Something To Finish Off With?

[zesty]

I think I can get something else but what should I get?

My tank is 5ft 95usg with gravel and well filtered.

stock so far is
1 bn
8 tiger barbs
1 severum
2 rainbows
1 blue acara

I had a suggestion recently of a chocolate cichlid but havent found any locally.

Would an ebjd or firemouth work?

Any other ideas please?

 

[Wills]

When you say rainbows do you mean rainbow cichlids or the schooling fish? Personally I would look out for the chocolate as they are fantastic there are a few on Aquarist Classifieds if you are familiar with the site? Depends on where you live as well.

If it were me I would be looking to add more tigers and/or some catfish maybe? A nice feature catfish would be cool

 

[snowflake311]

Chocolates are big 12 inches and bulky. You could keep one in the tank but not with that many fish.

I would keep what you have but get rid of the barbs are add 2 schools of large tetras. I would only have one rainbow cichlid.

1 severum
1 blue acara
1 rainbow cichlid
1 bn pleco
8 Black skirts
8 Buenos Aires Tetra
6 Cory cats

 

[zesty]

The Rainbows are Cichlids.
Is there a reason for just keeping one of them?

I would prefer to keep my Barbs as I quite like them but if they were the weak link then I could change them.

Any other suggestions please?

 

[snowflake311]

You don't want the rainbows to pair up then there will be too much drama. Or if you get 2 males they might fight. Keep the barbs if you like them. Just add another school would be nice. You don't want to over stock under stocking is best.

 

[zesty]

You don't want the rainbows to pair up then there will be too much drama. Or if you get 2 males they might fight. Keep the barbs if you like them. Just add another school would be nice. You don't want to over stock under stocking is best.

Thanks for that.
Should I keep the Rainbows for the time being and see how they get on?
I may be wrong but I think I have a male and a female, but how can I be sure?

 

[snowflake311]

If you have them then keep them they might be fine. Just be ready to move them if they start causing drama. pairs tend to bring some unwanted drama. BUT not always.

Sexing them is hard. males tend to be larger more colour and pointed fins. But Thats not to say some females cant get just as big. Watch for courting behaviour. like shaking at each-other, lip locking, one shows off to the other, lots of chasing, rubbing on each other.

 

[zesty]

If you have them then keep them they might be fine. Just be ready to move them if they start causing drama. pairs tend to bring some unwanted drama. BUT not always.

Sexing them is hard. males tend to be larger more colour and pointed fins. But Thats not to say some females cant get just as big. Watch for courting behaviour. like shaking at each-other, lip locking, one shows off to the other, lots of chasing, rubbing on each other.

Ok, I will keep an eye out for any of the behaviour that you mention and if need be then I will remove one of them.
I assume that after chasing, rubbing etc then they will start attacking each other?

Thanks

 

[snowflake311]

Not always in that order. You will know if they pair up. Just watch for it. If they start hanging around on spot Cleaning it then they are ready to spawn.