Stocking a 72G bowfront

[k20]

I have a 72G bowfront that I'm going to be setting up in the next week. I know that I have to go through the cycle and all that. The tank is 48"x12" on the ends and 18" in the middle.

I have been reading all the generic stock lists for this size tank and I can't decide what I want to keep in this tank.

I have thought about a couple of angels with various tetras and corys

I have thought about just a single Oscar

What I really think would be nice is a tank with a bunch of different barbs and some other asian fish. Does anyone have any suggestions on what would look nice?

I'm going to be using PFS for the bottom with some driftwood and some smooth stones with fake plants. I'm looking for something "natural" looking, no castles or pink plants in this one.

Thanks for any suggestions. I'm just looking for something my three girls can enjoy with me, they are 6, 7, and 12.

Thanks again,
Brian

[jm1212]

platies, neons, glolites, german blue rams, corydoras, yo-yo loaches, danios...it all depends on if you want a biotope or not.

small kids like lots of color and activity, so you'll probably ant at least some tetras and livebearers in there.

[k20]

platies, neons, glolites, german blue rams, corydoras, yo-yo loaches, danios...it all depends on if you want a biotope or not.

small kids like lots of color and activity, so you'll probably ant at least some tetras and livebearers in there.

Thanks!

I was just reading through your stickies. I really like the idea in your 55 stocking of 65 to 70 cardinals or neons.

I might try that with a few less tetras and some corys in the bottom. What would be a good number then? I'm thinking about 45 to 50 tetras and 15 corys?

[msjinkzd]

That sounds great. I would say 20 or so cories and 35 or so tetras. Then y ou could add some gourami or angles or whatever as your centerpiece. I would recommend adding a centerpiece fish just because the tetras will school much nicer with the "implied" threat.

[Dobber]

Just upgraded from my 29G this week, and the conundrum begins....I didn't have to cycle this 72 Bowfront, as it was ready to go (drained just a couple hours before moving here), and all my existing fish plus two plecos are already in it. Have 2 SAE's, a rubber nosed pleco (already thinking that its overstocked on algae eaters), 3 Serpae Tetra, 2 Black Phantom Tetra, 1 Blue Tetra and a gold Angelfish.

I really wanted a stingray after seeing them at Shedd a couple weeks ago, then seeing some (for the first time) at a LFS, but really don't get good vibes from this and other forums, and just don't want to go for 210 or bigger due to weight, space in the house, etc.

Still researching as to what/how many I want to add, now that the ray seems more and more unlikely.

[Dobber]

After browsing a few LFS around town, and researching here, I made some choices and added to the mix yesterday.

Added:
3 Congo Tetras, after coming highly recommended on here by a few posters.
3 Black Phantom Tetras (already had 3)
3 Silver Dollars, small
2 Boesmani Rainbow
1 Turquoise Rainbow
1 Blue Dwarf Gourami

Already had:
1 Large Golden Angelfish
2 Serpae Tetra
3 Black Phantom Tetra
1 Blue Tetra
2 Siamese Flying Fox (SAE)
1 Rubbernose Pleco
2 Chinese Algae Eater (CAE)...came with the tank, likely going to trade/sell them to store as 5 algae eaters seems like overkill.

Wanted:
-FW ray...ruling that out for now (due to size of tank), Dr. Ross's book is on order to continue researching, but after making purchases yesterday, don't see it happening. I'm not one to take fish back because I want to change or such
- German Blue Ram pair...didn't find any
- African Flying Fish....might still add one since the golden angel is the only one that tends to hang out near the top. Still researching.
- Some 'centerpiece' fish....the angel just doesn't do it for me...the flying fish or something might be it but still researching.