Would This Stocking Work?

[mossonthemoon]

I am expecting to be ready to stock fairly soon, and will need to do it quickly. I posted this list in my journal, but I don't know whether anyone is looking there. A sort of vague idea is:

6 Bolivian rams (3 pairs, as suggested by another member - I really like this idea)
~12 Emperor tetras
~6 Sterbai corys
1 or 2 Plecos depending on the type

Plus something else, if possible. I am flexible with the exact numbers and haven't worked them out properly to be completely honest. The rams were suggested by someone in the cichlid section, but I have read differing accounts of having several in the same tank, and would love more feedback about that. If I get worried about having that many, I will just have a pair and then add more of something else.

I already have one lonely emperor tetra, so I definitely need more of those. I can't decide on a pleco yet. I have had bristle noses for around 8 years, and think I want a new type but am being indecisive. I would like one more group of something too, but really don't know what. I have always wanted tiger barbs, but know they wouldn't fit in here. I thought about five banded, but I have had them (I loved them) and was trying to get types I have not had before. I may end up going with them, though. My one concern is that I think they sort of act the same as the tetras in the tank, so maybe I want something less hovering than that. I don't know.

What does everyone think?

 

[Chad]

Can you post a link to your journal (yes, I'm too lazy to hunt it down)? That way I can see how big the tank is and all the specs.

 

[mossonthemoon]

Sure! I think it is in the wrong place anyway to be honest. http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/404523-starting-over/

The size is in the subject lines as well.

 

[spongy]

I have a pair of Bolivian rams and an electric blue ram added later, a bit of chasing when the blue first went in but now they all get along fine. I wanted 2 electric blues but at £25 each I couldn't afford it

How about sone harlequin rasbora? I have a shoal of 6 and they're very active.

 

[mossonthemoon]

Oh, that reminds me. If I did go for the group of rams I would definitely have to get a pair at a time. I assume that means I would have to shuffle the tank furniture around every time to prevent fighting. Does that sound right?

I have had harlequins! They are very nice. I will keep them in mind, thanks!

 

[Chad]

Sure! I think it is in the wrong place anyway to be honest. http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/404523-starting-over/

The size is in the subject lines as well.

Thanks. Is that 180 liters? So about 47 gallons or so?

I want to second the harlequins. Great fish and very attractive. One of my favorite FW fish.

Smaller plecos would work.

Corys are nice. 6 is a good number too.

Personally I would do 4 rams to give them space rather than 6 but I know this is up for debate, perhaps more a personal preference.

That's my 2 cents.

 

[mossonthemoon]

That's right about the volume, though I never know whether I have just converted to UK or US gallons.

I think I would feel more confident with either two or four rams, the more I think about it. Other than that it seems okay with numbers, though? If I got harlequins, how many could I get? I like to get as large a group of the schooling fish as possible. I have "overstocked" in the past with perfect water, but it has been a while and I don't want to try that with a newly cycled tank.

 

[Chad]

I use Google to convert. It converted 180 liters to around 47 US gallons.

The only problem I see with the harlequins is that you have the tetras as well. They occupy the same area on the water column. They shouldn't fight or anything but I generally like to have upper, middle, and lower, +dither fish in my tanks just to broaden things out. Again, personal preference I know.

 

[mossonthemoon]

Yes, this is what I was thinking when I was talking about the barbs. As far as I remember, they acted the same, and stayed in the same part of the tank (though I had them at different times). I have to have the tetras because it would be cruel to keep the one I do have on his own, plus I do like them. But I am not really coming up with another fish that would work.

 

[Chad]

If you can't come up with one I say don't worry about it. Perhaps one day you will see one in the store that you love and that works for your tank and there you go, until then you have a nice mix and the tetras are wonderful, I wouldn't give them up either.

 

[mossonthemoon]

So would 2 rams, 12 emperor tetras, 6 corys, and a pleco of some type be enough to maintain my cycle? It sounds like it to me, but I don't really know what my adding 2ppm of ammonia is equivalent to in fish terms. I would hope to probably have 4 rams eventually but I think I will only be able to afford the 2 at first (without knowing the price around here).

 

[mossonthemoon]

Where do danios normally stay? Mine did not seem to be normal, and just travelled in a gang at any level they happened to feel like being from day to day.

 

[Chad]

Where do danios normally stay? Mine did not seem to be normal, and just travelled in a gang at any level they happened to feel like being from day to day.

That sounds about right.

 

[mossonthemoon]

So they may or may not be an option if I am trying to occupy all levels. Hmm! Well I will look at what looks healthiest on the day, maybe!

 

[Chad]

I like the celestial pearl danio (formerly known as galaxy rasbora).