40 gal long and 40 high, how to stock

[PuppyFluffer]

I have two 40 gallon tanks to set up. One long, one tall.

The long as a 48 inch footprint, the tall is 30 long. Both are around 12 inches wide if I recall correctly.

I want tiger barbs and had considered them for the tall.

Bloodfin tetras caught my eye today at the big box pet store. They were in a bare tank and tightly schooling and very zippy around the tank. What do you think of these guys?

I know it will be planted (low light) with a few bottom dwellers, possibly corys but open to other suggestions. In general, I'm going for a single species tank. I tend to like larger groups of smaller fish instead of a few large fish.

Any stocking ideas jump out at you experienced folks?

 

[cam191919]

the 40 tall is pretty much a double stacked 20 long, right. as for fish, i would get very specific with the swimming level they prefer. my least killis always hover above the bottom, i wouldent call them mid level swimmers, more halfway between mid and bottom. its kind of an outside the box idea but stocking all the levels in your tank will ensure that you maximize space.

 

[PuppyFluffer]

Good point.

I tend to be a purist, hence the one species idea. While I like other people's community tanks, I don't think I want one myself. They seem too busy and the action too distracting and all over the place. Am I making sense?

I really like tiger barbs and know they can be nippy, hence keeping them solo seemed like a potentially good idea.

I've also thought of angels in the 40 tall.

 

[rocker92]

i think you should get some Apistos for the tall!!!

 

[PuppyFluffer]

I have really high kh and gh and if I recall correctly, apistos would not like that but I will look into them.