Stocking Idea

[Robbo851]

ok so i have been offered a 35 gallon tank, its a bit poor (old and shaby) but with some elbow grease i can have it looking good. the good point os it comes with a pretty decent filter (dunno what one) but an external one, i also have a internal filter i can put in it (supposed to be for a 10-20 gallon tank but i guess it would be ok for a secondary filter) and a small bubble filter also.

so was thinking would a set up with sand substrate and lots of rocks with a few hardy plants and

6 small malawi cichlids

1 pictus catfish

1 common pleco

1 red tail shark (transfered from another tank)

1 bumblebee catfish

would that work?

please suggestions on subtracting some or some nice additions please

 

[GobyMaster]

Sorry, but the Pictus and Common Plecs are a definiate no.
They both grow too big for a 35 gallon.
I'm not sure about the Red-Tailed Black Shark, I think they need a minimum of 50 gallons, and they can get quite agressive.
What species of Bumblebee Cat are you getting? I think the tankmates depend on the species of BB Cat.
I think most Malawi Cichlids need pretty hard water, so if you can do that, awesome.
Personally, I'd go with a Senegal Bichir and some bigger tetras, but if you still wanted your idea, here's a good stocking plan:
6x Malawi Cichlids
1x Bristlenose Plecostomus
1x Bumblebee Cat (depending on species)

I think that would be good.
Cheers,
GobyMaster

 

[Robbo851]

Sorry, but the Pictus and Common Plecs are a definiate no.They both grow too big for a 35 gallon. I'm not sure about the Red-Tailed Black Shark, I think they need a minimum of 50 gallons, and they can get quite agressive.What species of Bumblebee Cat are you getting? I think the tankmates depend on the species of BB Cat.I think most Malawi Cichlids need pretty hard water, so if you can do that, awesome.Personally, I'd go with a Senegal Bichir and some bigger tetras, but if you still wanted your idea, here's a good stocking plan:6x Malawi Cichlids1x Bristlenose Plecostomus1x Bumblebee Cat (depending on species)I think that would be good. Cheers,GobyMaster

i am sure i read somewhere that plecs are fine with semi peaceful cichlids as for pictus they dont grow that big

http/freshaquarium.about.com/cs/catfish1/p/pictuscat.htm

as for the plec the size is not a problem as i can move it to a 55 gallon tank and after that a big pond if needed.

Sorry, but the Pictus and Common Plecs are a definiate no.They both grow too big for a 35 gallon. I'm not sure about the Red-Tailed Black Shark, I think they need a minimum of 50 gallons, and they can get quite agressive.What species of Bumblebee Cat are you getting? I think the tankmates depend on the species of BB Cat.I think most Malawi Cichlids need pretty hard water, so if you can do that, awesome.Personally, I'd go with a Senegal Bichir and some bigger tetras, but if you still wanted your idea, here's a good stocking plan:6x Malawi Cichlids1x Bristlenose Plecostomus1x Bumblebee Cat (depending on species)I think that would be good. Cheers,GobyMaster

hold on did you mean a Senegal Bichir as they grow to 20 inches which would mean they would really need 70+ gallons to be happy

 

[GobyMaster]

Oh, you mean that pictus. Sorry, I thought you ment one of the species that grows well over 10".
Common Plecos can grow over 2 feet long, and they are crap machines. Trust me, you'd be better off with a smaller one.
A single Senegal can be kept in a 30 gallon aquarium, as that's what I have mine in.
Sorry for confusing you about the pictus.
Cheers,
GobyMaster

 

[Straydum]

yeah i'm kinda against the common plec as well. you could try getting a zig zag eel, would make a great addition to your tank.

 

[Robbo851]

ok no plec then, i like the eel idea but don't they just come out at night?

 

[GobyMaster]

Not sure. I might get one for my 10 gallon (only to raise him, it won't be premanent), and I've heard that they are out during the day quite a bit.
Cheers,
GobyMaster

 

[Straydum]

ok no plec then, i like the eel idea but don't they just come out at night?

not true. its depends on your feeding habits. if you feed in the day, thats when they would come out. my fire eels comes up to the surface just about everytime they see me.

 

[Robbo851]

ok no plec then, i like the eel idea but don't they just come out at night?

not true. its depends on your feeding habits. if you feed in the day, thats when they would come out. my fire eels comes up to the surface just about everytime they see me.

if i got a spiny eel or a fire eel, how long would each of them take to grow out a 35 gallon tank as i plan on getting a 55+ but not for 18 months or so