Fish considerations

[PuppyFluffer]

I went to a local large pet store today to take notes on fish I liked so I can do some research and see if they would work for my planned set up:

60 gallon tank

I have a few questions:

I really liked the banded leporinus fasciatus but see that they get to 12 inches long and like brisk flowing water. Too big for this tank.

Next up is the pictus catfish (pimelodus pictus). Gets to 10 inches the tag on the tank said. In my reading online, I hear that 4-6 is average size for them? Which is it? Would they be suitable for a 60 gallon and how many is a good grouping if so?

How about the striped raphael catfish (platydorus costatus) at a max size of 8 inches? Possible in a 60 gallon? How many?

I had been considering a single species tank with a school of tiger barbs.

I am just toying with ideas....

So many decisions!!!

[jm1212]

pictus could be ok, in a group of 3 or 4.

[Lupin]

Either pictus or one Platydoras costatus. Of course, they'll limit your stocks as they will eat small fish if given the opportunity. What about plecos?:D

[Rbishop]

I vote no on all of your current thoughts...

[PuppyFluffer]

I am tending to vote no on them all as well. I just think they are all going to get too large for a 60 gallon tank to be comfortable.

My plan of attack is to go and look at as many fish as I can find in my area, make note of what appeals to me and research to figure out what will be compatable.

I see a recurring theme of finding stripped fish attractive (tiger barbs, clown loaches, banded leporinus, angel fish). Out of that list, only tiger barbs seem appropriate for a 60 gallon right?

How about a tiger barb tank with some corys at the bottom? Would tiger barbs leave them alone?

[Rbishop]

In my experience they have worked, especially if the grouping of t barbs are large enough they will play with each other and ignore the cory.

[PuppyFluffer]

What size grouping would you suggest?

And how many cory's? What species of cory?

[hezzi15]

I really like albino cory catfish, but to some they look creepy. You could go with the green ones, they seem to be popular and widely available.

[OldMan47]

The striped theme fish includes angels which should work fine in a 60. If you stay with a strpied theme, dorydoras trilineatus are very nice. They are covered with small spots but at a glance you will see the dots form 3 lines, thus trileatus, from head to tail.