Dwarf Cockatoo Questions

[stavs]

Hi. I was "given" permission by my fiance to add another tank to the house. I'm thinking of going with a 30 gallon long, or possibly a 30 Gallon cube setup. Obviously I could just add a HOB filter, but I was thinking of getting an Eheim Ecco Canister. Would a canister filter be overkill on a community setup? I really enjoy the silent operation of my Eheim 2026. Also, what types of fish would do well with a pair/threesome of Cockatoos? The cockatoos would own the bottom of the tank, and I was thinking Tetras of some type, but more than likely I would go with some Swordtails, assuming they would be ok. Anyone have any experience with Cockatoos?

TIA

 

[severum mama]

I would choose the 30 long over the 30 cube. I agree, the cube looks really cool and I had considered one for myself in the past, but the 30 long will give your fish a lot more horizontal swimming space, which they will appreciate. A. cacatuoides will do fine in a 30 gallon. Try to get 2-3 females for the male, as cockatoos are harem spawners (polygamous) and this will cut down on aggression as opposed to a 1M/1F ratio. Swordtails should be fine as tankmates, or tetras would be a good choice too. It's really up to you.

A small canister is not overkill for a community tank, and the Ecco should be fine for a 30. I've heard good things about the Eccos, although they are reportedly not as quiet as other Eheim canisters, so you may notice that as compared with your 2026. I kept A. steindachneri in a 20 gallon for a while with a Fluval 204, and now they are in a 29 with a Rena Filstar XP1, and they seem happy.

 

[the Amazonian]

I would choose the 30 long over the 30 cube. I agree, the cube looks really cool and I had considered one for myself in the past, but the 30 long will give your fish a lot more horizontal swimming space, which they will appreciate. A. cacatuoides will do fine in a 30 gallon. Try to get 2-3 females for the male, as cockatoos are harem spawners (polygamous) and this will cut down on aggression as opposed to a 1M/1F ratio. Swordtails should be fine as tankmates, or tetras would be a good choice too. It's really up to you.

A small canister is not overkill for a community tank, and the Ecco should be fine for a 30. I've heard good things about the Eccos, although they are reportedly not as quiet as other Eheim canisters, so you may notice that as compared with your 2026. I kept A. steindachneri in a 20 gallon for a while with a Fluval 204, and now they are in a 29 with a Rena Filstar XP1, and they seem happy.

Good advice!!! Thats what I would have said!!! :fairy: