72, Compatibility Q and looking for input

[Captain Hook]

Just got a 72 bow that I'll be setting up later this summer! I'm really excited about the possibilities. What do you think about this stocking plan? Any possible problems?

6-8 rosy barbs
6-8 rainbowfish
4-5 SAEs
4-5 angelfish
1 albino rainbow shark
1 BN pleco
1 pair or maybe trio of livebearers (probably swords)

The tanks going to be very heavily planted so I think that should help as well. I've heard angels can get aggressive with each other. What do you think? Will the faster moving barbs and rainbows stress the angels?

Any other possible tank setups or fish recommendations?

 

[vaheelsfan]

The Siamese Algae Eaters and Rainbow Shark might be a problem. Black/Rainbow/Red Tailed Sharks are very territorial, and may attack any fish that is shaped even remotely like them. The fact that you're planning on getting 4 or 5 SAEs may help in that the shark won't be chasing one all of the time, but if you don't want any fish being chased around your tank, stay away from either the SAEs or Rainbow Shark. Your angels should be fine, as the generally accepted rule with them is just one, or more than three. I don't really know much about rosy barbs, but if they're nippy you might want to avoid them with angels. If you want something redish colored, you could maybe do cherry barbs. I don't think they get as big as the rosy barbs, and the five I have are very peaceful. They are a fish that likes to hang out with it's own kind, but don't really school together, and therefore don't have the pecking order that causes nippiness in tiger barbs. I don't think that the faster moving fish are going to stress the angels, as long as they don't run into them or try to bite them or anything like that. They may actually serve as dither fish and make the angels feel more secure in displaying themselves.

 

[Captain Hook]

Hopefully you are right about the angels not being bothered by the faster fish. I have never heard about getting more than 3 angels so that is good to know.

As for the shark/SAE, I actually have one of each in my tank now. The shark chases the SAE a bit but not bad. I also have 3 rosy barbs (very peaceful) and 3 rainbowfish. I'm hoping by upping the number I will get them to school more.

 

[Abowman2]

Question about Rainbow Sharks

I was wondering what kind of fish I could put with my rainbow shark he's really small, I have a lot of plants and hiding spots for him, I just wanted 2 more bright colored fish to go along with him. My tank is only 2.5 gallons, if anyone knows anything I would really appreciate it.

 

[Hrafnkel]

If your tank is 2.5 gallons, it's nowhere near big enough for the shark. I'd say take him back to the store and get something that can actually live in a 2.5 (which limits you to a betta, and not much else).