Stocking Help

[Joshwainwright]

Hey all,

My new 125L tank is coming on Tuesday and I still haven't decided what fish I will be stocking. I know I still have plenty of time to decide while I cycle however I think it's time to start thinking about it.

Now to the problem, I have no idea what to stock...
I know I would like a few corys and some neon tetras but that's about it, so I need some help!


Setup facts that may help:
- 125L / 27.5 UK Gals / 33 US Gals
- Fluval 205 external filter and Fluval U3 internal filter
- Planted
- Sand substrate
- 80 x 35 x 45 cm

Tap water parameters:
Ph - 7.8

Thanks,
Josh.

 

[Joshwainwright]

 

[Curiosity101]

Do you like 'balanced' tanks or busy tanks? And any sort of preference for colour etc?

Edit: I reckon the reason you've had no replies is because the range of fish you could have in there is so so broad.

 

[Joshwainwright]

I think I prefer busy tanks, I like to sit and watch for ages. Sometimes hours!

It's so broad but I can't narrow it down, I genuinely have no idea what I would like. Maybe if I tell you I plan to decorate my tank with several pieces of bogwood and slate that I have, you could think of some fish that would suit the design?

 

[Curiosity101]

Anything that narrows it down is helpful. lol. I'll go and have a think

 

[Joshwainwright]

Great!

thanks.

 

[Joshwainwright]

I might just not plan it and buy whatever catches my attention in my LFS...

 

[Curiosity101]

I might just not plan it and buy whatever catches my attention in my LFS...

There are a few problems with that theory...

You might buy something un compatible with another fish that you see that you want much more

If you don't already know exactly what it is, what it eats, how big it grows, it's tempremant etc you can't be sure the LFS's advice is correct enough to take the risk.

Behaviour of fish in the fish shop vs behaviour in a tank can be very very different. For example a fish that is in a bare tank at the fish shop may hide the second you get it home cause that's what it prefers

Like you say, you have quite awhile till the tank is cycled anyways.

 

[Joshwainwright]

Okay, not planning is a bad idea!

I think the plan now is to get my tank, get it set up, start the cycle off, post a photo and ask people what would look nice.

 

[karin]

I'll bite...

6 corys
12 neons
pair or siingle dwarf gourami
one bristlenose pleco

6 corys
8 rummy nose
one angle
one bristlenose pleco

6 corys
12 neons
cherry shrimp
UMMMM some center piece fish

6 corys
12 neons
12 of another small tetra
6 amano shrim
6 otos (although need some algae for these guys)

Just some ideas

 

[Joshwainwright]

I'll bite...

6 corys
12 neons
pair or siingle dwarf gourami
one bristlenose pleco

6 corys
8 rummy nose
one angle
one bristlenose pleco

6 corys
12 neons
cherry shrimp
UMMMM some center piece fish

6 corys
12 neons
12 of another small tetra
6 amano shrim
6 otos (although need some algae for these guys)

Just some ideas

Hmmm,

6 corys
8 rummy nose
one angle
one bristlenose pleco

or

6 corys
12 neons
pair or siingle dwarf gourami
one bristlenose pleco


THANKS!

 

[Joshwainwright]

In fact,

6 Albino Corys
12 Neon Tetras
Pair of Dwarf Gouramis
A Bristlenose Plec

That sounds sexual!

 

[Curiosity101]

Personally I'd swap out the gouramis for a pair of dwarf cichlids such as dwarf flags, bolivian rams, apistos, keyholes etc.

But the general balance of that tank idea is just the kinda thing I tend to suggest.

I'd be tempted for a m/f pair of plecs though, or to swap them for something a bit more 'ornament/expensive' depending on how brave you were feeling.

 

[Joshwainwright]

I'll think about the dwarf cichlids but I never feel brave enough to spend the extra pound, I know what my luck is like.

 

[Curiosity101]

Well most dwarf cichlids aren't expensive, it was the plecs I was refering too cause there are quite a number of cute L number plecos that are easy enough to get hold of but marginally more fragile than a bristlenose... and significantly more expensive!

Apistos can be relatively expensive too, but if you stick to the common ones such as the cockatoo and agazzi then they're mass bred (so not what you'd call 'fragile') plus they're quite a bit cheaper than the rarer types.