Rainbowfish

[harmony]

Hi,

I'm looking to stock my planted 30g L tank -- which is already home to a small school of 3 cories. I'm currently doing some research on rainbowfish -- anybody have any experience with these? I've read that they are fairly non aggressive and peaceful; good for community aquariums. Also, that they are schooling fish and prefer to be in groups.

Would it be safe to mix varieties of rainbowfish? Or would it be better to stick to the same kind?

Does anyone have any advice about these fish? Or any good websites about them?

Thanks.

[OrionGirl]

I have 5 turquoise, and really like them. They squabble a bit amongst themselves, but don't cause problems with any of my bottom feeders (including cories). They don't eat or mess up the plants either. I think a group of the same kind looks better, and I am not sure if the mixed group would school as nicely, but am not sure on that one.

[beviking]

I only have 3 Praecox Rainbows and they are very peaceful. I questioned the lfs guy about other species of rainbows schooling together and he said they would...so you can take that for what it's worth. (In case you don't know, most or at least many ppl don't take advice from lfs folk too seriously. If they do, they seriously disregard it :D ) On the other hand, I generally trust what this particular person says.
I don't think (though I don't know for sure) that there would be a problem mixing them.

[mogurnda]

I had a great little school of 4 praecox up to a few months ago. They even spawned and added a few to the school. Then I added 2 more from the LFS, and they all died of some sort of plague, 1 by 1. Insert comment about quarantine here. Anyway, they definitely like company, as well as lots of plants and shelter. My preference is for a single species, for aesthetics and to avoid hybrids (read "genetic garbage") when they spawn. They are extremely peaceful, and I can't imagine them bothering anybody.
A great Website (http://members.optushome.com.au/chelmon/index.htm)

[Charone]

I've got 7 Furcatas, and 6 Threadfins, with the threadfins added about a week after the furcatas, and at first they kept to themselves, but now they school together at times. At others they just take off in groups of 3-4 and explore. Pricey little guys, but very lively and easy on the eyes.

[punch]

I have about 12 of the dwarf rainbows very pretty and peaceful.
They don't bother anybody, very inquisitive. They always cluster around when I peer into the tank. (probably to see if I'm going to feed them) I really like them and they are the "main" fish in my tank.

[Doublette90]

We have three different kinds in our 120. 4 boesemani (beautiful colours!)and 7 trifasciata (4 are Goyder River the other 3 I am not sure but definatley different colouring). They all school together by the output of the power sweep. In the mornings when the lights first come on the colours of the males are stunning as they try to charm the females! Gorgeous fish, always active but not to the point of harassing anybody. :)

[watergardens]

I have a school of praecox rainbows as the main feature in my 55. They're beautiful, and very peaceful toward other fish, and easy to keep. Mine squabble amongst each other too now and then; I think it has to do with pecking order. One other thing about the praecox; they're not bulky fish, so they don't add as much bioload as some of the others.

[brianfl]

I have 5 bosemanis in with 4 emerald cats (close cousin of the cory) and they get along great. The rainbows are very peaceful.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Can someone give me some info on Rainbow fish. I want to try some new fish. I tried google, not very good.

[brianfl]

The best site I've found for rainbows.

http://members.optushome.com.au/chelmon/

[harmony]

That's a great site, Brian. Thanks...

Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts. :)

[Paul]

In case anyone is still reading this thread, how many Boesmani rainbowfish can I keep in a 30 gallon tank? I currently have two, and I'm thinking of getting a couple more.

[beviking]

If that's all you have is 4 in there you're o.k.. A few bottom scavengers would do well too.

[Paul]

No, I also have two pearl gouramis and three green swordtails. The rainbowfish are 11/2 inches long right now. When the rainbowfish get larger, I'll probably need to move the swordtails to another tank, but I'd like to leave the gouramis in with the rainbowfish. Too much?

[beviking]

Nah, Keep up with water changes and you'll be fine.

[Leopardess]

Also, Irians are very beautiful, but one of my alltime favs are Celebes Rainbowfish. THey are absolutely gorgeous!
http://liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=21&pCatId=1024

and that picture does no justice.

I have a boesemani and a goyder river that school together...BUT if you mix breeds, care should be taken to avoid interbreeding. The rainbowfish lines are already getting tainted by cross breeding...

[Paul]

beviking - Thanks for your reassuring comments.
Leopardess - How do you prevent fish in the same tank from interbreeding? Just curious.

[beviking]

How about leaving the t.v. on with re-runs of Jerry Springer!?!

:D