Suggest Another Shoaling Species For My Tank?

[asheyna]

I'm in the midst of developing a community tank. Right now the plan is:

5-6 Cherry Barbs
5 Dwarf Chain Loaches
2 Rams (possibly Golden or Blue, we'll see what my LFS has in stock)

Maybe 2-3 Otos (we'll see if the brown algae issue continues to be a problem)

I'd like to add one more shoaling species. Originally I had thought about guppies but I'll actually be doing an entire 10g tank dedicated to them for in my daughter's room. So... now I'm looking for variety!

Any suggestions?

 

[Gvilleguy]

Hi - Rasboras make for an excellent top shoaling fish, and they are hardy. In the fish store their colors are not very exciting, but in a healthy tank they explode with fiery copper color in their fins. Really nice.

 

[asheyna]

Hi - Rasboras make for an excellent top shoaling fish, and they are hardy. In the fish store their colors are not very exciting, but in a healthy tank they explode with fiery copper color in their fins. Really nice.

I've thought about them, but have kind of leaned away because I already have bright red Cherry Barbs and was hoping for some color variety. One option I've just heard about is Forktail Rainbow fish.

 

[crazyforcordoras]

Rams. The water must be in the 80-82 F or 28-30 C range. Bolivian rams should be fine though. Not Blue, gold or electric blues. For a shoaler you should try pearl danios. They are a pink color, with barbels on them and everything.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Understood on the Rasboras. Color variety is good. Just for kicks, here is pic showing their color in my tank:


IMG_3890 by Gvilleguy, on Flickr

And I have had Bolivian Rams (currently have one in my tank) if you need any advice there.

 

[asheyna]

The Bolivian Rams I've seen don't seem to have all that many colors. Is upping the temp of my tank to 80F a problem? I didn't think it would be.

 

[onidrase]

The Bolivian Rams I've seen don't seem to have all that many colors. Is upping the temp of my tank to 80F a problem? I didn't think it would be.

most fish will die early with the temp up where rams like it ideally(82-86F), and vice versa. rams die quickly in low temps. they also need soft acidic water, 6-6.5 pH ideally.

For the most part you're limited to cardinal tetras and julii cory catfish which would co exist in the same water as german blue rams. (aside from discus, but they need much larger tanks)

Imo look into apistogramma cichlid species, there are tons of them out there, which easily outmatch the color of a blue ram. Bolivian rams aren't ugly either. They're gorgeous when they're not stressed and full grown. They're just not as 'shiny' as german blues are.

here's a picture of one of mine, and he still has some growing and coloring to do.

 

[pumpkinnose]

I think she wants it for the 35 that she already has established. I think the 10 that is in a fishless cycle is going to be for guppys but I could be wrong.

 

[onidrase]

I think she wants it for the 35 that she already has established. I think the 10 that is in a fishless cycle is going to be for guppys but I could be wrong.

yeah, just noticed that

 

[asheyna]

onidrae - yeah Cockatoo Aspistos are the other fish I've looked at. I know my "show pair" will be something along those lines. I also want to wait until the tank is really well established. The 35g finished cycling about 3 or 4 weeks ago. Building up the bio load, and probably adding live plants before I add those. From what I've seen Apisto males can be pricey so would rather not risk it on a still newer tank you know?

There are just too many beautiful fish.

 

[TekFish]

If you wanted colour variety you could have a look at Apistogramma Borellii, or Umbrella Cichlid. Generally they are blue with yellow faces, which would make a good contrast to your red Cherry Barbs.

Also imo, Otocinclus need to be kept in a slightly larger group than 3, maybe 5 they like the company.
Plus Dwarf Chain Loaches are REALLY expensive aren't they like 20 pounds a fish or something? Maybe that's just my LFS...

TekFish

 

[ZoddyZod]

Rams. The water must be in the 80-82 F or 28-30 C range. Bolivian rams should be fine though. Not Blue, gold or electric blues.

Are you suggesting those high temperatures for Bolivian rams?


OP - what is the size of this tank that you are planning?

The Bolivian Rams I've seen don't seem to have all that many colors. Is upping the temp of my tank to 80F a problem? I didn't think it would be.

Bolivians look very drab in the LFS - but once they are settled....

 

[Gvilleguy]

Zoddy - I think this is for a 35 gallon. I was going to suggest the Cocka. Apistos as well. If I ever lose my last Ram I plan to get one of those.

 

[ZoddyZod]

ok, if it's for the 35g then

Rummynose tetra
hatchet fish
cardinal tetra

are a few that would work

 

[Gvilleguy]

ok, if it's for the 35g then

Rummynose tetra
hatchet fish
cardinal tetra

are a few that would work

Ah, I wish I could have Rummynose in my tank but it is not wide enough for them...