Odessa Barb Or Zebra Danio's - What To Keep

[thecolonel]

Good afternoon All,

Just signed up after following the site for the past few weeks - trolling for general information.

Having just upgraded from my Biorb to a 'proper' 90L fish tank I have a stock question.

I currently have a sweet combo of Odessa Barbs and Zebra Danios in my Biorb - who have cohabited for 12 months perfectly, but over the weekend I intend to start swapping over from the old tank to my new (and fishlessly cycled for the past few weeks).

Now, Odessa Barbs are apparently fin nippers although I have never witnessed that when it comes to the Danios sharing the same tank despite their fluffy like fins. So, I am happy to start gradually stocking with new fish in the new tank.

c.90L, external 200L/ph multi (usual media, charcoal, sponge set up) power filter, mixed light gravel substrate, real plants lining back and couple in front, and lump of talin free bog wood with some rocks and other hideaway features.
PH is 7.4-7.8 and the water is hard area. New tank is heated to 26'c and a bubble airator.

The tank is tall square shaped, so was thinking Barbs seem to be low tank swimmers, and Danios upper / surface levels (although this may be a misperception due to a Biorb being round, but pretty sure that its correct).

I like Danios, Tetras and Guppies, Bettas and Gouramies, but would like a centre piece fish - so any recommendations? Maybe something that is a ground feeder, some low and high level swimmers with a centre piece?

Comments welcomed as there seems to be soo much choice, but hardy fish suitable to a hardwater tank would be perfect.

Ultimatly, should I keep the barbs and the Danio's together moving forward or just one species and get some new fish breeds?

thanks a mill peeps

 

[thereverendturtle]

If you don't already bump the numbers of your barbs and danios to 6 each. As for a mid water dweller, centerpiece, you could try a paradise fish. Though some tend to be very aggressive. Lowering your water temp to about 72-74 d. F would be best for the fish you have. They are all temperate species.
Here's a link to paradise fish...
http/www.seriouslyfish.com/species/macropodus-opercularis/

 

[creeker]

I like rev turtle's idea of the Paradise Fish. I'd forgotten about them. You really would need to find a passive one though. Like he said, they can be aggressive. Man, now I want a Paradise Fish tank! Thanks a lot, turtle!

 

[thecolonel]

Thats guys, I have considered paradise fish as a solo male as my main attraction.

What about gouramis?

Any suggestions on a solo or pair of bottom feeders like cats or loaches (alothough I have gravel and loaches are said to prefer sand)?

 

[thereverendturtle]

I like rev turtle's idea of the Paradise Fish. I'd forgotten about them. You really would need to find a passive one though. Like he said, they can be aggressive. Man, now I want a Paradise Fish tank! Thanks a lot, turtle!

Not a problem.

As for a bottom feeder, maybe a south American bumble bee cat or two. They look almost identical to the Asian b.b. cat, but stay smaller and aren't predatory... Well on fish bigger than guppy fry.