Which Fish To Start With?

[mrspnut]

I bought a second hand Fluval Roma 90 tank along with all the filter, heater and decorations recently and have begun a fishless cycle using ammonia and testing with an API freshwater master kit (can you tell how long I've spent reading this forum before starting)

I'm now beginning to think about what fish to get, and went to visit my LFS for some advice. After lots of questions on both sides, I have been recommended a few different fish and thought I'd get some more opinions on here.

The fish I have been recommended are cherry barbs, harlequin rasboras, tetras (we did talk about the hardiness of the different types) possibly albino neon tetras or one of the other hardier breeds.

He also suggested a small breed of plec (one that is 4" full grown) or some shrimps for the bottom - because I have gravel not sand there were a few fish he would have suggested but that wouldn't be suited.

What I'd like from my tank is something that is relaxing to watch. I like shoaling fish and movement is my main aim so could people offer any advice or opinions on what has already been suggested.

PS we live in a slightly hard water area, and tap water Ph is 7.2

Thanks

 

[cramman]

I don't know alot but can reccomend the Harlies, I have 6, only had them for a week and they are good. Just dart about all day.
By all accounts they are easy enough to look after as well.

I also have a few shrimp, which at first were excellent, now they hide in my log all day.

 

[Curiosity101]

So are you not particularly interesting in a 'centerpiece'?

If not then I'd suggest that whatever you get you stick to one 'family' of fish.

For example stick to two species of tetra, or two species of rasbora, or two species of barb Etc etc.
As they are more likely to shoal together as one huge group, but will also still allow you have have varied colours and shapes

So are you thinking of having a large shoal with just perhaps a single bottom feeder? Or A large shoal with a few bottom feeders?

 

[craig855s]

i like harlequins,i'd say 9 of those, with ur plec,maybe a few shrimp, and a centrepiece that would look right with the harleys like a pearl gourami?

But it is entirely up to u

 

[mrspnut]

I'm not sure about a centrepiece fish, what breeds would you recommend?

Thanks for the comments so far - I have been reading up on the index here and also in my books.