mixing continents

[IceH2O]

I have Clown Loaches(Asia) and Senegal Birchirs(Africa) going into a 75,or if I can sneek a 125,gallon tank.

Could I also add South American?

I was thinking one of the 3 species:

Keyhole Cichlid-4.75 inches..should be big enough to not be eaten by birchirs.Likes pH: 6.8 to 8.0
http://badmanstropicalfish.com/profiles/profile64.html http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0257&view_records=1

Festivums- 6 inches ..Water chemistry is not overly critical. This species lives in water that is of a wide pH range (6.0 to 8.0) and temperature (25-34 C.)

http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0305&view_records=1

Leaf Fish-about 4 inches http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/leaffish.htm

Only the Leaf Fish is predatory,the other 2 are peaceful.

[IceH2O]

Ok I doubt I could find the Leaf Fish anyway but how about the other 2.I would only get a pair.Or is there another pairing fish you would recommend?

Also what plants would you recommend for such a tank.I'm assuming I'll be able to have 2 WPG once I'm set up.

What type driftwood would be best?
http://www.franksaquarium.com/swahallasagebrushwood.htm

[IceH2O]

I know I can add this fish:

http://badmanstropicalfish.com/profiles/profile42_comment.html

I just don't know if a 75 gallon would handle all 2 Birchirs(12 inches),2 Clown Loaches(12 inches) and an Elephantnose(9 inches).

If I did put them all together what size tank would be needed the max size are in ().

[IceH2O]

:rant2: :hang: :look: :help:

[IceH2O]

I can't believe that in 2 days I can't get a simple few answers.I post here because i think its one of the better forums I've seen.Most everyone seems knowledgable and willing to help.

I'm trying to not overstock this tank and make the mistake I did in the past.But if I can't get any of the questions answered then I don't know if I'm going in the wrong direction.

[Harry Tolen]

Sorry for the delay in replying. I personally am not that familiar with bichirs, which is what initially prevented me from posting in this thread. However, I did a little research, and it doesn't seem as if they are terribly aggressive towards fish that are larger than tetras, so adding some mid-sized fish might be OK. Offhand, I would suggest the Keyhold Cichlids as opposed to the Festivums, because I have found the latter to be more sedentary and sensitive to their tankmates, and don't know if they would feel comfortable with a pair of large bichirs for company. Also, clown loaches do like to be in larger groups and they are definitely very active fish, so perhaps that is another argument against very quiet fish.

[reefrash]

Sounds good to me festivums are sensitive if you don't mind that cool. However most aequidens (except species like rivulatus for example) will work out fine, I also like rainbow cichlids as well.

[IceH2O]

Thanks for the replies guys..I almost felt like I had been blacklisted lol

Maybe I should have put this in General Freshwater.Can a mod move it so I don't get labeled a :troll: ?

I plan on getting a Rena FilStar xP3 Canister Filter,350 gph, for tanks up to 175 gallons and comes with six filtration compartments.

I'm hoping I can find a keyhole.From what I've read they seem to be the best fit. I know with the overkill on filtering I could overstock but I'm more concerned with letting all the fish have their own space.Due to tank size and other inhabinants how many would you think would be okay?

Also whats your take on my driftwood type,substrate idea and plant types?

[IceH2O]

The Rainbows look to be a good choice also..I'll have to read up more on them..So far 3 quick googles have given me size max of 3-5 inches.

If they only get 3 inches i'd be worried they might get eaten.

[reefrash]

I've made it one of my personal goals to "bring back" some of the classic fish especially Herotilapia multispinosa. I've had a breeding pair for a while now pumping out the kids, unfortunatly and fortunatly my spilurus have taken over breeding in the said tank (60 gal). They have that nice high/thick body like aequidens with a few color varietys, nice fish. Whatever you do your list is o.k. I would not worry too much as I can tell you are going to think before buying, the most important part. Via con dios.

[Harry Tolen]

If the bichirs get to full size, you really don't want a 3" cichlid in there with them. It will look too much like food to the larger fish. I'd definitely be looking for something in the 6" plus range, although now that I think about it, when the bichirs get to full size you are really going to want the 125g tank to house them properly.

[reefrash]

Good call Harry, if it fits in the mouth......... :coffee2:

[Harry Tolen]

By the way, reefrash, I meant to compliment you for your work with Herotilapia multispinosa . They are actually very attractive fish, interesting to keep, and excellent community tank fish. I kept them back in the 70's (!), and wish I had them again now. I also wish that people would keep and breed them instead of convicts, for variety's sake.

HMB, CA. What's that an abbreviation for? We used to live in Hermosa Beach, many years ago.

[IceH2O]

I've made it one of my personal goals to "bring back" some of the classic fish especially Herotilapia multispinosa. I've had a breeding pair for a while now pumping out the kids, unfortunatly and fortunatly my spilurus have taken over breeding in the said tank (60 gal). They have that nice high/thick body like aequidens with a few color varietys, nice fish. Whatever you do your list is o.k. I would not worry too much as I can tell you are going to think before buying, the most important part. Via con dios.

How big have they grown to?

I've seen anywhere from 3-8 inches..The net is full of lies!

[IceH2O]

when the bichirs get to full size you are really going to want the 125g tank to house them properly.


I'm actually looking for a 125...was going for 75 but figured why wait to upgrade if i can do it now for a few dollars more.

[reefrash]

The net is full of lies!
~4 in I have yet to see either of these cichlids near 8". BTW what's your prob? I've seen some of these fish in the wild and know to pull the babies for grow out.

[IceH2O]

. BTW what your prob? .


Huh???

[reefrash]

Sorry dude, I misinterpreted your post and owe you an apology. I don't like the word lies and took it out of context, I apologize.

[IceH2O]

Oh..I guess i should have said the Net is unreliable..I have seen different sites saying anywhere from 3 to 8 inches is what I was saying...I just want to know which it is..

If its 3 I can't get them...if its 6 or above I can..Thats all I was saying