Some Suggestions

[josephb]

i've kept a bunch of fish over the years - goldfish, pranhas, oscars, cichlids, and tetras. just moved into a new place and looking to get another tank set up. probably something in the 30-55 gallon range, and freshwater. im looking for some suggestions for some fish that arent carnivorous, that dont get too large, and will do well with a few others. maybe 3 or 4 of the same fish, depending on the tank size i go with. so, any and all suggestions would be appreciated. not looking into getting any tetras though. looking for something new. probably describe myself as a beginner, maybe intermediate fish keeper, although i do have experience keeping many other reptiles and amphibians, so i am aware of what im getting myself into. so anything thats not too extravagant or will require a ton of work or knowledge. and, of course, the more interesting the fish's behavior and color, the better.
thanks a lot

 

[lyotim88]

i'd go for the 55, i'm sure you'd end up much happier with that tank. As far as behavior and color go, african cichlids may interest you and would fill that tank nicely. They're easy to care for, all they require is high pH and a healthy spirulina-based diet

 

[josephb]

well, i had a green terror kept in a 55 gallon by himself and he was very, unpleasantly aggressive. im sure some cichlids are less aggressive then them but i cant imagine keeping a few together. what's the most docile kind, or do they all have reputations for being aggressive? i've seen electric yellows before, and theyre very nice looking. are they a friendlier group that can be housed together?

 

[ALEXF]

how about some gouramis, there are a few that get a decent size. Like the kissing gourami and dont get to terribly aggressive exsept to each other??? hmmm they might work, im not to familiar with them anymore....

 

[lyotim88]

if you stock heavily it lessens aggression. Green terrors are new world cichlids.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

well, i had a green terror kept in a 55 gallon by himself and he was very, unpleasantly aggressive. im sure some cichlids are less aggressive then them but i cant imagine keeping a few together. what's the most docile kind, or do they all have reputations for being aggressive? i've seen electric yellows before, and theyre very nice looking. are they a friendlier group that can be housed together?

If you want docile Cichlids, Angels, Ram and Apisto sp. are three different guys that are good examples.

 

[josephb]

well, i came across ryukin goldfish and i like them. im sure i could buy some from petsmart, but i'd REALLY rather not. anyone know of any good, reputable dealers of them?

 

[BettaMinx]

well our african chiclid tank is our EASIEST tank to keep. stays clean and easy. and the fish are beautiful. our secret is no two of the same kind, so no mating, no fighting, for example one electric yellow, one johanny, one bumble, etc.

i also have a fancy goldfish tank and LOVE that too.
they are food eating machines, but they are very personable and easy to keep too!

good luck whatever you decide!

 

[josephb]

so does anyone have any good recommendations for fancy goldfish breeders?

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

so does anyone have any good recommendations for fancy goldfish breeders?

Not sure, but where are you located?

 

[josephb]

livingston montana