Killifish Questions???

P

Phialophora

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Feb 6, 2008
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I am currently rearranging one of my tanks, and am going to pick up some Steel-Blue killifish in 2 weeks. I have a few questions first!

The tank is 20g with a sand substrate (pool filter sand). I have 6 pygmy corydoras in there, and wish to add a few Steel-Blue killifish and a mid-level swimmer as well. I love doing water changes, but typically limit myself to 5g changes every week.

The filtration is an AC 70 or 110... I forget at the moment - but it is huge, with the flow turned down. It is fully cycled too.

- the hood has lots of open space at the back for the filters. How may I cover these to keep the killifish from jumping (duct tape?)

- what sort of mid-level swimming fish would make a good companion... tetras or anything else?

- how many killifish can I get for my 20g; assuming I have 8 pygmy corys (I may get more) and 8 (or the max. number for the bioload) tetras

Thanks! My experience lies primarily with goldfish, so my ideas of stocking are skewed, and I don't know much about compatability... although I know kilifish are surface fish that may be tempermental.

In terms of cover, I have some pennywort, java fern, dwarf sag., and spade leaf. I also have PVC parts for the corys, although I'm sure that wouldn't interest the Killifish.

Could I maybe throw in 2 egyptian cichlids or buffalohead cichlids instead of tetras? I love those egyptian ones, and wanna encorporate some small cichlids with the killifish/corydoras idea if that is at all possible.

Thank you!!!
 
Killifish mostly grow to around 2 inches and generally make good community fish although some of mine can get a bit nippy. I am not sure what you are getting. Do you have the scientific name? That is how most killifish are known.
 
I'm with Lupin. I think 2 pair would be a good start. They will be fine with the corys and should be fine with most all the smaller tetras.
I've never had one jump out the small gap at the back of the tank. I have had one jump out of the front when I opened the hood one night after lights out to drop in some food for my bottom dwellers. I scooped him up and put him back in and he's none the worse for wear. I wouldn't put ugly old duct tape on my tank.
 
Thanks a lot!

When you mean 4, I'm guessing you mean 2 males and 2 females; or should I have a 1:3 ratio for M:F?

The back of my hood is open so that the filters would fit... pretty big gap, that is why I was worried. Tape would look terrible, but not sure how much these guys jump... maybe I'll make a flap or rig something up.

My roommate has a Killifish, and they are beautiful fish with interesting habits. I'm excited for these guys! My LFS guy gets some in one week and quarantines them for another week, so I can hardly wait.

Thanks :D
 
gvildawg said:
Killifish mostly grow to around 2 inches and generally make good community fish although some of mine can get a bit nippy. I am not sure what you are getting. Do you have the scientific name? That is how most killifish are known.
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my yellow panchax are 4 inches atleast.





and it would fine to add 2 pairs (2 males 2 females)

They spawn like razy if you're interested in attempting it... just gotta give them the rifght conditions.

And mine jump like crazy so i would definately cover any opens in the back.
 
davexstumpe said:
They spawn like razy if you're interested in attempting it... just gotta give them the rifght conditions.

And mine jump like crazy so i would definately cover any opens in the back.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up! I'll figure out a way to cover the back in the next week.

Nah, I have too many tanks/fish as it is, I don't want them spawning :D
 
I just got a pair of small gardneri killies without doing much research first (oops). I found a report of them eating neon tetras & they ate my new cherry shrimp, 1/3 their size, with ease. I have my water level down a couple inches, I hope it's enough.
 
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