Stocking New Tank - 200Litres (Approx)

[gforce17]

Now that my 8 weeks of cycling looks as though it's coming to an end I'd love some help on how to stock my tank (200L). I am definitely going for a group of angels (small to avoid eating smaller fish). I'd also like a couple of large shoals of smaller fish and some bottom dwellers. I love gouramis so I'd like some of those but I'm unsure about which ones, how many, and how compatible. I've kept dwarf gouramis but had losses due to the dreaded disease. Any suggestions would be gratefully received. Thanks.

 

[lloyd]

small angels dont stay small so just be careful with "small" tank mates. most smalle tetras are fine though

 

[gforce17]

Thanks. As long as I go for small angels so that they grow with the smaller tetras I think I should be ok. Is that your thinking lloyd?

 

[SamLovesCorys]

Neon Tetras are part of the natural diet of angels, so i'd avoid them. I think the larger Tetras would be more suitable, but if you wan't to keep Gouramis you need one that isn't nippy.

In terms of Gourami, In this size of tank, pretty much all varieties would be ok. I love Gouramis, they have so much character!

Thicklips maybe?! This is Ernie (I don't normally name my fish, but he's such a character!)

Bought him with a little dorsal fin damage, but it's healed since I took the photo.

 

[gforce17]

He's very attractive. Is he a thick-lipped? I've got a honey gourami in my smaller tank who looks very similar. Thanks for the pic.

 

[SamLovesCorys]

Yep, pretty sure he is. I've read about people selling thick-lips as honeys by accident though... They're pretty similar!

 

[gforce17]

What advice would you give for bottom dwellers - corys?

 

[SamLovesCorys]

Keep Cories in single species shoals of at least 4- They do shoal with other species of Cory, but they are not as happy or active this way.

I probably seem more than a little hypocritical if you look at my signature! This is due to the numbers they had at my LFS when I got mine, but i'm building up the shoals next weekend.

Cory species- All of them are cool and like pretty simaliar water conditions, so just look em up and see which kind you like! Bronze and Peppered tend to be the cheapest, but my favourites are Sterbais (The ones in my signature).

Regarding other bottom feeders, i've never kept any, so I can't really give an answer.

Sam

Cories are the best by the way!

 

[gforce17]

Thanks. I'll have a good look at the different types. You're obviously into them in a big way!!

 

[agk2000]

If your LFS carries albino cories they are quite a bit more active than most other types and are quie a good contrast if you get a darker coloured susbstrate

 

[gforce17]

If your LFS carries albino cories they are quite a bit more active than most other types and are quie a good contrast if you get a darker coloured susbstrate

Thanks. I'll see if they have them!