Killies and Rainbow Gudgeon in a System 6?

[moby goby]

Can I put three killies (Eplatys species)and two or three rainbow gudgeons in an Eclipse System 6? I believe that the killies would stay at the top and the gudgeons would tend to stay near the bottom, but since I have no experience with either of these fish I thought I''d seek some advice. Does anyone have any experience with these fish?

[tricksterpup]

I would think you would be pushing your bio load there, if not pretty close to it.

jim

[OrionGirl]

I hatched my killie eggs in a 5 with no problems. There ended up being about 12 fish total, each just under 1 inch in length. It wasn't a problem, probably one of my lowest maintenance tanks. I took the killies out after about 6 months, but the tank was stable the entire time. Not sure about the specific killie you're talking about--some will get up to 2 inches, and this might be cramped. Ditto on the gudgeons--I'd go with just a pair.

[moby goby]

Thank you both for your replies. The killies I meant are Epiplatys lamotti (sorry about the misspelling before). Some clarification please OrionGirl - are you suggesting that I CAN put a pair of gudgeons and a trio of killies in a System 6? I sure hope so, 'cause they're real nice fish!

[OrionGirl]

Yup, as long as you are careful about maintenance. The biggest problem I have had in small tanks (with appropriately sized fish, of course!) is that they are very sensitive to changes, so you have to stick to a regular schedule for water changes and cleaning. Skip one water change, and you'll have problems. Also, make sure to feed lightly, and maybe add some hardy low light plants.

The killies don't even get to 1 inch, and have the thin, torpedo chape, so are a low bio-load. The gudgeons get to about 2 inches, and are a little chunkier, but not much. A trio of killies and pair of gudgeons should do fine, and be a light bio-load if not over fed.

[moby goby]

Thanks OrionGirl. You've been very helpful.