amazon biotope

N

Nicole29

AC Members
Jun 6, 2006
112
0
16
I'm thinking of changing my 33 gallon slowly into an south american blackwater stream biotope. Would this stocking work?

-2 Bolivian Rams (have both)
-6 peppered corys (I have 4 right now)
-10 Cardinal tetra (I have 6)
-BN pleco

feel free to change numbers or anything?? I didn't think that an Angel would work with my Cardinals but if I could fit one in I would like that. Thanks
 
I think that should work I would skip the angel as it might very well try to eat the cardinals as it gets older. I would say that would be pretty well stocked but you might be able to do a few other community fish in there personaly would leace the rams as the centerpeice fish in the tank.
 
if the angel grows up with the cardinals it will recognise them and usually wont bother them. but once its big enough to take cardinals you cant add any because it wont recognise the new guys as more than food. what filtration is on there? what is the water change schedule? i think you should skip out on the angel in that sized tank and focus on the smaller species already listed. the rams may even pair off and breed for you. you could add a top dweller if you wanted. silver hatchets would be appropriate for that tank.
 
i have an aqua clear 300 as my filter, and I change the water twice a week about 30% each time.

How many of each species do you guys recommend?
 
i was thinking about adding 4 Marbled Hatchets, would that work or should I lower some of the numbers if I add the Hatchets?
 
i think marbled hatchets are a better choice as they stay smaller than the silvers (3" vs. 2" max size). don't know about numbers, but i'm pretty sure they're schooling so would like more hatchets with them. make sure you have a secure lid (e.g. no openings) for hatchets, though, as they can jump. notice how their pectoral fins are shaped like wings.

i'm not the best resource on stocking, i just know when something is grossly overstocked. maybe someone else can help you fine-tune your numbers, etc.
 
Last edited:
a school of 6 marbled hatchets would be fine without having to give up anyone else. i say 6 because they are a schooler so would appreciate at least 6 in their school.
 
The Bolivians are great centerpiece fish and they get along with just about everything. You'll definately love their UNIQUE personalities! They're a blast to watch when they play. Mine used to school with the lemon tetras...

HOWEVER...if they decide to spawn, your cories will be in for a rude awakening and will most likely be the victims of the rams protecting their eggs. There have been MANY reports of One-Eyed Cories after a Bolivian Ram Spawn. just use caution.

If you want to keep the cories, then you'll need to monitor for aggression from the rams. Alternatives for cleanup crew would be ottos. you'll want prolly 10 or so for that size tank.

The BN should be fine, just make sure you have at least some driftwood if possible. gives them a place to hide and an alternative snack if they want it.

The tetra population...
Cardinals are a decent choice, but I actually prefer some of the other tetras out there.

-Lemon Tetras are AWESOME and are a brilliant yellow when happy.

-Blackskirts are another good mid-tank tetra. They have a similar shape as Angels but are much more mellow.

-Serpae Tetras(Or the Longfinned variation) can display a stunning Red color.

-Penguin Tetras are a nice variation as they're not as common as some of the others.

-Hatchets:
Marbled are nice and do stay a little smaller, but the Silver hatchet is actuially a much more hardy species. Hatchets do require a good lid because they're jumpers and also, they like a bit of floating cover. floating plants are good for them.

Overall, here's one possible variation to what you have and the cardinals can stay since they were there first.

2 Bolivian Rams
6 Cardinal tetras(the ones you currently have)
6 Long Finned Serpae Tetras(the red ones)
10 Lemon Tetras (for the flowing yellow)
6 Silver Hatchets (for the top)
1 BN Plecco (for cleanup)


Also, is this a planted tank? If you want a TRUE SA system, I can recommend a list of SA Specific plants for you as well. if interested in SA Plants, please PM me and we'll get ya all setup.


PEACE!

-TF
 
ottos cant replace cories for a clean up crew. cories are a bottom scavenger and ottos are an algae eater, therefore you cannot replace one with the other. i think a single larger school of cardinals would look much better than a smaller school of cardinals and a smaller school of some other tetra. cardinals have the best colors of any tetra in my opinion and are a good indicator of a successful aquarium. if interested in plants, buy a good book. planted tanks can ge complicated and you want a good book you can always fall back on when problems arise. most will list plants in profiles including their native range, light level required, as well as how hardy (beginner appropriate) they are.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom