Aqua Chris
Aquarium Advice Newbie
I am picking up my tank this weekend and will begin the fishless cycle within the month. This will be a planted tank with an Eheim 2215 filter and an Air pump or two. I plan on doing a 30% water change every week or so.
I need help to firm up how I will stock my tank as follows:
Absolute requirements:
1 Polypterus (Bichir) 12" - do I go with senegalus or palmas palmas?
7 Tiger barbs 3" - active scholling fish
1 Rainbow Shark 6" - very active and son LOVES sharks
Option 1) add:
1 African Butterfly Fish 5" - unique, top swimmer, special diet, not active
1 Raphael Catfish 6" - great bottom cleaner
2 Banded Peckoltia 4" - look good, OK cleaners and algae eaters, not active
TOTAL = 58"
Option 2) add:
1 Raphael Catfish 6" - great bottom cleaner
2 Siamese Algae Eaters 6" - very active, great algae eaters always
TOTAL = 57"
Option 3) add:
1 Raphael Catfish 6" - great bottom cleaner
1 Bristlenose Catfish 6" - great bottom cleaner and algae eater
TOTAL = 51"
If I had just 1 catfish to go with the Bichir, shoudl I take the Raphael OR the Bristlenose? I know options 1 and 2 are a little overstocked, but can that be remedied by a second filter, or will the bottom feeders help to offset the overcrowding?
Any feedback frmo experienced hobbyists or professionals is very much appreciated.
I need help to firm up how I will stock my tank as follows:
Absolute requirements:
1 Polypterus (Bichir) 12" - do I go with senegalus or palmas palmas?
7 Tiger barbs 3" - active scholling fish
1 Rainbow Shark 6" - very active and son LOVES sharks
Option 1) add:
1 African Butterfly Fish 5" - unique, top swimmer, special diet, not active
1 Raphael Catfish 6" - great bottom cleaner
2 Banded Peckoltia 4" - look good, OK cleaners and algae eaters, not active
TOTAL = 58"
Option 2) add:
1 Raphael Catfish 6" - great bottom cleaner
2 Siamese Algae Eaters 6" - very active, great algae eaters always
TOTAL = 57"
Option 3) add:
1 Raphael Catfish 6" - great bottom cleaner
1 Bristlenose Catfish 6" - great bottom cleaner and algae eater
TOTAL = 51"
If I had just 1 catfish to go with the Bichir, shoudl I take the Raphael OR the Bristlenose? I know options 1 and 2 are a little overstocked, but can that be remedied by a second filter, or will the bottom feeders help to offset the overcrowding?
Any feedback frmo experienced hobbyists or professionals is very much appreciated.