Shoaling/schooling Fish

[haleem8777]

I cant decide what fish to keep with my spotted Raphael catfish. 

 

[CSnyder00]

Tank size? Decor?

 

[KittyKat]

And when it comes to size, a foot print would be most useful, not volume.

 

[haleem8777]

I am not sure on the tank size, as i am just planning ahead so when i know which fish would be the best with the catfish  i will get a tank to suit that fish, but if i had to give an idea it would most likely be a 50 gallon , on the top of my head if i had to give dimension it would be 150cm length, 35cm depth and 45cm height .It wont be planted as the catfish will need space to swim and the plants might come in its way but i might have a small portion of plants dotted around the tank, for example anubias on wood pieces and rocks. I hope this helps

 

[KittyKat]

In a 150 cm tank, I recommend 15-20 Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma, the bleeding heart, because they grow large while Platydoras armatulus, the catfish, can sometimes eat its tankmates.
 
I recommend that you plant at least a couple of groves of Vallis because it won't really restrict swimming space, but will make all the fish feel more secure and that means that you're more likely to see the nocturnal catfish out during the day.

 

[haleem8777]

I fotgot to mention checker barb, would they be a better choice. Also with the plant i will have java fern, do vallis need fertiliser?