starting afresh need advice on choice

[apples24]

ok a friends taking on my community fish so time to start afresh

wanted a pair oscars but a quick look on here shows my tanks too small

its a 38 inch length by 18 inch high by 15 inches wide ( custom made unusual size)

im looking for bright cheerful fish full of personality, as said a pair would of been superb especially if started breeding one day

but 5 or six other sized fish would also be possible

anyone have any suggestions for me ?

 

[BigC]

Yes, you are quite right your tank will eventually be too small eventually for a pair of Oscars., give that you are starting off with juveniles. So breeding them in that size of tank would be a no-no. Are you looking for a pet type of fish / species tank.

 

[kimbowee]

Your tank is approximately 44 US gal. Since you mentioned Oscars are you looking for more aggressive fish? If so, what about some New World Chiclids. Here is a link to more info http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=82727

What exactly are you interested in? Certain traits, coloring, peaceful or aggressive? You said your friend took your community fish so I am guessing you don't want something like tetras or the generally common fish.

 

[Dragonscales]

African cichlids would be a good option for colourful, agressive fish if that is what you are after.

Personally I would go for shelldwellers in terms of personality but there is many options out there for both colour as well as personality.

 

[apples24]

well to be honest im pretty open in choice, the whole reason for wanting bigger more coourful fish is just to fill the tank and give us something nice to watch

personality would be gr8 ie something with some form of inteligence lol

the lfs did mention to me 5 or 6 cichlids but didnt say types etc ???

 

[illusion54]

Rainbows

 

[Clairel]

Chiclids are very nice, and colourful, but are VERY aggressive!!

My brother put them into his community tank, and they attacked everything in site, then they started attacking eachother, so he took them back to the lfs....lol, where one killed the other within 5 mins.....

They are lovely fish to look at, but nasty lol

Claire x

 

[CFC]

Not all Cichlids are that aggressive (the angels in your signature are Cichlids). Central American and African Cichlids tend to be more aggressive than South American species but even then there are exceptions on all sides.
That size tank would be great for some of the medium sized Central American and South American Cichlids such as Firemouths (CA), Blue Acaras (SA), Festivums (SA), Keyholes (SA), Jack Dempsy's (CA, species tank only) Salvini's (CA, species tank only), Convicts (CA, species tank only). There are others too but these are probably the most commonly found.
I find African Cichlids to have less character than the new worlds tending to be more shy of people approaching the tank and darting back to their caves.

 

[jkrekord]

44 gal you could have 8 dwarf puffers

 

[Clairel]

Yeah, sorry i didnt mean all Chiclids lol

C x

 

[apples24]

puffers??? any pics, just done brief search like the sound of them but not seen one yet lol

 

[smooth_bourbon]

You should look into South American Puffers. They are said to be less aggressive then most, and I think they are super cute. Another bonus, is they are freshwater Here a couple shortcuts to check out.
http/puffernet.tripod.com/asellus.html

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...american+puffer