New Fish Owner

[billyfield88]

Hi I am new to this forum and a new fish tank owner{90 litres} that has been cycled.
I have started off with 2 leopard and 2 zebra danios, which have been doing very well and are very lively. One of the zebras however seems to be annoying the others by chasing them around, not sure why this is.
I would soon like to introduce some more fish to the tank but need advice as to what are the best types of fish to mix with them. I would prefer more colourful fish. Any ideas?

 

[fluttermoth]

All shoaling fish, like your danios, need to be in a group of 6+ as there is normally one dominant fish and you need more to spread the aggression round.

There are so many different species of fish it's a bit difficult to advise. The best thig to do is go around your LFS and make a note of the things you like the look of and then come home and research them (or ask here ) and see if they're suitable; not all shops give out the most detailed and accurate information!

 

[Louiseness]

I agree, get at least two more. Danios tend to chase and 'play' in the current all the time but having a decent shoal will prevent the 'annoying' behaviour.

They're fab community fish though and go well with a range of fish so you have plenty of options!

 

[billyfield88]

Thanks for the great advice!
Today i have added 6guppys and they look amazing! mix of electric blue and some orange.I also got persuaded by my lfs owner to purchase a Ram which he said will develop amazingly, however he looks a bit lonely mainly keeping to the bottom half of the tank. should i get another one for him for company?

 

[StandbySetting]

Which species of Ram? Never let a store assistant talk you into buying a fish on a whim, if it's a Bolivian Ram it will be fine providing you have a sand substrate, if it is a Blue Ram on the other hand, acidic conditions along with a high temperature, good diet are all preferable, and a sand substrate is essential.

The best fish to go with Zebra and Leopard Danio's will be those that naturally occur with them, or those that share similar habitats.

 

[billyfield88]

It is a bolivian Ram, I did tell him that i have gravel, he said that wasnt a problem! Bit worried now. Will he definately have problems without sand or should i take him back? Would it be alright if i added a small terracotta pot inside in the back some where.

 

[StandbySetting]

The Bolivian Ram is from the genus Microgeophagus which translates literally to mini earth-eater, all earth eaters need sand or another fine substrate in order exhibit natural behaviour, they filter sand for food particles in the same way a Corydoras does, changing isn't that difficult.

 

[billyfield88]

Thanks for the advice (Derby fan). I am a birmingham fan by the way!!the best club in the midlands!
But seen as i am new to this, changing from gravel to sand doesnt feel that easy to me now that i have my fish. Any advice would be welcome. Thankyou.

 

[StandbySetting]

We'll see on August the 6th

Changing sand is a piece of cake, a little laborious, but if you plan well all will go fine, you just need plain play sand, which is as cheap as chips and it will require a lot of washing, the fish will need temporary accommodation with a heater, and the filter can be placed in there too where they will need to stay for several hours. Then just drain some of the water, remove the gravel, remove further water to get rid of any mulm/detritus and then add your washed sand, fill it back up, heat it, rig up your filter and add your fish.