Community Tank

[Benauld]

Hi,

I have a planted Aquaone 620T, it's 130L with external filtration - Tetratec EX700 - it has been set up for around six months, has a temperature of 27[sup]o[/sup]C, and a pH of 7 (which I'm currently hoping will lower slightly over time). In my current community I have two German Blue Rams. However, I think I am going to remove them as I see them as a disruptive element in my tank (I wanted a quite peaceful community). So, to replace them I have been looking at the non-annual South American Killis on another site, and was wondering about the Rivulus species? Does anybody have any knowledge/suggestions as to what would go with my community?:

8 x Sparkling Gourami (Trichopsis pumila) 3cm. - Not yet acquired.
7 x Gold Tetras (Hemigrammus rodwayi) 5cm.
1 x Peacock Goby (Tateurndina ocellicauda) 5cm.

Originally I was looking at replicating a South American type community, but it seems to have developed into quite a mixed bag with the Peacock Goby and Gouramis, so any other suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT= I'd forget my own head if it wasn't screwed on...

 

[BigC]

Most rivulus species are quite drab, but there are a few really nice specimens such as Rivulus xiphidius. But these are specialist species and need IMO livefoods to keep them sucessfully. A nice beginners/novice rivulus species would be Riv. agilae, which does have a nice touch of colouration in the males.
Rivulus agilae would suit your setup. They are fairly common to source. But provide a tight fitting lid
Keep one male to two females (sexed trio) males will tend to squabble.
Surface plant cover again such as Salvinia is a plus.
The only problem would be when you obtain such a species is that the breeder will most likely be keeping them in very soft water and have a low pH, so you will need to acclimatize them very, very slowly.
The Sparkling Gouramis may also be a problem as they are quite small and delicate. I would err on the safe side and omit those from your list if you wish to keep rivulus sp.
Regards
BigC

P.S. Where are you from.

 

[Benauld]

Thanks for the info BigC! However, perhaps I was being a little too specific. Rivulus sp were just those that had happened to catch my eye, if you know of any other species, including African rather than S.American, or even an annual species that would be more appropriate for this community, then fire away...

The only ones I would discount at present are the Lampeyes, I'm sorry to say I'm not a big fan of them.

 

[BigC]

Bearing in mind that the sparkling gourami would be a problem.
Aphyosemion australe
Aphyosemion striatum
Fundulopanchax gardneri nigerianus sp.
Epiplatys dageti Monrovia
Steer clear of Aplochelius lineatus Gold (Golden Wonders) common but predatory.
African annuals, South Americian annuals/ semi annuals I would also give a miss due to high maintenance.
The above 4 species should present you with little problems.
Regards
BigC

 

[Benauld]

Do you think Aphyosemion splendopleure would be workable? Being slightly smaller than A.australe (5-5.5cm from what I've read), my thinking was maybe it wouldn't pose as large a problem for the Sparkling Gourami, which can reach 4cm long themselves. Any thoughts BigC, you seem to be the man in the know when it comes to killifish.

 

[BigC]

Any thoughts BigC, you seem to be the man in the know when it comes to killifish.

I dont know everything and dont pretend to, been around the game a long time and picked some knowledge on the way. And if I can pass this on the I will surely help others out. If I dont know then I'll know someone who does. and relay the answer to that person/s.
You mention Aph. splendopleure. I kept these many years ago by the name of A. splendopleure (Tiko)
They are quite a bit smaller (at least mine were) than Aph. australe and more sedate. Yes they would be excellent but just remember that the males will fight and rip each others fins so just get a sexed pair or trio. When I bred them, males were all kept together so that the more there were the less damage occured. When they did square up to each other it is a true spectacle and the colouration in the body and fins is amazing.
Years ago they went under the name of A, bivittatum which was a kind of umbrella for the species as there were literally dozens of locations (Tiko being just one) and all with different colouration.
So yes, nice choice. Remember if you wish to breed then they can present a few problems. but nothing major.
Regards
BigC