new tank...fish?

[m.a.ramsay]

Hi!
I have just set up a 35 gal freshwater aquarium and am trying to decide what type of fish to get. I know that I want tiger barbs (3xregulars; 3xalbinos; 3xgreen); I also want a few pictus cat fish. I am wondering what other type of fish (medium size-not bigger than 3-4 inches when mature, and brightly coloured) that are compatible with these... I was thinking maybe a few dwarf gourami; maybe a red tailed shark.... any other suggestions??? ALSO; I know that pictus cats are scavengers; what other type of fish can I get that will help get the tank clean?
additional info: My substrate is made up of med sized polished river stones--so loaches and burrowers probably wouldnt like this set up; Im not too sure if I will eventually get live plants (I find that they just make a mess ans die :( Right now I have just fake ones, and some drift wood and "caves" .
Thanks in advance!!

[Virtuoso2K12]

maybe stick with the barbs and add 3-4 cory.

[noodles62]

I would not add a gourami w/ the tiger barbs - they are too nippy.

[Lupin]

I would not add a gourami w/ the tiger barbs - they are too nippy.
:iagree: Any long-finned specimen should be avoided if you have plans to keep tiger barbs.

Pictus are not to be classified as scavengers. They need to be supplemented with meaty foods in their diet. I suggest ditching this one from your plan however as they need plenty of space to swim around. As far as red-tailed black sharks, these are belligerent specimens which will harass other tankmates if they cross into their territories.

Your tank sounds like it can be a good river setup. Use sand or fine gravel for substrate. If you wish to try plants, try hygrophilas, vallisnerias and cryptocorynes for a good start. All these are undemanding and shouldn't be too messy for your tank. If you still want loaches, try to research on dwarf chain loaches (Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki). They are costly but well worth your money.:thumbsup:

Before you buy any fish, please make sure to check your tank is cycled and water parameters up to par. A must read...http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598

[DarkDH]

Your tank sounds a little too short lengthwise to suite Tiger Barbs. Is it a hexagon tank or the rectangular? You want at least a 30 gal long footprint for tiger barbs since they are really active.

[Snakes]

Take The Advice From Lupin
Get Your Tank Cycled Like I did
I currently have 3 hardy fish like platties in it and only after the levels are correct based on the test kits I think you should add more fish
But im also a newbie so I think the experts can assist more in this regard

[Arakkis]

Is the tank cycled? Maybe start off with some giant danios to start the cycling process and in maybe 5~6 weeks get other stuff. I'll give you more time to research

[jm1212]

i would skip the pictus cats. they really get to big for your tank, since they reach 8 inches long. loaches are a much better choice, such as yoyo or angelicus.

[OldMan47]

Take The Advice From Lupin
Get Your Tank Cycled Like I did
I currently have 3 hardy fish like platties in it and only after the levels are correct based on the test kits I think you should add more fish
But im also a newbie so I think the experts can assist more in this regard
Actually cycling with the few hardy fish in the tank is what I did 30 years ago. I lost a lot of fish in the process and became quite discouraged at times. It is much easie and quicker to do a fishless cycle on your tank. The link that Lupin gave you or the one in my signature should be "required reading" in my mind for anyone new to fish.
Advantages of fishless cycling
No fish losses
Few if any water changes
Fully stocked tank after a month or so
Disadvantages of fish in cycling
Lots of water changes to try to help your fish survive
Some fish losses unless you are meticulous with caring for the water
Still trying to get to full stocking levels months later
Advantage of fish-in cycling
You get to watch a few fish you really didn't want for a few weeks while you cycle, then you get to figure out what to do with them.