Stocking Suggestions For River Reef 94

[mickamania]

Hey guys I've started cycling my RR94 and am looking for some suggestions as to what to stock it with? Also, what sort of stocking level am i looking at? I would like quite a few fish so would opt for smaller species over larger ones, however a centrepiece fish would also be an option. Really just looking for some ideas so i can have a look next time im at the shop.

Cheers

Craig

 

[fluttermoth]

What are the dimensions of the tank, OP? IS your water hard or soft, and from how far away will you mostly be viewing the tank?

 

[Salam]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I assume you are doing a fishless cycle dosing ammonia?

Before we suggest fish, are there any in particular that you like? Maybe one fish you really like and if it is ok for your tank we could go from there.

 

[crazyforcordoras]

Wait, is this saltwater, because i hear River Reef?

 

[mickamania]

No its freshwater not salt, just converted back from a marine. The dimensions of the tank are 41.5cm(h) x 50cm(w) x 41.5cm(d. The water in my area is soft(i think, stay in Kilmarnock) and the tank will be viewed from fairly close up as it is beside my sofas but also seen as you walk into living room.

As for fish i like in my last tropical tank i had harlequin rasboras that i quite liked. Also i had a gourami(not sure which type was quite small and gold coloured). Im pretty open minded as to what goes in it but looking for advice to make the most of the space.

I look forward to hearing your suggestions

 

[Salam]

With that tank size you can nicely do the 'classic' - something for the bottom, something shoaling and some centrepiece fish.

Just a few suggestions, feel free to look them up and say what you like.

Shoaling fish:
Harlequin rasboras
Neon tetras
Oh my thee are actually so many, you get the idea, about 10 of one species.

Bottom dwellers:
Cories, again there are quite a few and in that size tank you should be able to get six of a regular size in (as in not pygmy)
Kuhli loaches if you fancy them, but some love them, some hate them.

Centrepiece:
Pair of either Kribensis or Bolivian rams or apistogramma

It's just ideas, but you'd end up with something like this:
10 shoaling fish of one species
6 bottom dwellers
a pair of a centrepiece fish

 

[mickamania]

Thanks for the suggestions Salam. I really like the look of the apistogramma and will have a look at them next time im at the fish shop. I had a look at different tetras and liked rummynose tetras so probably be them or the halequins for the shoal. Still thinking about the bottom dwellers, i liked the kuhli loaches but i've got a gravel substrate and read they don't do so well with that. Keeping an eye on my tank cycling just now and hopefully should be able to get some fish in it at the weekend. What would you suggest i put in there first?

 

[Salam]

What kind of gravel have you got? If it is smooth and small then it should be ok.

How are you cycling the tank? Fishless? Ammonia?

It's always best to start with the least aggressive and smalles species and add the most territorial (apistos) last.

 

[mickamania]

Yeah the gravel is pretty smooth not sure about the size though. Looks smallish to me but haven't really looked at any others to compare it to.

Im doing a fishless cycle using Nutrafin Cycle. Never used it before but the owner of my lfs told me it was pretty good and they usually know their stuff. Time will tell i guess.

 

[Salam]

The gravel sounds ok, but maybe a picture could help.

Unfortunately you are not really cycling. Those bottled products don't cycle a tank (they just empty your pockets of hard earned cash). Have a look at the beginner's resource centre and read up on cycling the especially the fish-less cycling section. It will take 6-8 weeks until you are ready to have fish. You could risk adding fish sooner with Nutrafin cycle, but to be honest most people who tried it had lots of heartache and it's so much work involving daily large water changes, so it's better to be patient. Read up there and come back with any questions you have.