Recent content by groovylime

Get the 50 gallon tank... but get a python gravel vac or you'll get very tired of doing the "bucket-brigade". You want this to be a fun experience, not work. 50 gallons is a very nice size to start out with.

1-1.5 watt per gallon for low light beginner plants. Any more and you're going to start having algae problems unless you add more plants and use CO2. Keep the light on for about 8-12 hours a day.

As already stated, you'd need a bigger tank for ruby sharks or red tail sharks... as least a 3 ft tank, 4 or 5 ft better. Also, they should not be kept with others of similar body shape as they are territorial. For your tank, you'll need to look at smaller fish.

I'm very surprised that more people haven't voted for the Denisoni Barb (Puntius denisonii). I have a small school of them (5) in my 180gal and they are very colourful and active.

Member's Aquarium and Fish Pictures

I usually cut their heads off quickly with a sharp knife ...instant death with no suffering.

Thanks for sharing the pics! I remember when mine was that small. invaderwithkey is right on about food and personality, make sure he gets lots of vegetable/algae in his diet. Post some more pics in a couple of months as he grows.

That's a great deal! A standard 55 US Gal tank is 4 feet.

They should be kept in groups of at least 3, otherwise they will be too skittish and may injure themselves. I've always kept mine in planted tank, and have never heard of them eating plants. I know that tinfoil barbs and silver dollars are known to eat plants. They should be kept with other...

I've had my Flagtail Prochilodus for about 2 years now. He's currently about 10" in a planted 75 gallon tank, soon to be moved into a 180 gal. They get along well with other community fish and eat zuchini, algae wafers and blood worms. They are terrific algae eaters and in my experience only...

Thanks LL, that was a nicer way to say it.

When they are young like yours, you can see why they are called yoyo loaches. It says "YoYo" right on the side of their body. Once they get larger, the pattern gets more complex and they lose the "YoYo". These fish are a lot of fun.

fatfishman, If you're still looking, I'd recommend Botia Striata (Zebra Loach) or, as already mentioned, Botia Kubotai (Polkadot Loach). These are great playful fish, don't grow very large, and should be kept in groups of 3-5. Yoyo's not only will grow bigger, but they are extremely active, so...

I agree with three-fingers. Rainbowfish would be an excellent addition. Boesmani's and others can grow up to 4-5" with thick bodies, and they will bring good color to the tank. I wouldn't put any other shoal of fish that are larger than that in a 5 foot tank with balas and clown loaches...

I've kept a Flagtail Prochilodus in a heavily planted tank for a couple of years with no problem. Have a look here: http://www.ratemyfishtank.com/friendemail.php/9749 The only plants I've seen him eat are ones with very fine leaves.