the best way to keep them in the community? Could you keep two pairs? Or two males and three females?
 
3. The consensus seems to be that they're fine in the community, but tank mates should be chosen with care. I currently have six black neons, and this weekend will be getting a group of forktail rainbow fish to join them. Am also considering some glowlight danios. With the killifish this would be me fully stocked. The last two are fast moving active fish, the black neons tend to float about a bit more. How would the gardeneri do with these species?
 
Your wise words would be much apprecaited!

 

[DerpPH]

they do prefer acidic conditions while the forktails need harder water,
 
 
And with the danios I would say no, there should be nothing too flashy.
 
 
black neaons should be fine.
 
 
You can keep 2 trios in that tank.
 
Just watch over them with caution

 

[Tom499]

How well lit is your tank? are there lots of plants/hiding places? They like shade and places to hide, do best with a gentle filter too. THey do best with meatier foods, but will eat flake food. 
 
You'll see the best of them in a 15 gallon sp. tank. 2 males with 4-5 females is perfect. They breed easily, and the males really colour up when courting the females. A couple of babies will make it to maturity as long as there's plenty of cover. Java moss is perfect, and looks better than an egg mop. 
 
 
And make sure you have a lid if you go with them.
 
 
Personally I would stock up with more rainbow fish and neons, and have two nice shoals flashing back and forth. 

 

[teejake]

Thanks for such a quick response guys!
 
My tank water is hard, but the LFS guys said the gardeneri are very adaptable and they know people who have bred gardeneri's from the same dealer in the local hard water. So that is why I thought the rainbows would work. Question remains though, are they too active? They do seem to hurtle about the place.
 
You say glowlight danios are flashy. Does this mean too fast/hectic etc?
 
Lights are two 15 W T8's, so not too bright. And yes the tank is pretty well planted with lots of hiding places. I'd also add a floating plant to one corner if I got the killifish. Would also reduce filter flow etc. 
 
I see your point about the nice shoals. The six black neons look really good together, so perhaps I'll add a couple more, and get 8 rainbows as well, and forget about the danios. But still would want some kind of signature, non-shoaling fish, and the killis are very tempting!
 
Groups wise would two pairs be ok? Or have 2 male and 3 female?

 

[Lunar Jetman]

Where in the UK is this shop? I'm thinking of getting some Killies!

 

[teejake]

It's Bethnal Green in East London, Wholesale Tropicals.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

How good is it there? The shop looks tiny so wondered if it was ever worth a visit. I know where it is as I was up at Uni near Bethnall Green but its a long way to go to a small shop!

 

[teejake]

Appearances deceive! It looks tiny from the outside, but the backroom is pretty large. They have a pretty extensive collection, all the usuals, plus lots of catfish and cory's, which they seem to specialise in. Some interesting looking monster fish as well (snakeheads), and lots of cichlids. Then there is wall of little tanks with all sorts of things, including the killie's, small rainbow fish etc. Worth checking out for sure. I'm not that well seasoned when it comes to LFSs, but this place does seem good, and the guys who run it are diamonds as well.
 
Saw an almost full size gardeneri killie in there, and she looked like she would have my glowlight danios for breakfast. I think the killi plan is dead in the water, but luckily my danios won't be!