Help With Fish Stocking Please (120l)

[cbr6fs]

I know it's a little early to start thinking about stocking my tank, but i'd really start looking into getting everything organised for the correct planting and fishes.

At the moment i have a 120L tank, 1 x 30w T8 light (100cm), 150w submersible heater, and a internal filter/pump.


Had the tank full for just over a week, with a Common Goldfish, so it's going through a fish-in-cycle.
Also have 2 plants:
Echinodorus "Jaguar"
Cryptocoryne Wendtii "Mi Oya"

I found out yesterday that the Goldfish will limit my options with regards to other tropical fish, if so then i'll resite the Goldfish once the cycling is done and restock.


So what really are my options.
Is it possible to have say 1 fairly large fish, with say 2 or 3 bottom fish, some smaller fish in shoals say Tetras, then some that spend more time near the top of the tank?


I'm going to see how i get on with the 2 plants i've got, but i'm really hoping to upgrade my lighting and CO2 injection so i can ditch the plastic plants in favour or all real ones.

I'm also planning on upgrading the filter/pump to an external one, my first choice was a Eheim 2322 thermofilter, but i was advised yesterday that it's better to go for an external filter without a heater.
So i think it'll be either a Eheim 2222 or a 2224, but if a bigger filter means i can stock more/better fish then i could go up to a 2026 or 2028.



I've started looking at fish i like, but they either seem to not be social or grow to big for my tank clown loaches are an example.

So if you could please list what you personally believe would be a great stock for a 120l i can take a look at the fish and start from there.




Likewise really with plants, a surface plant, carpet plant (maybe dwarf amazon sword or dwarf hairgrass), tall plant (Dwarf Ambulia).

But really i'm just after suggestions on what would be a great setup for a 120l tank please.



Cheers
Mark

 

[cbr6fs]

I've been looking around at various fish and plants that catch my eye, heres a few.

First plants.

Fill front of tank with, Dwarf Hairgrass or Micro Sword
Background, Anacharis and Myrio - Red.


Now Fish
1 x Siamese Algae Eater 9cm
3 x Clown Killifish 6.5cm
2 x Blue Cobra Guppy 6.5cm
1 x Betta - Male 2.5cm
1 x Calvus Cichlid 13cm

When fully grown that should add up to around 60cm of fish, below the recommended 74cm for my tank size.

Will those fish and plants live well together?

What about 3 x Tiger Barbs or would these nip the fins of the Betta?


I'm guessing my tanks to small for a clown loach?


I realise a lot of the fish choice is basically down to what i can find find in decent condition locally, but any other recommendations greatly appreciated.


Cheers
Mark

 

[matt295]

i would not recommend the calvus cichlid because he is from Lake Tanganyika and would need many rocks and shells. I would also not put a betta with guppies because the betta will compete with the guppies because of their showy tails.

 

[mark.w.jones]

i would not recommend the calvus cichlid because he is from Lake Tanganyika and would need many rocks and shells. I would also not put a betta with guppies because the betta will compete with the guppies because of their showy tails.

Agreed. Likewise with the Tiger Barbs. If you are going to go for Tigers you need to plan the whole tank around them. Peaceful options for a large tank like that include.

Boesemani rainbows
Dwarf Neon Rainbows
Gold Barbs
Most tetra species
Harlequin Rasboras
Most Cory Species
Bristle nose plec
Angel Fish if tank is 18" high

I would advise avoiding livebearers such as guppies unless you are going to stock males only. Otherwise you will soon get bored of dealing with fry.

If you want a snail eater then go for something like a yo yo loach instead as clown loach will get too big and boisterous for that tank.

 

[Matt_northants]

I wouldn't bother with hairgrass as it has quite high lighting requirements.

 

[Luketendo]

1 x Siamese Algae Eater 9cm - Will become aggressive.
3 x Clown Killifish 6.5cm - Don't know but I know some are aggressive.
2 x Blue Cobra Guppy 6.5cm - Very delicate, will be picked on by anything pretty big.
1 x Betta - Male 2.5cm - Not suitable for a community tank.
1 x Calvus Cichlid 13cm - No clue but 13cm is a lot.

 

[cbr6fs]

Great replys guys, much appreciated thanks

Matt i'll take your advice on the calvus cichlid thanks.

Jonesy, i like ALL those fish

I'm a bit like a kid in a candy shop right now, i see all these lovely fish and want them all, it's virtually impossible to choose 1 over another




I have found a good home for Cloudy me Goldfish today, be sad to see him/her go but it's for the better good i think.


So i've been checking the fish you recommended Jonesy, how does this sound.

2 x Cory Pandas (10cm)
1 x Bristle nose (13cm)
8 x Harlequins (40cm)
1 x Angelfish (15cm)

That's 78cm of fish for a 100x30x40 tank.

My tank is 40cm so 5cm off 12" will that make a difference with the Angelfish?
Also how will the cory Panda's get on with Bristle nose, they're both bottom feeders right?


Gotta say i've been reading up on the Harlequins what a fantastic choice
Can't wait to see a shoal of 8 of these.


I'm visiting the local fish shop tomorrow again, first time i went i really had no idea what was what, hopefully this time i can see what my chances are of finding these fish locally.

I think it's going to be at least a month till my tanks properly cycled and stable, so please keep the suggestions coming


Cheers
Mark

 

[purplekaz]

I'm currently cycling a 96l tank, so like yourself I'm trying to decide which fish to go for.
There's so much choice!

I'd be inclined to get more smallish fish, rather than a few larger ones.
But obviously it's a personal choice.
I just think a shoal or two would look more amazing than one fish moving around the middle of the tank.

My tank is smaller than yours, so you have a bit more flexibility in terms of choice, but here's what I'm planning:

6 black neon tetra
6 glowlight tetra
3 honey gourami (1 male, 2 female)
5 corys (not decided on the exact type, 3-lined look nice)
a rock shrimp or two

Once it's running smoothly I can always add a few more if there seems to be plenty of space.

Have fun researching all your choices, Let me know what you decide

 

[cbr6fs]

Some more lovely fish there

I guess my real goal would be to have a lively tank with activity in different areas.
I've been reading more on the Harlequin Rasboras, gotta say i'm really realllyyy realllyyyyyyyyyy looking forward to seeing a shoal of 8 fish in my tank, i think it's going to be a fantastic spectacle.

Only worry is maybe 8 shoaling Harlequins will have to barge their way for swimming space with the Angel fish?

I'd also like more Corys, the trilineatus looks fantastic, but i think i'm already pushing it for space
Likewise the Royal Black Emperor Tetra looks stunning in all the pics i've seen.

I think though for my first fish it's better to get some hardy easy to keep ones that are readily available locally and move on from there if and when needed.
I've already been pricing up a Corral tank with 4 Clown fish




Cheers
Mark

 

[Matt_northants]

Some more lovely fish there
Only worry is maybe 8 shoaling Harlequins will have to barge their way for swimming space with the Angel fish?

Not a problem with full grown Angels I doubt you'd have the Harlequins for long!

 

[Luketendo]

2 x Cory Pandas (10cm) You want 6 at least.
1 x Bristle nose (13cm) - Fine.
8 x Harlequins (40cm) - Good amount.
1 x Angelfish (15cm) - Grow it from a baby it'll be fine.

Personally I stock my tanks much heavier than you.

 

[Chri$]

I've been reading more on the Harlequin Rasboras, gotta say i'm really realllyyy realllyyyyyyyyyy looking forward to seeing a shoal of 8 fish in my tank, i think it's going to be a fantastic spectacle.

Only worry is maybe 8 shoaling Harlequins will have to barge their way for swimming space with the Angel fish?

Harlequin Rasboras are an excellent choice. I have 10 in a 200l, they are very active and have fantastic colours.

I wouldn't worry about swimming space, as you will only have the rasboras and angelfish at mid-top levels so there should be plenty of space.

 

[cbr6fs]

Phew so you guys think at my current 74cm fish limit, i could go for more?


I will be buying an external filter shortly anyway, so if better filtering would keep more fish happier then i could go up a size.

I've now had 3 people telling me not to buy a Thermofilter, so my current choice is the Eheim 2222 or 2224.
If your saying that i can still provide a good habitat and quality of life to more fish than i listed should i also up my filtering?

Luketendo are you saying not to bother with the cory Pandas unless i stock 6, or are saying that the list below is an acceptable fish stock for a 100x30x40 120l tank?

6 x Cory Pandas (10cm)
1 x Bristle nose (13cm)
8 x Harlequins (40cm)
1 x Angelfish (15cm)


Advice and help much appreciated thanks



Cheers
Mark

 

[Luketendo]

You could easily go for more, but it depends on your filters too.

 

[mark.w.jones]

As I mentioned above you need an 18" high tank to accomadate an Angel fish as they get much taller than they do long. I'm afraid they aren't an option in your tank as its only 12".