Help Stocking New Tank

[steevwatson]

Let me start of by saying hi to everyone. I'm not exactly brand new to fish keeping as a number of years ago I had a small tank with dwarf gouramis and cherry shrimp so I know the basics about cycling a new tank and water tests and water changes. However I'd still say I'm new as I'm pretty much clueless when it comes to choosing fish which will live happily together.

I've just been given a Fluval Roma 90 with 2 Blue Rams in it. The tank has been set up and running for a while and was fully cycled before it was given to me. I'd like to gradually build up the number of fish but i'm not sure what kinds to go for. I would like maybe one or 2 larger feature fish and some smaller fish. I was also thinking about getting some cherry shrimp again to help keep the bottom of the tank clean.

Can anyone recommend some good fish to go for?

Thanks

Steve

 

[paradiddle]

im currently cycling a 55gallon, and when its done i plan on a tetra species tank, as in schools of 3-4 varieties of tetra, a few male guppy as they are so colourful! and as the feature fish i want 2 dwarf gourami. the bottom will be kept clean by either 2 catfish or some cherry shrimp

 

[fluttermoth]

You want to check that any fish you choose can cope with the higher temperatures that the rams need to do well (around 28°C/82°F).

Cardinal tetras would be a good choice. Sterbai cories also do well in warmer water, but a 90l tank is a bit on the small side for them. I wouldn't go for cherry shrimps; likely to be eaten by the rams. Larger shrimps, like ghosts or amanos might do better.

I would treat the rams as your feature fish; you don't want anything much bigger than that in a 90l.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I would treat the rams as your feature fish; you don't want anything much bigger than that in a 90l.

+1

 

[steevwatson]

Sorry guys I didn't realise I'd managed to post in here and in the beginners forum

Thanks for the rapid replies. Maybe best to leave the shrimp out if they are at risk of becoming dinner lol. I'm happy to go with the rams as my feature fish they are not fully grown yet but will be soon enough.

Not sure if it makes a difference but I should have said I have sand in the bottom with bogwood and java ferns and java moss.

Thanks
Steve

 

[eaglesaquarium]

withdrawn comment - brain cramp moment.

 

[fluttermoth]

I don't think pandas would do well at ram temperatures; they prefer it cooler, tbh.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Yeah, I forgot about the temp thing! You are correct. Please delete my comment... I don't want to mislead folks.

 

[fluttermoth]

All discussion is good

It is a shame about the temp, as otherwise pandas would be great choice! Just the right size for this tank.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Too late... I've changed my comment, because it really isn't appropriate for GBRs. For Bolivians, sure, but not at the higher temps. As I read down the thread, somehow I lost the fact that the "rams" were the Germans, and not Bolivian.

 

[steevwatson]

If the Blue Rams temperature requirements drastically reduce my options when it comes to stocking I'm sure I'd be able to give them back to the guy I bought the tank from. I think he only give them to me because he didn't want to sell me an empty tank.

Thanks
Steve

 

[steevwatson]

Hi
I just spoke to the person I got the tank from and he said he'd be happy to take the rams back if I wanted more stocking options. He offered to swap them for an Angel fish If I wanted but is my tank not a bit small for an angel fish?
Thanks
Steve

 

[eaglesaquarium]

It does seem small for an angel. A 30 gallon tall can work for an angel I believe.


Personally, I'd stick with an empty tank - that REALLY opens up the stocking options.

An angelfish eliminates neon tetras (and other small tetras) as well as some other fish that can be a bit nippy at their long fins.


If you like the look of Rams, you can look into other dwarf cichlids - Bolivian rams or just about ANY of the apistogramma sp. Make these your "centerpiece" and you have virtually no restrictions in terms of stocking for fish that can live in a 24G tank, obviously, you'll be limited by the tank itself in terms of fish and numbers.

 

[steevwatson]

Thanks I thought it would be too small. He did have some Bolivian Rams I wonder if he'd give me a couple of those. If I was to go with the empty tank what other fish would you recommend? What types of fish would go well to help keep the algae etc on the bottom clean. I'm used to having shrimps to do that

Thanks

Steve

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Bolivian Rams could go with just about anything.


Suggested stocking:
2 Bolivian Rams (6 inches)
6-8 dwarf cories (Panda, hastatus or habrosus - remain on the substrate - pygmaeus remain in the midwater as much as the substrate)
6-8 small shoaling swimmers (tetra - glowlight, neon, head and tail light, lemon; rasboras [Trigonostigma] heteromorpha, hengeli, espei; or barbs - cherry or five banded - Be careful about barbs as these are good, the tigers, rosy, torpedo, etc. get bigger and some are a bit more of an "ornery" bunch.