ideas for something a bit different?

[MotorcyclesFish]

tank = clearseal 36"x12"x15" - i put that down cos i'm in england and our gallons are bigger'n yours - and i can't remember what capacity mine is...

filtered by eheim ecco 2233 (:D so underfiltration isn't a probbo :D), hagen tronic electronic heater. gro-lux bulb cos it's easier on my eyes, the fishes eyes and helps the plants. the substrate is 1:3 black:white sand mix, vallis everywhere, salvinia on top - so nitrates/phosphates aren't normally a problem ;) oh and pH is 6.5ish

i've had silvertip tetras, buenos aires tetras, columbian tetras, but if i restock the shoaling fish, it's going to be with something different. i was wondering if you lot had any ideas about a top/middle fish for this tank? it'd have to get on with hoplos (mini ones - M. personata), a rusty plec, a big 'cistrus and a lil' stardust 'cistrus, and a whiptail (S. aureum afaik). phew. :P

ps i've also kept or got (but not in this tank) x-rays, praecox rainbows, black widows.

hehe, that'll save me from using my own brain for a while...

cheers, Grant

[OrionGirl]

How about some of the larger rainbows? I love my turquiose. They are very pretty, and large enough that they don't get lost in planted tanks. Other options--anabatoids. Won't school, but they make a nice group if there are enough hiding places if needed.

[somefinnfishy]

try a school of congo tetras with a pair of bolivion rams would look nice.

[MotorcyclesFish]

oo good ideas :D wouldn't big rainbows bump their noses in a 3 foot - i have a couple of madagascans in my krib tank and they're always charging about and they're only ickle at the mo

[Faramir]

Folks might want to bear in mind that the water in London is generally liquid rock, unless MotorcyclesFish has taken steps to soften it.

[somefinnfishy]

my tap is 7.8-8.0 GH13 KH14
I dont try to hard to soften a little peat and a few pieces of african root wood.
The tank runs around a 7.5 ph and my congos still try to spawn. I have 14 3yr old 4" congos in a 29 and they love it even after living in a 150 for 6 mo.

[OrionGirl]

Many rainbows like harder water. Threadfins, for example. Mine are in 3 ft tank and they don't bump their noses.

[MotorcyclesFish]

oh ok. I use this stuff from waterlife called proper pH 6.5 and to my amazement it works.