New 150 Ltr / 40 Gal Tank Advice

[MrCavs]

Firstly let me say this site has helped me then confused me then helped me again
Ive got a fully fish in cycled tank ready to stock ( again "fish in" isn't very popular but it worked a treat for me )
See Below:

i started out thinking Khuli loaches and angels and some catfish, then changed to chiclids, red zebra's marbled peacocks and electric yellows then to uncertainty.

ive got a 150 litre, 97cm wide x 35 cm deep x 45 cm high tank, gravel based to about 5cm at the front and 8cm to the rear, it has an under gravel filter purchased at time of tank purchase, plenty of fake plants and hidey holes. The plan is to purchase an 8ft tank in 12 - 18 months ( finally have the cash to start this hobby and keep it going )

What i need to know is.......what should i put in this tank knowing that in 12 - 18 months a much larger tank is on the way, my thought was malawi chiclids, get em small and by the time there big enough to move ill have a new tank, or should i start with the basics then when the big tank arrives start with the chiclids?

pretty much a noob, but all thoughts would be greatly appreciated

 

[SchottayB]

If you're new to fish keeping I'd say start with some hardy easy to care for fish. Then by the time you have your new tank you'll have a heap of experience in fish keeping and then can advance .

OR

Start with some hardy easy fish with your cycle making sure after a few months your water stats are perfect then change the stock to something else .

 

[TekFish]

I would recommend a hardy Tetra, like Neons or Black Neons, Glowlights if you're feeling lucky you could try with Rummynoses,
and around 10-12 of those.
Then a Corydoras or Otocinclus, 8 of either of them, NOT at the same time bottom will be super-crowded.
Then something like a Gourami, Pearl I think would be best or Banded if you can find them.

Nice tank mate

 

[cambojnr]

in that tank how much gravel do you have? you only need 1-2 inches, that like like 4-5 you should take some out if it is.

 

[MrCavs]

in that tank how much gravel do you have? you only need 1-2 inches, that like like 4-5 you should take some out if it is.

Its about 2.5 inches at the front, keeping in mind the under gravel filter takes up about 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch. Rises to about 4 inches at the back.

 

[SamLovesCorys]

I would recommend a hardy Tetra, like Neons or Black Neons, Glowlights if you're feeling lucky you could try with Rummynoses,
and around 10-12 of those.
Then a Corydoras or Otocinclus, 8 of either of them, NOT at the same time bottom will be super-crowded.
Then something like a Gourami, Pearl I think would be best or Banded if you can find them.

Nice tank mate

I'd agree with some of this, but Otos and Neons are very fragile, and definitely not good fish to begin with. Black Neons I started with, and they did fine!

 

[TekFish]

I would recommend a hardy Tetra, like Neons or Black Neons, Glowlights if you're feeling lucky you could try with Rummynoses,
and around 10-12 of those.
Then a Corydoras or Otocinclus, 8 of either of them, NOT at the same time bottom will be super-crowded.
Then something like a Gourami, Pearl I think would be best or Banded if you can find them.

Nice tank mate

I'd agree with some of this, but Otos and Neons are very fragile, and definitely not good fish to begin with. Black Neons I started with, and they did fine!

I knew Otos were a bit... let's say meh, but Neons? Are they really that fragile? I mean they are the most popular aquarium fish so shouldn't they be the easiest to keep?

TekFish

 

[SamLovesCorys]

I would recommend a hardy Tetra, like Neons or Black Neons, Glowlights if you're feeling lucky you could try with Rummynoses,
and around 10-12 of those.
Then a Corydoras or Otocinclus, 8 of either of them, NOT at the same time bottom will be super-crowded.
Then something like a Gourami, Pearl I think would be best or Banded if you can find them.

Nice tank mate

I'd agree with some of this, but Otos and Neons are very fragile, and definitely not good fish to begin with. Black Neons I started with, and they did fine!

I knew Otos were a bit... let's say meh, but Neons? Are they really that fragile? I mean they are the most popular aquarium fish so shouldn't they be the easiest to keep?

TekFish

Unfortunately no! they are popular due to colours, not hardiness. They need a mature tank.