How Many Rainbowfish?

[ANIM4L]

I was looking into getting some rainbowfish, because i want something colorful and not too big. I currently have a 60 gallon tank with live plants, oxygen bubbler running during the night, two large cannister filters running on it, densely planted but lots of swiming room, and currently home to 3 angels, a bunch of neon tetra, a synodontis eupterus, striped raphael catfish, and 3 rams. I was really interested in this fish, and i was wondering a few things...

Ok my first quesiton is, when they say they need ot be in groups, can the group consist of different TYPES of rainbowfsh? Because i dont think i have room for 3 of each kind id like (ive seen 5 kinds i like).

Also, how many rainbow fish could i keep (saying they average 4 inches, ill count each rainbowfish you say as two neon rainbows since they get 2 inches, cuz i liek them too)

Thanks for the help!

 

[Mad Duff]

This maybe only my personel preference but if you are keeping a single species of rainbow I would sugest that you keep at least 4 or 5, if you are keeping more than one species I would sugest keeping at least 2 of each species preferably a pair of each though idealy at least 2 females to each male.

As for how many in total I am probably the worst person in the world to ask as my tanks are nearly always slightley overstocked.

 

[prios]

http/members.optushome.com.au/chelmon/Contents.htm

Good site for rainbow info.

 

[illusion54]

boesmani or praecox?

 

[ANIM4L]

ok so with how my tank is now, how many rainbow PAIRS can i get in it? i re did my tank and i love it, they have extra room to swim now

 

[@ombomb]

Given the current stock, a group of 5/6 of one of the smaller types are your best bet IMO.

 

[Lateral Line]

I'd say at least 4, ideally 6 praecox. Shoaling fish are always better kept with their own kind. In large tanks, maybe a couple of species, but still with several of each species.

Be aware that rainbows are, in general, very closely related, and will interbreed which should obviously be discouraged.

 

[ANIM4L]

ok how could i stop them from breeding? or does anyone else know a fish that gets like 4 inches that is peaceful and colorful and will work in my tank, i want some color lol

 

[illusion54]

You can get color with the praecox. They're main body is blueish silver and their fins will be red or yellow, depending on the sex of the fish.