What to do with a 150

[Duddits]

Possibly picking up a 150g tank, stand, canopy, lights, sump and power heads for $400. Now the decision. Should I do a large cichlids or do another Malawi mix tank? The aquascape would be amazing for a Malawi mix but I've also thought of doing some large fish. I saw a blue jack Dempsey that I'd love to have but the idea of only 3-4 fish isn't very appealing to me. Ideas/thoughts?

 

[Duddits]

This is the Jack Dempsey I'm thinking about

 

[Bbush]

Big tank... Big fish! Just my 2 cents. I would go Oscar, but the Dempsey looks sweet too.

 

[Freakgecko91]

Just do a GIANT shell dweller tank!!!! Haha just kidding although that would be cool!

You could do a brackish set up with red/orange chromide cichlids (the only brackish cichlids) and archers

 

[Duddits]

Just do a GIANT shell dweller tank!!!! Haha just kidding although that would be cool!

You could do a brackish set up with red/orange chromide cichlids (the only brackish cichlids) and archers

Hmm a shell dweller tank would be kind of cool though. I might look into that. I'm starting to lean into a busy tank. Lots of driftwood, plants, sand, multi color fish like peacocks. I don't k ow yet. Think I'll just set up a dry run to see what I like an then see where it goes. Big fish seem cool, but boring though

 

[Freakgecko91]

I wanted to do a brackish set up sooo badly with archers, red chromides, knight goby, and a crazy fish (butis butis) so i say look into that! Especially archers, sio much fun to feed and watch!

 

[MABJ]

Hmm a shell dweller tank would be kind of cool though. I might look into that. I'm starting to lean into a busy tank. Lots of driftwood, plants, sand, multi color fish like peacocks. I don't k ow yet. Think I'll just set up a dry run to see what I like an then see where it goes. Big fish seem cool, but boring though

If you were to do a Shellie tank, you could create multiple planes for them to live on with slate and gravel and another layer of plants. I think it'd look incredible if you did it right not to mention they'd breed for you!

 

[Freakgecko91]

The only thing is what could he use for top movement?

 

[Duddits]

The only thing is what could he use for top movement?

Top movement?

 

[Freakgecko91]

Like top dwelling fish, Shellie's tend to only go less than 6" off the bottom :/ but I like tht idea to tier it, that could look coolwhat are the dimensions?

 

[MABJ]

Yeah the tiers are the suggestion to that! But I'm not sure what might be a good addition otherwise... Hmm

 

[jetajockey]

I've kept a few different community type fish (guppies, danios etc) with shelldwellers and had no issue. Some people say that they have problems though, but I never did.

I like the EBJD though personally (because I have one), but stocking around it can be a little tricky. You could go with some smaller cichlids like some sort of less common convict variant. I have not been able to keep any schoolers with mine, but I have not tried any of the larger species.

 

[Duddits]

Dimensions are 72"x18"x28" same length and depth as a 125 just a little taller.

Looking at the shell dwellers I'm kind of iffy. Not much for vibrant colors like Malawi cichlids have. So not sure still

 

[CraigMac]

If you already have a malawai tank how about a lake tanganiken tank? Sorry I know I misspelled!

 

[alLexX]

how bout a jaguar cichlid? not sure if it'd fit

 

[Duddits]

Think I've narrowed it down to two choices. Either a all Hap tank or an all male peacock tank.

Thoughts?

 

[mohican]

Just a thought, big fish = lots of waste and they can tear up your decor. Consider your appearance of the tank and maybe work around that. Keep us posted!

 

[sayan]

Oscars and jack dempsey wil do the trick. Go with these 2 amazing cichlid pair...

 

[Duddits]

Just a thought, big fish = lots of waste and they can tear up your decor. Consider your appearance of the tank and maybe work around that. Keep us posted!

That's exactly my thought. I think I'll rough sketch my lay out on paper and go from there. My plan is to have a store display/show tank appearance. I want it to be a successful tank but a show stopper too. I'll definitely keep you all posted on what I come up with.

 

[Josh1158]

Have you have any thought about saltwater?