Kporteo's Fish Shortlist

[kporteo]

Ive narrowed my choices of fish down to the following possibles - I am verrrry open minded on this list, and would love some expert help on what combinations of them would be best for me!

My tap water has a pH of 8, which I know narrows my choices a tad.

Pentazonza Barb
Dwarf Red Rasbora
Emporor Tetra *
Serpae Tetra *
Marbled Hatchet
Discus Tetra *
Peaceful Betta/Imbellis *
Black Phantom Tetra
Dwarf Gourami *
Giant Danio
Leopard Danio
Flame Tetra
Black Skirt Tetra
Zebra Danio
Pristella Tetra *
Pearl Danio
Penguin Tetra *
Siamese Algae Eater
Roberti Tetra *
Clown Barb

I know that all of the above fish arent possible, the starred fish are my favourites, but so long as I get to have at least a few of these id be happy.

Thanking you all in advance
K

 

[Wills]

Hi, good looking list - to be honest I would just cut out the non stared fish and work from that list. Then from those on the list I would strike off the problematic ones like Serpae Tetras - due to how much they are known to nip fins. So from that list I would stock the tank around these fish -

Emporor Tetra
Discus Tetra
Black Phantom Tetra
Dwarf Gourami
Pristella Tetra
Roberti Tetra

I would have the Dwarf Gourami as a trio and them as the feature fish then depending on the tank size either one or two (maybe more if the tank is large enough) And I would go for contrasting schools like the Roberti against the Emperor would look good I think

Do you have any ideas of any bottom dwellers you wanted? They can help balance a tank out and also hoover up now and again - though they should not be relied on too much - a good fish to go with those above would be something like Zebra Loaches or Dwarf Chain Loaches.

How big is this tank btw? Cant really plan figures on the fish till we know that one

Wills

 

[kporteo]

Its a 190ltr juwel corner bow fronted tank. Ive got smooth gravel as a substrate too if that helps. Will my pH of 8 matter too much?
I love the betta I have on the list, but as i say, im pretty easy for my stocking, if the above list wouldd look fab then il leave the betta out!!!

As for bottom dwellers, ive been advised by a lfs (one that recommends fishless cycling!!!) a bristlenose plec would be good??

K

 

[Wills]

Ah right okay good sized tank then. A Ph of 8 is somewhat prolematic and is something you need to consider when you choose your fish.

You mainly want to get fish that have been tank bred - this is an advantage as they could have been bred and born in your area so although their wild relatives would not thrive in your high ph tap water those bred locally (or on a farm somewhere in asia) should mean they can thrive in your tank at home.

The Betta Imbellis are quite a rare fish but if you can find them perhaps consider having them in a group instead of the gourami. In your sized tank I would just stick to one species of Anataboid (gouramis, bettas and a few other species fall under this category) as more than one type could cause some serious damage to each other as they are often intolerant of each other due to taking up the same territory in the tank.

Wills

 

[kporteo]

So, if Ive had a look at the original list you suggested, and they look fab together, so I think im gonna try and go with those. Hubby has noticed i forgot to star the black skirt tetra, could i add some of these to that list too?

If i can, what sort of numbers of each fish would be best, and, in what order should I buy the fish?

K

 

[kporteo]

Could someone advise the order in which I should add the fish to my tank....Im going to add one type at a time, and maybe add more every 2-3 weeks depending on water conditions staying stable.

Choices of fish are:
BN Plec
Dwarf gourami (is 2 females and 1 male correct, or can i keep 3 males?
Emporer Tetra
Black skirt teta
Black phantom tetra
Roberti tetra
Pristella tetra
Discus tetra

Also, how many of each fish would be best?

Im hoping to get my first fish(es) on Monday.

K

 

[kporteo]

bump!

 

[Wills]

Hi sorry must have missed your post.

With tetras, minimum numbers are 6 but the more you get the better - which has just reminded me that I wanted some more Lemon Tetras today! Stick to 1 male 2 female dwarf gourami not a lot of difference in appearance but behavior wise it makes for a much more peaceful, easier tank.

Since you are mainly into tetras, lets say do 24 tetras in total and 3 or 4 dwarf gourami - trying to stick to 1 male and 3 female, then maybe a trio of bristlenoses - if you can get 1 male and 2 females you might be able to breed them

With the tetras split it between which ever types you want but remember to get at least 6 of each but that way you could split it as like either 6 of one and 18 of an other or a 6, an 8 and a 10 - how ever you choose - once the tank has matured a bit more somewhat you could always add more into the tank.

When you say you want to add fish on Monday, have you done a fishless cycle with ammonia? Because thats the only real way to get your tank ready if you dont have any existing mature fish tanks.

Wills

 

[kporteo]

Thanks for getting back to me Wills

yeah, ive been fishless cycling since aug!!!!!! So i DO NOT want to nack my tank now im at this stage
Can i put the fish in in any order? Do i have to put the most teratorial ones in last??? (Are any of the fish even teratorial?)
Gonna have my heater at around 25degs, seems a comfy temp for all the fish on the list.

K

 

[kporteo]

Well, got my 1st quota of fish!! Drum roll please......
I got 11 Bentosi Tetras, not even on my list!!!! But saw them today and think theyre lovely.
K

 

[Aqua Tom]

Gratz on the first fish. Keep us posted

 

[Wills]

Ah cool Glad to hear the proper cycling as well

Excellent choice of fish! Very nice tetra just becoming a bit more available but by no means common - just a thought on your tank, have you considered getting some dwarf cichlids as opposed to the dwarf gourami? They are more natural to keep with the tetras you have - something like some Laetacara Dorisger or Red Breasted Acara (also known as the Robin Acara) are really nice and would go nicely with your new tetras

Wills

 

[kporteo]

Thanks for the comments regarding my new additions to the family. Ive never been fussed on cichlids, but, any other suggestions, as you can tell from today's purchase Im not fixed to what im getting next!!
K

 

[Carlovel1]

Lovely tetras you bagged yourself
If you have a high pH, what about a shoal of Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish

 

[kporteo]

Would they be alright with black widow tetras and emporer tetras? (Think they may be the next purchases)
K