Stocking My Tank

[Shaman]

I'm currently coming to end of my fish-in cycle (after all these water changes the fishless cycle would of been preferable!!)).

I'm now thinking about what to stock the tank with. Currently in tank I have 6 silver-tipped tetras to cycle the tank. It's a 180l (47.55 US Gallons/39.59UK Gallons). There's so much conflicting info out there on the web that I thought I'd ask advice here

My ideas so far:

Centrepiece Fish: German Blue Rams; Bolivian Rams; Angelfish; Red Tailed Sharks. (I've no idea of numbers of...)

Shoaling Fish: Another 6 x Silvertip and 12 x I've absolutely no idea! (Something non-tetra but as small and friendly)

Bottom of tank: Quite fancy some BN Plecos. Are there any other bottom dwellers that arn't plecos/catfish?

Having had a look around the LFS today,


This is my tank:

I've tried to create some hiding places for the future plecos but theres something missing/wrong that I can't quite pin down.

The majority of the plants are Silk/Plastic apart from the Java fern that i've attached to the bogwood (hoping it roots!)

Cheers

Shaman Dan!

 

[Jenste]

I would scrap the idea of the shark - - any smaller, tetra-sized fish would become a meal, they become very territorial and aggressive as they get larger.

as for bottom dwellers that aren't plecos/catfish/corys....how about loaches? kuhli loaches would show up well against the light substrate

if you don't want tetras, but want shoaling, perhaps some hatchets? they would add movement across the surface of your tank and the marbleds look fabulous when they reflect the light!! (just be cautious when you open the lid...they are known to be jumpers!)

 

[Shaman]

I would scrap the idea of the shark - - any smaller, tetra-sized fish would become a meal, they become very territorial and aggressive as they get larger.

as for bottom dwellers that aren't plecos/catfish/corys....how about loaches? kuhli loaches would show up well against the light substrate

if you don't want tetras, but want shoaling, perhaps some hatchets? they would add movement across the surface of your tank and the marbleds look fabulous when they reflect the light!! (just be cautious when you open the lid...they are known to be jumpers!)

Cheers

I think the idea of getting a shark was more to say "I've got a shark!"

Had a quick look on google at the Marbled Hatchets, they look very nice. Am thinking of replacing either/both of the lights in tank with Juwel "night" lights as they seem less glaring.

Had a look at the Bolivian Rams in the LFS to other day when I popped in. Really quite liking them!

Shaman Dan

 

[shroob]

If it makes you feel better RTBS aren't true sharks.

When you say 'night' lights do you mean 'moon' lights, if so I wouldn't as your tank will have a permament blue glow, which at dusk can look appealing, I think will give the tank an unnatural look in day time.

If you do get hatchets make sure you have a tight fitting lid, they are renown jumpers.

 

[Shaman]

It's the standard lid that comes with Juwel (dual light bar jobby). I'd perhaps weight the flaps with lead to prevent jumpers! I'd imaging careful water changes as well.

So would
2 x Bolivian Rams
6 x Marbled Hatchets
6 x Silvertip Tetras
2 x Bristlenosed Plecos

Be compatible?

I may look at re-wiring it so that I could run each light off a separate switch (perhaps! It's on the list of things to do!).