First tank, stock check!

[ddaddy]

I recieve my first ever tank tomorrow A Juwel Vision 260, 4ft

Im going to cycle it for a few weeks then start stocking. The stock ive thought of getting is

1 x Pangasius Shark Catfish
1 x Large Plec
2 x Angels
1 x Siamese Fighter
6-10x Red Line Torpedos


Thats as far as ive got, is this ok so far? I will buy no more than 4 fish at a time.

I want to add some more small plecs of some sort, and maybe some glass catfish.
I saw some fish yesterday without a label, they where bright yellow underneath with black and white stripes at the top. Possibly cichlids.

Are there any loaches for tropical communtiy tanks?

Im after a tank thats not full of the usual fish you see in every single shop like tetras, silver sharks etc.

Any help appreciated, Thanks

 

[Bloo]

How exciting that you're getting a new tank !


However a few things concern me.
Firstly - when you say "cycling for a couple of weeks" - do you inted to do so with or without fish? If you're going the fishless cycle route, 2 weeks is the approximate length of time you're looking at for the nitrites & ammonia to reach 0, however it can take 3 weeks to a month on that size tank.

I suggest you take a look at Undawada's topic on Fishless cycling. Also, have you got some test kits lined up for PH, Ammonia, Nitrates, Nitrites ?

When it comes to the fish, first off: forget the iridescent shark (Pangasius) cat.
They need shoals and a massive tank as they get up to 3ft big. They are extremely skittish and sensitive fish.

"Large Plec" - what type are you thinking of ?

Siamese fighter - these are really not community fish at all, though could be kept singly as females (the fins of the male are too long to withstand the kind of current you would have for a 260 litre tank.

And if you want unusual fish, Bettas can be had for 10 a penny and not really the type of fish I would have thought you are really after.

Loaches - there are plenty plenty to choose from. They generally prefer groups of 4+ I particularly like the Botia Stratia or Botia Kubotai. Kuhli loaches are lovely too.

Good luck with your new tank.

 

[ddaddy]

Wow, you sure know how to burst a guys bubble lol.

I'll be doing a fishless cycle, ive been reading up on all things aquarium for months now, so im pretty confident on how to do it.
Ive got all the necessary test kits and probably the unnecessary ones too lol.

I really wated the shark cat Could i not have one then find it a new home as it gets too big?

I dont know which plec to get, i want just one that'll reach about 12" and several small ones that'll stay about 3"-4".

Thanks for the insight on the loaches, i particularly like the Botia Stratia, and the Kuhli loaches

Thanks.