I did ideally want to up the corys and Rasbora as I would rather have bigger groups of these but don't want to over fill the tank.
This is another aspect of stocking that is frequently misunderstood, namely the effects on the biological system with numbers of shoaling fish. Species that live together in large shoals will generally be less stressed the more there are. It may not seem like much to us, but for the fish the difference between a group of six and a group of nine can be significant. The larger number will generally mean more relaxed fish, less likely to be stressed by this or that, than would be the case with fewer. So it is generally safer biologically to have a few more than a few less. If that makes sense.
I looked at the link you provided for the Killifish but can't see what would rule it out from my tank? Sorry for asking so many questions.
There is a comment under behaviour that this species is not suitable for the general community aquarium. Killifish generally are like this, for various reasons. It doesn't happen to say it here, but I am sure I have read elsewhere that this fish can get a bit rough especially with smaller fish. I guess all I can say is that I would tend to think of this as more like the Galaxy Rasbora, best on their own. That doesn't mean they may not work in some community aquaria, but unless one has several tanks running with the ability to move any "problem" fish that develop down the road, the safer course is to not risk it. More than once I have acquired what I thought was a peaceful fish, only to have to move them sometimes more than once, even to the point of getting rid of them, because they just won't fit in, and here I mean temperament/aggressive tendencies that may suddenly appear toward certain other fish species.
This should be more reliable than some sites, from what I can see of their staff. But they are in the business of selling fish. Data on a species from reputable ichthyologists would carry more weight.
I definitely wanted some corys as I believe they have great personality. What other types would be more suitable for my tank.
Most other species would be better suited. Here with the limited space, and the vertical nature of the aquarium, and considering your lovely soft water, I would take a look at the dwarf species,
Corydoras habrosus, C. pygmaeus, C. hastatus. Any of these should be in larger groups, at least 10-12. But some of the medium-sized species would also work, in groups of perhaps 9-10. These will be wild caught, and thus usually available only once or twice during the year following the permitted collection times in SA. There are over 165 described species now, so where to begin? I would settle the upper fish species first, then look at the cory species that might better fit in with what you intend. I have around 50 in my 70g, representing some dozen species, and it is interesting that several I see out and about at all times, while other species I would never know are there except they come out front at feeding time.
I understand about the balloon rams. Poor little fish. Perhaps their natural traits (two males would always be challenging one another normally) have been compromised, it does happen.
And never be afraid to ask questions. If more hobbyists did, before the fact, there would be fewer fish calamities and failed tanks and disaffected aquarists leaving the hobby.
Byron.
/www.seriouslyfish.com/species/fundulopanchax-gardneri-gardneri/
