Another stocking question...

B

BigAlFromCal

AC Members
Apr 23, 2006
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I know you folks experienced with this must get somewhat tired, but even the inexpensive fish are expensive and I don't want to see problems arise from my inexperience, either due to too many or to incompatabilities. I simply don't trust the folks at our lfs's to tell me what's what since that affects their $$.
SO...here's what I'm thinking.
3-5 Discus
3-5 Angelfish
either 6 corys or 2 plecos (small ones)
3-5 clown loaches
2-4 gouramis
They'll be in my 65g along with a good number of plants and driftwood. I'm interested in comments both about the picks themselves and about numbers. I'm particularly interested in comments from folks who've actually had any other these together and their results from same.
I'm using an XP2 canister and plan on adding a biowheel as I add fish. I may change that to a Eheim 2227 wet/dry (in which case, no biowheel), if I can get the one I'm bidding on from eBay.
 
Usually discus are kept in species only tanks b/c they require pretty dedicated maintenance, and can be very fussy about changes in water chemistry. I know discus owners who do 50% water changes daily, which is quite a commitment. as for the loaches a 65g is on the very low side for minimum tank size, too small IMO. I would do either discus or the other group, minus clowns

good luck
 
How long does it take for the clowns to go from the 3-5" you buy them at to the size where they are too big for the tank? I'm hoping to add a 180g at xmas to our collection and they could move there if too big for the 65g.
 
Clown Loaches are slow growers. it may take them 5 years to get to 4-5 inches in length.

If it's a short term with a larger tank on the horizon, they should be fine.

As for the Discus...are you ready for that much work? If you're looking at South American Cichlids, then perhaps avoid the whole Angel & Discus thing and go with some of the smaller species of cichlids like Keyhole, Rams, Apistos, & Etc. You'll get alot more color varieties & alot less maintainence. Plus get some Tetras or similar as Dithers to help accent the Cichlids.


PEACE!

-TF
 
TF - thank you for the tone of your post. I appreciate asking me the questions rather than assuming the answers.
To answer...I think so. I've bought five or six books over the past month or so during the cycle of my 65g. Read more than I care to admit on the web. Joined two hundred (it seems!) forums. Read some more. Spent more money on my tank than my Harley. (OK, that's a big fat lie)
Today I went to the lfs to get some java moss and african swords and they had a perfect little tiger pleco. He's home now. No java moss, grr. They also had a ton of clowns. I'm going to wait till next week and see how testing goes. If all is good, I'm going to add three clowns.
Slow but steady. Last will be the discus. I'm pretty sure.
 
Wow! It's great to see that you've done the research and understand all the work in keeping discus.

Now, one thing to keep in mind with Discus...
Buying them at the LFS may not be a wise move. Fish Stores generally get them in not the best shape. they can be mal-formed and have other flaws. I'm sure you've read the article here on Beginner's Discus...Right? if not, here's the link: Beginner's Discus

The best place to get your new Discus is going to be a local breeder rather than a fish store. Depending on where you're at in California, there's some reputable discus breeders out there and in your area.

also, check in the Cichlid section as there are even a couple people there that breed great quality discus at reasonable prices.

One more thing...
Please make sure that you take the time to quarentine the new discus and aclimate them to their new home. a stress-free discus is a happy friend!


Good Luck!

-TF
 
I'm impressed, too!

I also agree with TF. Get your discus from a breeder. With all the time you've invested in your research and the money in really good equipment, don't skimp on the fish. Get the good stuff.

Roan
 
Thank you both!
When it comes time for them, and I don't see that till near summer's end, I will look around for a local breeder. By then, I will have another 29g (or 55long, depending on funds) cycled and ready for a q/t tank. Who knows, maybe I'll end up dedicating it. This is most certainly far more fun than I ever thought it would be. I might have bypassed some of my other hobbies and gone for aquariums first had I known. (Might have saved me a lot of money...on second thought, no, it wouldn't!)
 
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