Hi all,
My tank is newly started, recently cycled, and I am trying to figure out just what direction I want to go with it. It's a freshwater aquarium, and right now I have 1 pygmy cory, 2 longfin leopard danios, and 2 gold zebra danios. I am thinking I will definitley add 2-3 more corys, and possibly 2 more regular zebras. I was also thinking maybe a shoal of tetras, but I want one really striking "centrepiece" type fish. My first thought was a red-tailed black shark, since I know they are solitary fish and I have always loved the look of them, however upon doing more research, I've found that they can grow up to 5 inches in length, and would outgrow my tank. I also have two ADF's right now in a 2.5 gal, would the 20 gal be a suitable set-up for them? The tank is heavily planted, and I have been contemplating adding a second filter, plus I do twice-weekly water changes of 20%.
The LFS has red-tailed sharks right now that are maybe a little over an inch long, how long would it take for it to outgrow my tank? I am certainly not averse to setting up a larger tank for the little guy in the future (what a perfect excuse for buying another tank!), but if it's a matter of mere months before he outgrows the 20 gal, then I will steer clear for now. Also, what is the minimum appropriate aquarium size for a full-grown red-tailed shark, for future reference? What are suitable fish for it to co-habitate with?
So, any suggestions for a "centrepiece" fish? I would want no more than a pair of them. I was thinking maybe dwarf gouramis, as I have seen several varieties at the LFS, though in my area the fish selection is very modest for the most part. I want something really striking looking, that is a good community fish, is not hard on plants, and will happily thrive in the above set-up. Please enlighten me, I have been doing a LOT of research the past year before I actually acquired my tank, and I am incredibly eager for more information and guidance to aid in setting up a tank to be proud of.
My tank is newly started, recently cycled, and I am trying to figure out just what direction I want to go with it. It's a freshwater aquarium, and right now I have 1 pygmy cory, 2 longfin leopard danios, and 2 gold zebra danios. I am thinking I will definitley add 2-3 more corys, and possibly 2 more regular zebras. I was also thinking maybe a shoal of tetras, but I want one really striking "centrepiece" type fish. My first thought was a red-tailed black shark, since I know they are solitary fish and I have always loved the look of them, however upon doing more research, I've found that they can grow up to 5 inches in length, and would outgrow my tank. I also have two ADF's right now in a 2.5 gal, would the 20 gal be a suitable set-up for them? The tank is heavily planted, and I have been contemplating adding a second filter, plus I do twice-weekly water changes of 20%.
The LFS has red-tailed sharks right now that are maybe a little over an inch long, how long would it take for it to outgrow my tank? I am certainly not averse to setting up a larger tank for the little guy in the future (what a perfect excuse for buying another tank!), but if it's a matter of mere months before he outgrows the 20 gal, then I will steer clear for now. Also, what is the minimum appropriate aquarium size for a full-grown red-tailed shark, for future reference? What are suitable fish for it to co-habitate with?
So, any suggestions for a "centrepiece" fish? I would want no more than a pair of them. I was thinking maybe dwarf gouramis, as I have seen several varieties at the LFS, though in my area the fish selection is very modest for the most part. I want something really striking looking, that is a good community fish, is not hard on plants, and will happily thrive in the above set-up. Please enlighten me, I have been doing a LOT of research the past year before I actually acquired my tank, and I am incredibly eager for more information and guidance to aid in setting up a tank to be proud of.
