Stocking ideas for 200L tank.

[xxamyxx85]

Hi everyone,

I have finally got my 200 litre never been used tank out of storage, I have an idea in mind for the setup- I was going to go with play sand, large rocks, driftwood and lots of plants. Its going to be a while before it’s ready for fish but I was hoping to have an idea as to which fish I was going to stock it with so I could research each species and their requirements. I would like a pleco preferably one that will stay fairly small, however I have no clue as to what can go with it and there is such conflicting information online about each species, in addition to the pleco I would like some small schooling fish, and maybe some medium sized colourful ones too. Could you please advise the best options? My ph is 7.4, I’m not sure of water hardness but the test kit comes tomorrow.

I would also like to keep my tank under stocked if possible and at the same time have it looking busy.
Thank you for all your replies.

 

[ClownLurch]

Big nano tank. Lots of fish below 35mm long.

 

[AilyNC]

L129 is a Columbian/False Zebra Pleco. Max length is 3". Much more affordable than the Zebra Pleco (Max length just over 3"). Where I am the l129 is €27 and the Zebra is €200!

More affordable again is Albino Bristlenose Pleco (€6) mac length 4"-5".

Internet pics:

 

[xxamyxx85]

More affordable again is Albino Bristlenose Pleco (€6) mac length 4"-5".

Thank you, lovinb the Bristlenose. Any idea of suitable tank mates? Anything they are particularly suited with?

 

[AilyNC]

Thank you, lovinb the Bristlenose. Any idea of suitable tank mates? Anything they are particularly suited with?

I think generally they're pretty happy in a Community tank. But @NCaquatics has some Plecos & @seangee and others.

 

[CassCats]

Bristlenose are fantastic, not very shy so you will see them often. Very flexible in set ups.

Cories would make good tankmates.

Any tetra would be good too.

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

Bristlenose are fantastic, not very shy so you will see them often. Very flexible in set ups.

Cories would make good tankmates.
View attachment 115512

Any tetra would be good too.

That photo is exceptional. It's not just that your bristlenose is surrounded by cories and looks like he's undercover, but the way he's looking at the camera too! like "shush! Don't give me away!" or "yeah, and?"

 

[xxamyxx85]

Bristlenose are fantastic, not very shy so you will see them often. Very flexible in set ups.

Cories would make good tankmates.
View attachment 115512

Any tetra would be good too.

That’s great thank you, so how many cories and/or tetras would be good? I would also like a snail the mix. Any large colourful fish that could go in with all this or would it be too much?

 

[mbsqw1d]

At least 10 cories.
If you're looking for a large centrepiece fish, such as a gourami for example, you'll need to ensure any tetra are not too fin-nippy, such as Serpae. Haven't read the full thread sorry but if anyone has t already suggested checking seriously fish for info, then I would do. Any fish you want to find info on, just google the fish + 'seriously fish' and you can be guaranteed decent information on it.

 

[mbsqw1d]

Bristlenose are fantastic, not very shy so you will see them often. Very flexible in set ups.

Cories would make good tankmates.
View attachment 115512

Any tetra would be good too.

Never kept a pleco and always heard that they're a bit messy in planted tanks in terms of ripping stuff up.. is that an overstatement? Cos I'd love some!

 

[CassCats]

Id go:

12 black neon tetras
1 bolivian ram cichlid
15 corydoras
1 bristlenose pleco
1 nerite snail

 

[CassCats]

Never kept a pleco and always heard that they're a bit messy in planted tanks in terms of ripping stuff up.. is that an overstatement? Cos I'd love some!

Honestly I don't have much an issue with my boy with plants, but most the plants hes in with are swords or anubias. Some crypts, vals, and hygrophila but nothing dug up. Well, not by him. Sometimes a cory or hoplo does it lol

 

[xxamyxx85]

Id go:

12 black neon tetras
1 bolivian ram cichlid
15 corydoras
1 bristlenose pleco
1 nerite snail

Fab thank you, could I go less corydoras and put guppies in as well? If so how many?

 

[CassCats]

Guppies need harder water.

So what is your GH do you know?

If under 145 too soft for guppies. Ideally over 200 is even better.

But over 200 you start having issues with some cories and tetras...

 

[xxamyxx85]

Guppies need harder water.

So what is your GH do you know?

If under 145 too soft for guppies. Ideally over 200 is even better.

But over 200 you start having issues with some cories and tetras...

I have a test kit coming tomorrow. I currently have a 10g Betta tank not sure if they are similar in terms of hardness..... he’s doing great