cories + ? = AWESOME

Thanks for the input. I really liked the idea of some blue rams or a krib, but after speaking to my lfs, I've decided against both. Also, I have yet to see a betta that I would want to put in my tank (my lfs doesn't carry many and the chain places have pisss-poor specimens), although I do like them.

I am going to do some re-planning as I am new to the hobby and have not yet had experience with enough fish to make a permanent decision at this time. Maybe some dwarf gourami? Maybe a betta? Who freaking knows? Not I.

Thanks anyways for all your suggestions, they have helped steer me in a good direction. I'll get back to you all when I have narrowed my decisions.
 
You're doing the right thing though, Ben. You should always research and think through your fish buying purchases. It is refreshing to see a newbie to the board with an attitude such as yours.

There are so many different types of aquatic species available that there are ample species suitable to everyones needs. The only pisser is sometimes your only options may not be the ones you necessarily want. (Not saying this applies to you.)

Either way, keep us updated.
 
mister ben said:
I currently have a 10 gallon with 5 panda cories in it and I'm searching for a few tankmates to go with them.


Ok guys/gals, confession time...

I had PLANNED on having 5 panda cories in my tank as of last night, but when I went to my lfs my favorite employee advised me against it. He said even though my water is perfect and all that jazz, he would rather not see 5 cories in there. Just his personal opinion and since he knows I'm a newb, he's just looking out for me. I said ok and we began to look around some more. I actually ended staying about 20 minutes after close but finally settled on a pakistani loach. He said that just one by itself should do ok and he wanted me to have some exposure to such an interesting fish. I saw some blue rams and thought they were awesome, but mr. employee said he wouldn't let me buy any because they were rather delicate and he would like to see me with more experience under my belt. That's a good sign I guess.

Anyways, I'm going to go back on Wed. (probably) to figure out some more fish to bring home next week possibly. Wish me luck!

Thanks again for all your help folks!
 
mister ben said:
Ok guys/gals, confession time...

I had PLANNED on having 5 panda cories in my tank as of last night, but when I went to my lfs my favorite employee advised me against it. He said even though my water is perfect and all that jazz, he would rather not see 5 cories in there. Just his personal opinion and since he knows I'm a newb, he's just looking out for me. I said ok and we began to look around some more. I actually ended staying about 20 minutes after close but finally settled on a pakistani loach. He said that just one by itself should do ok and he wanted me to have some exposure to such an interesting fish. I saw some blue rams and thought they were awesome, but mr. employee said he wouldn't let me buy any because they were rather delicate and he would like to see me with more experience under my belt. That's a good sign I guess.

Anyways, I'm going to go back on Wed. (probably) to figure out some more fish to bring home next week possibly. Wish me luck!

Thanks again for all your help folks!
No idea why he would not recommend cories, but FWIW, this guy just sold you a fish that will get 4 inches long and really needs something like a 15-25 gallon at adult size with some recommending up to 40 gallons. :eek: Also, here's the info fro the Specis Index here at Aquaria Central: "A small but territorial Loach that can sometimes pick on its tankmates, this fish is a bottom-dweller and should be fed sinking foods such as algae tablets and worms. The aquarium should be decorated with plenty of rocks, wood and plants, and the water should be kept clean, clear, and quick-flowing through efficient filtration. They are hardy fish which can withstand a wide variety of pH values, but the water should be kept warmer than usual if possible"

They like quick flowing water, bettas often don't. Also, they can be picky, but hopefully the betta will stay near the top. Out of curiosity, was the shop not in stock with panda cories? I have no idea why a shop would talk someone out of a purchse they had researched and done the homework on and instead sell them something that is too big for their tank on an impulse. Sorry, I think your shop owner was wrong for that.
 
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mister ben said:
Thanks for the input. I really liked the idea of some blue rams or a krib, but after speaking to my lfs, I've decided against both. Also, I have yet to see a betta that I would want to put in my tank (my lfs doesn't carry many and the chain places have pisss-poor specimens), although I do like them.

I am going to do some re-planning as I am new to the hobby and have not yet had experience with enough fish to make a permanent decision at this time. Maybe some dwarf gourami? Maybe a betta? Who freaking knows? Not I.

Thanks anyways for all your suggestions, they have helped steer me in a good direction. I'll get back to you all when I have narrowed my decisions.


Good for you , doing proper research before leaping into the hobby! I wish more newbies were as patient as you! Heck, i wish I were as patient when I first began! I like the whitecloud idea, also I jst thought of a gourami that is small that I really enjoyed. It has lots of personality and has a unique coloration, it's a light pinkish red color it's the honey gourami, although I've seen it labeled other things as well (dwarf sunset gourami I believe) they stay smaller than 3 inches and you could prob keep 2 of them they are fantastic little fish



Just noticed you were told to not get cories! I can't figure out why! They are peaceful , interesting, and far more compatible with other fish and with the tank size for that matter than a yo-yo loach! I would take the loach back , then insist on cories - it's your tank nothing is worse then getting stuck with a fisah you aren't happy with
 
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Here's the deal folks-

(deep breath...)

-mr. lfs said that he wasn't sure about putting more cories in until my tank has become better established and has been running a few more months.

-He informed me that the loach would grow too large for the tank and if I did not upgrade to a larger tank I would eventually have to bring it back for some store credit. His reasoning for selling it to me in the first place was simply because he wanted to expose me to another kind of bottom-dweller. He figured since I enjoy the cories so much (which he also helped me decide on) maybe I would like to broaden my horizons.

-As far as the agressiveness of the loach goes, he actually gets along quite well with all the fish in the tank (I was warned about this as well). I've already seen him lying around under the plants next to and sometimes even on top of my cories. They seem completely relaxed around him. I don't think that there is any sort of problem to worry about there, at least for now.

-I think I have decided against a betta for those who may still be wondering about that.

-Most importantly, I really like the loach. He is an active, amusing, and attractive fish.

Does this answer any questions for anybody or resolve any doubts or concerns? I hope so. I think I have made an appropriate choice and am understanding of the circumstances. Then again, I am still just a newb.

Thanks again everyone (deep breath...)

loach post1.JPG
 
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