Stocking Question

[Jonj1611]

Hi,
 
New to the forum, I have a 125 litre tank and currently have
 
6 x Neon Tetra
6 x Black Phantom Tetra
2 x Bristlenose Pleco
 
Can anyone recommend lively, colourful fish that will go well with the ones I currently have, I really enjoy the brighter colours to some fish and especially fish that like to zoom about if that makes sense so any recommendations would be welcome.
 
Thank you
Jon

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Hi Jon, welcome to the forum.
 
 
I have two recommendations:
 
1 - unless the BN plecos are one male and one female, you may have issues in the future, as they can be quite territorial with their own kind.  (Either way, be certain that you have plenty of 'hiding' places for the BNs.  They are quite reclusive and will appreciate quality hiding spots.  They also appreciate wood in the tank, as it aids their digestion.)  If you have two males, you will want to strongly consider rehoming one.
 
2 - colorful, zoomy fish... dwarf neon rainbowfish (aka "Praecox Rainbowfish) would fit the bill - a shoal of 6 or so.
 
OR, you could go with endlers or platies for a splash of different colors.  These would be best as males only, in at least 3 individuals so that any aggression amongst them can be spread amongst them.  (Males will usually just flare at other males, but can get a bit bullyish at times, especially with fewer males.)  Livebearers are VERY active little fish and will swim around all parts of the tank.

 

[Jonj1611]

Hi, and many thanks for the warm welcome.
 
Yes, I am currently still soaking my bogwood, I thought it would have been ready for the tank by now but hopefully I will be able to get it in there in the next couple of days. Actually I am not sure what the pleco's are, I never asked in the shop, out of interest is it something you ask specifically for? Like asking for all males for instance, I didn't know if the person in the shop would think I was just being awkward so I never asked.
 
I just took a look at the dwarf neon rainbowfish, yes very nice, may fit in with the tank nicely. 

 

[eaglesaquarium]

You would just ask for a male or a female, based on what you want.  Not awkward at all, but it helps to know how to differentiate them yourself.  Determining the gender of bristlenose plecos is REALLY easy when they are older, but practically impossible when young.  When older, the males will get the long bristles, the females will get a few minor ones.  But, as youngsters, I couldn't tell what the different is.
 
Determining the gender in livebearers is actually quite easy.  Google the term "gonopodium" and you'll get some images to make it clear.
 
It is quite common to ask for specific fish in the tank even.  Personally, I've asked for specific fish, and told the attendant that the fish they caught was not the one I was looking for.  So, they had to put that one back and get a different fish.  Ultimately, you really want the fish that's the hardest to catch, as its generally the healthiest.  The fish that's easier to catch may have other issues.

 

[Jonj1611]

Thank you for the comprehensive reply, yes the ones I have are very young currently so difficult to tell. And yes I see your point, next time I am in there I will ask specifically. Thank you again 

 

[wrightt3]

1 - unless the BN plecos are one male and one female, you may have issues in the future, as they can be quite territorial with their own kind.  

I've heard a lot of people say this but have never experienced this myself. If anything, my bristlenoses used to stick up for each other against some of their more aggressive tankmates. I guess there are always anomalies when keeping fish...

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

I don't think this tank has room for another schoaling species, you already have ~70cm of adult fish in a 125l tank.
 
At a push, I would add a small fish happy as a singleton, such as a Honey Gourami. It helps these fish are upper water dwellers too, so they will only be sharing space with the Neon Tetras.