New Tank, what to stock?

[Phillyfan33]

I am trying to decide how I am going to stock my new 38 gallon long tank, so I was wondering if anyone could help me or advise me on what would be a good, beginner's stock. I have not had any big time tanks rather than 10-20 gallon gold fish tanks. This will be my first independent tank to clean, take care of, etc. Therefore I do not want to dive into having fish that require expert care and such. I have a few ideas of fish that I would like to have, but I see completely different views upon what is compatible with what.

With that being said, I am interested in:
- Cichlids (of all sorts/species)
- Clown plecos
- Cory catfish
- Freshwater "sharks"
- The electric blue lobster (I just think it is cool, but am aware it is not able to live with anything other than itself since it attacks sleeping fish and all)
- Killifish,
- Freshwater Pufferfish.

Again, these are the fish I have interests in, I just do not know which are compatible with which, so if anyone has any of these or just has knowledge about them and would share, it would be very appreciated!

 

[Stacyz]

I first hand Love the color of cichlids

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[Phillyfan33]

Me too! Really like the electric blue ones.

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[Stacyz]

I actually have an electric blue JD his color is awesome

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[Phillyfan33]

Those look really cool too, especially with the black spots on them

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[Coursair]

If you establish the tank and keep the water in pristine conditions then research Electric Blue Rams or look at Apistos. Both are dwarf Cichlids. Not compatible with each other. So you could only pic one.

Puffers need their own tank, fin nippers and will torment other fish.

Most Freshwater "sharks" get too big and/or too aggressive.

Cory cats are awesome !

But Cories and dwarf Cichlids appreciate planted tanks. Read up, it's not hard to do and looks great. Just pick easy low light plants like Crypts and Java Ferns to start. Ludwigia repens is an easy stem plant.


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[Phillyfan33]

Thank you very helpful! How about the plecos?

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[Coursair]

Thank you very helpful! How about the plecos?

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They get about 4" and eat wood.
http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?species_id=734

http://www.planetcatfish.com/cotm/cotm.php?article_id=118

There are look a like species but P maccus is the one most seen.

Give it a couple of safe caves to choose from and plenty of wood.




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