What Should I Get?

[idlefingers]

I've got a planted 126ltr tank with the following occupants:

15 neon tetra
6 congo tetra
4 corys (2x peppered, 2x Albino)

In a few weeks time (assuming everything goes well), I'm planning on getting a couple more fish to finish it off and would like suggestions as to what to pick.

I would love to have a loach or plec, but do I have space? I'm wanting to get something which eats alge, too.. otto? snails?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Castellop123]

Around four to six otto's, maybe the dwarf loach... I would avoid Plecs...

 

[fishwatcher]

I'm not sure about the plec or loaches, though I'm sure there is at least one kind of plec that would fit. Have you thought about a centerpiece fish, maybe a gourami of some kind?

 

[idlefingers]

Okay, thanks for the replies. I'm sold on the ottos now.. will definitely be getting at least 4.

I have had a quick look a gouramis, but was under the impression they wouldn't be suited for my tank? I'm probably just getting confused. Any type of gourami you'd recommend?

Do I have space to add a couple of larger fish (than I currently have) or would this be pushing it?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

i think with the otto's your be pretty much full.

congo tetra's can get quite big compared to other tetra's so you need to allow room for them.

 

[idlefingers]

i think with the otto's your be pretty much full.

congo tetra's can get quite big compared to other tetra's so you need to allow room for them.

Okay. Do you think I'd be pushing it if I got 2 more corys, too? I have an external filter which is larger than I need for this size tank, so it should be able to handle the extra waste?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

i think with the otto's your be pretty much full.

congo tetra's can get quite big compared to other tetra's so you need to allow room for them.

Okay. Do you think I'd be pushing it if I got 2 more corys, too? I have an external filter which is larger than I need for this size tank, so it should be able to handle the extra waste?

nah i reckon 2 more cories should be ok. they really prefer to be in groups of 6+ so i think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks

 

[idlefingers]

Thanks Miss Wiggle!!

 

[idlefingers]

Is it okay to get a different type of cory? I'd read that they can be mixed and matched and still count as a school, but my ablinos and peppered corys don't seem to take much notice of each other, so I'm not sure. The albinos are much smaller and so I think younger.. could this have something to do with it?

If I got a couple of panda corys, would they school with the others or is it like having 3 schools of 2?

Thanks everyone.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

Is it okay to get a different type of cory? I'd read that they can be mixed and matched and still count as a school, but my ablinos and peppered corys don't seem to take much notice of each other, so I'm not sure. The albinos are much smaller and so I think younger.. could this have something to do with it?

If I got a couple of panda corys, would they school with the others or is it like having 3 schools of 2?

Thanks everyone.

some will school together if they're colourings are similar, however it's best to get 6 of one sort. they'll be loads happier

 

[Killi]

perhaps you could get dwarf gouramis, maybe 1 male and 2 or 3 females.
They only grow to about 3" too so you should have enough space for them

 

[idlefingers]

some will school together if they're colourings are similar, however it's best to get 6 of one sort. they'll be loads happier

Darn.. Thought that might be the case. What should I do then? get 4 more peppered ones so that I have 6? Is having 8 in my size tank okay - they won't get moody with each other?

I think I might wait for anything like gouramis and just stick with getting a few more corys and the ottos.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

can you return 2 that you already have and part exchange them for 4 of the other sort so you just have 6 of one sort.

 

[idlefingers]

can you return 2 that you already have and part exchange them for 4 of the other sort so you just have 6 of one sort.

I doubt I'll be able to return them 'cos they're from pets@home and past their 7 day warranty (and I really like them!)

 

[idlefingers]

Okay, I'm probably going to be returning the congos to my lfs because I've been told my tanks a little too small and they will probably get aggressive towards each other with having 5 males and 1 female.

So, if I took them back, would I have enough space to get a pair of three-spot gouramis? I'd like to get a couple of larger, more colourful fish, but are they too large?