ScottS
Aquarium Advice Freak
I have a 20 High that's nearing the end of the cycling process. I'm using RO water mixed with tap to keep the water slightly acidic and pretty soft to make the tank South American fish friendly. I'm trying to keep it simple and somewhat natural looking for being full of plastic plants.
First and foremost, I want a decent school of Cardinal Tetras (12-15)
Second, I'll be adding a small group of Cories (Metae or similar) (4?)
Now what do I use for a "Centerpiece" that complements the Cardinals? Something larger than a typical tetra, but nothing that will eat the Cardinals or tear up the tank. Tank is too small for even 1 Discus, which would be the ultimate choice. Too small even for a pair of angels. I thought about various Apistos, but the yellow females would stick out like a sore thumb I fear and introduce too much color. I'm considering Bolivian Rams, they're the right size (~8cm), the females and males are of similar coloration, and they're peaceful. The ones I've seen just aren't as colorful as I might hope. Grasping for ideas, I've thought about getting just 4 bleeding heart tetras since they are relatively large and shooting for 1m/3f Any other ideas?
PS
Here is the picture that inspired me to go with lots of plants and black background with Cardinals and a nice complementary centerpiece fish: http://www.aquariumdesigngroup.com/aquascapes/images/live_plant/lp1-Z-e.jpg
Here's my 20 gal high:
First and foremost, I want a decent school of Cardinal Tetras (12-15)
Second, I'll be adding a small group of Cories (Metae or similar) (4?)
Now what do I use for a "Centerpiece" that complements the Cardinals? Something larger than a typical tetra, but nothing that will eat the Cardinals or tear up the tank. Tank is too small for even 1 Discus, which would be the ultimate choice. Too small even for a pair of angels. I thought about various Apistos, but the yellow females would stick out like a sore thumb I fear and introduce too much color. I'm considering Bolivian Rams, they're the right size (~8cm), the females and males are of similar coloration, and they're peaceful. The ones I've seen just aren't as colorful as I might hope. Grasping for ideas, I've thought about getting just 4 bleeding heart tetras since they are relatively large and shooting for 1m/3f Any other ideas?
PS
Here is the picture that inspired me to go with lots of plants and black background with Cardinals and a nice complementary centerpiece fish: http://www.aquariumdesigngroup.com/aquascapes/images/live_plant/lp1-Z-e.jpg
Here's my 20 gal high: