Fish Compatibility New Tank

[Mraymond1115]

Hello Everyone, 
 
I have a new 60 Gallon Tank with filter and heating system. I have not set anything up yet as I am still doing a lot of research. My main goals are to have odd-ball type fish, freshwater, live plants and only Captive (farm raised) species. My experience is mostly with keeping reptiles. I have had fish tanks in the past, but never one of this size. I just wanted to brain storm and see if you all had suggestions about fish that would do well together and with live plants (hopefully in gravel not substrate). 
 
This is what I've liked in researching so far, I'm not set on these fish -- Looks wise, I'd like similar if possible: 
 
- Freshwater puffers (cannot find captive bred)
- Elephant nose fish! (My absolute favorite, but seems I am out of luck with captive bred) 
- Rope/Pipe Fish (I like fish with long/thin noses 

) 
- Parrot Fish 
- Plecos
- Loaches 
- Shrimp/Snails -- Maybe crabs? 
- African dwarf frogs (if possible! To keep with my reptile theme) 
 
If anyone can give me an idea of species (under $20, good for beginner) with similar looks, compatibility and number of each type of fish (or frog!) that should be added to a 60 gallon tank. I really want a good mixture of animals and plants something very interesting to look at! 
 
Thank you for your help! 
Megan 
 

 

[Byron]

In very general terms, these fish cannot be housed together.  They have very different water parameter needs, and very different environmental needs (the tank aquascape).  Even before we get to temperaments.
 
My suggestion would be for you to research these on a reliable site such as Seriously Fish.  I would only be repeating what is there.
 
Byron.

 

[Efishent]

Well, I'm not sure. Be careful with the plecos; if you want to get one, I highly suggest a rubberlip. They get about 5-6" long and are probably not as aggressive as something like a bristlenose. Looks like pipe fish can be very territorial, but I've never owned them. I think that this might work, but you should get advice from others first.
 
Edit: Well, I guess this wouldn't work  

 

[Jeremy180]

If you could tell us of your current ph and hardness, it would greatly assist us in deciding which animals in your list could work for your tank, as well as suggesting possible alternatives.

 

[Munroco]

Puffers will most likely kill or damage any other fish, snails (their staple diet), shrimp and the frogs.

 

[NickAu]

If your water is suitable.
- Loaches Kuhlis Can be trained to be hand fed,
- Plecos, Super Red Bristlenose Ancistrus - Angels Plus
- Snails, A nice Big Apple snail ( These grow huge Like almost baseball size ), and maybe a few Nerites.
- African dwarf frogs.
And as a centerpiece, a nice Gourami maybe. Treated right these become friendly and want to interact with you, Mine used to love to touch my fingers with their feelers.

 

[Mraymond1115]

Thank you everyone. The fish on my list are only examples of species that I like to give you an idea of the look I am going for. I'm open to any suggestion. 
The Bristlenose is great! I'll definitely consider that one. 
 
I decided on fake plants.. After doing more research my lighting was not proper and it just seemed to be too much of a hassle. 
I've been running the tank a few days now, I'm using well water, but have good aeration -- I'm assuming since its well water it would be harder than tap. I'm going to test pH tomorrow to see where I'm at. Hopefully can add some fish soon! 
 
Thank you again for your help! 

 

[fluttermoth]

When you post again, if you could post;

the pH and hardness (you might find a fish shop that will test it for you; normally we tell people to look on their supplier's website!),

and the dimensions of your tank (obviously, fish need to be able to turn around easily and have enough space to swim; we can't tell that from a volume), that will really help us suggest some suitable fish for you

Also, have you read up on fishless cycling? This is the best way to properly prepare your tank for fish. You'll need some household ammonia and a set of test kits (which you will be needing anyway

)

 

[Jeremy180]

Just be sure when you do get the ammonia that there is no soap in it.
Ideally, the only things on the ingredient list should be Ammonia and /or water, but "chelating compounds/agents" are ok too.
 
Incidentally, if his tank is a standard rectangular 25 gallon the dimensions should be:
24 x 12 x 20 inches.
Sorry, replying to too many threads at once.

 

[Mraymond1115]

I have been attempting the fishless cycle process (its been 2 weeks since start) I'm using the tetra safe start -- This is the first time I have done it.
 
Right now my parameters are (using API 5 in 1 strips):
Temp: 75 degrees F 
pH 6.5
Nitrate 20 mg/L
Nitrite 0
gH 30 mg/L
kH between 0-40 mg/L
 
My Tank Dimensions are approximately 21 Inches tall, 48 inches long (60 Gal.) 
 
Is this OK so far? How much longer do you think it should cycle? I am working on my tank stock list (I want to have it down in the next couple of weeks). These are the fish I am contemplating (Please let me know if all are good together): 
(6) zebra danios 
(6) galaxy danios 
(2-4) Blood red parrots 
(2) Dwarf Gouramis 
(2) Pinoy Angelfish 
(1) Longfin Bristlenose Pleco 
(5) African Dwarf Frogs 
(4) Nertile Snails 
(5) Ghost Shrimp 
(5) Cherry Red Shrimp 
-- Possibly (2) Dojo Loaches 
 
Is this wayy to many fish? Is it a good amount per species? 
 
Thank you again for your help! 
-Megan 

 

[fluttermoth]

I'm afraid your proposed stock list isn't going to work at all. i'll try and briefly explain why;

(6) zebra danios They need cooler water than most tropical fish, and are small enough to be eaten by some of your other potential fish

(6) galaxy danios need hard water, when most of your other choices like soft. They're also very small and shy, and really do best in large numbers in species only tanks, or ones with other very small peaceful fish.

also, for shoaling fish, you often hear six as a minimum; this really isn't enough, Ten or twelve is much better. For instance, zebra danios and some small tetras, like neons, can be surprising bad fin nippers if kept in small numbers, like five or six.

(2-4) Blood red parrots I don't know enough about these fish to comment on them really, but I suspect they won't be compatible with the angels.

(2) Dwarf Gouramis A nice fish, but needs a well planted peaceful tank with soft water. Will not do well with larger fish like the parrots and the angels.

(2) Pinoy Angelfish Lovely fish! I would love some of these myself

But, you can't just buy two and expect them to get on. You'll have to either just have one, or start with a group of youngsters and wait for them to pair off.

(1) Longfin Bristlenose Pleco Great fish, good choice

(5) African Dwarf Frogs These really don't do well in fish tanks, their eyesight is very poor, and they struggle to find food before the fish eat it all. Larger cichlids like the angels and parrots would mostly likely seem them as food. Another one better in a species only set up.

(4) Nerite Snails
(5) Ghost Shrimp
(5) Cherry Red Shrimp I can't see any problems with these, unless you keep either the parrots or angels, which will eat them.

-- Possibly (2) Dojo Loaches Again these are a temperate fish and, like the zebra danios, actually do best in unheated tanks, or with a heater turned down very low, Also, like all loaches, these fish are extremely social and need to be kept in groups of at least six (they're social, not shoalers, so can be kept in smaller groups than the tetras or danios)

Sorry to be so negative, but you're going have to think again.

We can't be sure your cycle is working, or how long it will take, without any ammonia readings; are you adding any ammonia to the tank at all?

 

[Mraymond1115]

I have been adding a small bit of fish food for ammonia. I don't have an ammonia specific test (I will have to get one) just the nitrate and nitrites.
Its ok! I'm happy to brain storm about the stock -- I want all the fish to be happy.
 
So, no frogs.. no galaxy danios.. no gourami
 
I'll get the shrimp/snails, pleco, 4 parrots (I've read they are peaceful and because of their "beak" cannot eat the shrimp, etc.) -- any other suggestions? Maybe a small fish 10-12 in the group.  Also, Is there any other long fish (similar to the dojo) that likes warmer temps and softer water? 

 

[Byron]

You need to realize that the Blood Parrot Cichlid will grow, to over 10 inches.  It will likely eat smaller fish.  A group of four will fill your 60g tank, though a pleco would probably manage in with them.  This is a hybrid fish that has been the subject of terrible mutilations over the years.

 

[the_lock_man]

I have been adding a small bit of fish food for ammonia. I don't have an ammonia specific test (I will have to get one) just the nitrate and nitrites.
 

 
The problem with adding fish food as a source of ammonia is that you it is virtually impossible to accurately control the amount of ammonia being added. If you read our fishless cycling instructions, you can see you do need to be fairly accurate. You can buy household ammonia from Amazon.
 
Looking at your test readings, would I be right in thinking you are using paper strips to test? These often do not come with an ammonia test. Not many of us on here are fans of paper strip tests, because they aren't accurate enough for cycling a tank. You'd be best off getting a liquid drop test kit, such as the API one, again available from Amazon and all decent pet stores.

 

[Mraymond1115]

Did not realize the blood parrots were treated so inhumanely.. Definitely not getting those! My list of fish is dwindling to nothing... haha 
 
Yes I have the paper strips, I will purchase the drop kit from API and give some better readings this weekend.
 
I'll read your instructions for cycling -- It seems every where I look there are different opinions to fishless cycling and compatibility with fish species.. Its so hard to finalize a list of fish.