Wish List

[basia]

Do you mean a male ram and 2 females?
As a newbie I did that on the advice of my lfs, I would not say it is very successful. One of the females is harrassed constantly by the other pair. I feel so sorry for her I am going to move her as soon as I have my other tank up and running.
I would stick to a pair

 

[DaveW]

Basia, I think I'll just get a pair. I have no space for another tank.

So, the list is:

A pair of Rams
6 Harlequins
4 Peppered Cories
and maybe a few platies (the sunset ones)

 

[abstract]

4 Peppered Cories
A pair of Honey Gouramis
8 Rummy Noses
6 Harlequins
A pair of Rams

wow i wish i would've gotten in on this thread earlier! i think the original list will be just about FINE (see modified list)...assuming he adds them in gradually, starting with the cories and gouramis...then rummy noses, then halrequins, then rams...

here are my size calculations..

(i would go 4 peppered cories, btw)

4 cories = 12"
honey gouramis = 4"
8 rummy nose tetras (are small and produce VERY little waste) = 5" theoretical size
6 harlequins (also VERY little waste) = 6"
2 rams = 6"

total = 33" ...fine IMO, without the platies

 

[DaveW]

Now you got me going! But very interesting, as I still like the Rummy Noses.

You said about introducing them graually, what would you say about every two weeks or longer?

 

[abstract]

Now you got me going! But very interesting, as I still like the Rummy Noses.

You said about introducing them graually, what would you say about every two weeks or longer?

usually every 2 weeks is safe....as long as the tank parameters remain stable, though, every 1 week could work out just fine

 

[DaveW]

I'll see how it goes over the next week.

So, you would be happy to introduce 4 Cories and a pair of Gouramis as the first batch?

 

[abstract]

I'll see how it goes over the next week.

So, you would be happy to introduce 4 Cories and a pair of Gouramis as the first batch?

yea that should be fine...others may actually recommend adding even more the first time (since you did a fishless cycle from the sounds of it, right?)....since the idea is to keep producing enough ammonia/nitrite for the bacteria to live off of...however, rams, harlequins, and rummy nosed tetras are all known to be sensitive to water quality, so it is probably not the best idea to add them to a newly matured tank

 

[DaveW]

My pH is 7.8ish and as rams prefer it lower, would it be better to change it with or without fish. I have read that some time rams are OK, some times NOT OK in high pH and I would like to try to give the best conditions possible. Plus I under stand right, the rest of the fish on my wish list prefer it lower too.

PS: I've just put a picture of my tank on the "member's aquarium and pictures".

 

[abstract]

as for the pH, ask the store that you are getting them from to test their water...if it is similar pH as yours tthey should be fine...stability is the most important part...although these fish prefer lower pH they can live just fine in a little bit higher pH...you shouldn't really use chemicals to alter the pH, but i have heard of using some peat moss in your filter to help lower it, although i have never done so myself

edit: just looked at the tank..nice setup! all of the fish you are looking into should love that layout.

 

[basia]

I have peat granules in my canister fileter and bogwood in the tank. This has lowered my pH from 7.4 to 7.0.
The Rams keep laying eggs so it seems to suit them, but the fish shop told me they would be fine in 7.4.
Good Luck! Sounds like it will be a lovely tank.

 

[DaveW]

Thanks for the advise, I'll will ask about the pH when we get our first fish. I can't wait, I feel like a kid at Christmas. Just hope the water stats are OK.

 

[jflowers]

Actually, cories do best in groups of atleast 4-6. Also, you'll have trouble finding a female honey gourami, as females can be hard to come by.

Not read right through, so forgive me if this has been said. 6+ cories would be good, honey gouramy's are generally ok, dwarf gouramis have the problem of inbreeding and few females available.

Jon