Livebearer Ideas Help Help Help

[rockieiscool23]

Hey i want to know if this stocking idea is good for my 55 gallon tank

3 male platys 6 females
1 male fancy guppies 3 females
1 male molly 3 females
4 cory catfish
2 upsidedown catfish
2 pleco
5 hachets[/color]

I cant think of any more fish trying to do a S. American theme any ideas
I also have a 40 gallon which is empty thinking about cichilds some small ones or a few large ones Like convicts

 

[AstonN24vantage]

convicts are very small compared to other cichlids!

 

[Lyra0727]

The platys, guppies and mollies sound good to me. The rest I cant really say though sorry, I never had expirence with them. Although I hear pelcos get very large so be careful with them.

 

[OldMan47]

The platies, guppies and mollies are all anything but South American. Guppies and mollies are commonly found in coastal rivers along the coast of the gulf of Mexico while many wild type platies are found at higher elevations in Mexico itself.
Cories are quite often found in South America but a group of 4 will not display the playfulness that cories often exhibit.
If you are getting the common plecos in your LFS, you are probably buying the ones that get to a size of over 2 feet when full grown. They are indeed South American but are not suitable for such a small tank. My LFS has a display tank by the front door where they keep plecos that are as big around as my forearm but are only up to about 1 1/2 feet so far.
If you decide to keep the hatchets, they are delightful fish in numbers but require a very tight fitting tank lid. Without a tight lid, you will find them on the floor from time to time because they are notorious jumpers.
I have no experience with the upside down catfish.

 

[AstonN24vantage]

yes, hatchestfish are known for flying literally. upside down catfish are a good choice, but why not get more cories instead and just have more playful? just my opinion. i havent found upside down catfish to be too active, either. they are very funny though, and are really nice looking.