Need Help Choosing Fish

[Riso-chan]

I've been wanting something to replace the swordtails place in my tank, as a sort of large species with more character than the danios or white clouds. I was looking at the redtailded shark in the profiles, but I think it would more than likely eat everybody else, and I can only keep one. Please give suggestions of anything you think I could add in a small group to add focus and character to the tank. Oddball fish are welcome suugestions, as well as any others that come to mind. Thanx ~ Angela

 

[Michael_G]

a group of cories is always n atraction but they might not like that ph.a small group of neon rainbowfish is really nice and they wont pick on your fish but might not like that ph either . if you lowered your ph a little bit it would open lots of doors

 

[WinterWind]

How about some german or bolivian rams? The rams also like lower pH's, but then again it's the stability of the pH that counts. I think 2 pairs of either german rams or bolivian rams would be very cool in that tank. They might also breed. I think the bolivian rams get around 3 to 4 inches, and are very interesting to watch. They are also not as common as the german rams but should be easy to order from the LFS.

Here's a picture of a very nice bolivian ram:

 

[Riso-chan]

I've been told by many people on this forum that many fish can adapt to differing ph ranges. I've also tried to change my ph, but no luck, the water in my area is generally 8.0.

I was just looking at the Red-Finned Shark, and that one interests me a bit. I'd have to wait a bit longer for my plants to cover up the tank though. It makes them feel more secure. If anyone has experience with this fish, I would gladly read about it. It is supposedly less aggressive than the redtailed shark. I think if I tried more than one, it would have to be only two, which is fine with me. I'm going to research more in the meantime.

BTW, what a beautiful ram! I'll definitely consider it. Thanx.

 

[Riso-chan]

I'm stuck between choosing either a Rainbow Shark (Epalzeorhynchos Frenatum) or a Red Finned Loach (Botia Iecontei). The species profiles says that the red-finned is peaceful. So it shouldn't be a problem. They really are a nice looking fish. I also need to let my plants grow a bit more cover for them beforehand, and add a caves too.

I only need to know if two can be housed in a 55 gallon with other fish listed in my sig.
BTW, the swordtails will be eaten by other fish or given to good lfs.

Thanx~Angela