Stocking ideas!

[Linconooni]

Hello

I’ve got a 180l tank. It’s got an external 1000l p/hr filter. Partially planted. Here’s a picture. I’m well chuffed with it, took a few weeks to reseal and build it as an upgrade from a smaller 60-70l tank.
The occupants are around 20 odd guppies of various ages (from newborn to full grown). Two 1” bristlenose. 6 platinum tetra. My favourites which are 3 vampire shrimp Two wood shrimp and two little cherry shrimp

Are there any suggestions for stocking (when we can get out and purchase!!)?

water ph is around 6, on the soft side.

I might be interested in a pair of apistogrammas or rams. Some more shrimp. Half a dozen neon or cardinal tetra.

would any more than one pair of South American cichlids be a bad idea?

how about two or three female Bettas?

Do folk agree it’s reasonably stocked already or is there room for a bit more variety?

Thank you !

 

[fishorama]

Well, even dwarf cichlids will likely eat the small shrimp & might nip the larger 1s. Bettas, even females, usually pick on guppies. Neons would work, they like a lower temp. than cardinals so a better choice with the guppies. Get say, 8+.

You might consider a group of dwarf corydoras. Pygmys are more midwater swimmers, habrosus are more bottom only fish. Either would be better with 8 or even 12 of the same species. Pick just 1 species & get a bunch! If you have never kept corys they're very active & amusing but won't harm your other animals IME.

 

[Linconooni]

Ah! Good suggestions. I do love my peaceful shrimp. Corydoras are certainly an interesting little gaggle!

 

[the loach]

You know you have to target feed your vampire/bamboo shrimp? You probably want at least 1 betta to eat some of the guppy fry. Cardinals or neons at the very least 8... but do not mix.

 

[NoodleCats]

I would say some honey gourami, a trio of 2 females to 1 male, in place of the betta idea.

Theyre more peaceful and theyd happily snack on some fry. Theyre also more adept for the cooler temperatures the others in your tank need than a betta (bettas do better 78F+)

 

[Linconooni]

I know it’s good for population control but I’m a bit adverse to the fry being munched on

I’m definitely liking the idea of a busy little group of corys, along with the colour flash of the neons or cardinals.

I guess I’ll have to pass on the female betta or the apistos - as beautiful as they are, I don’t want any of the current inhabitants peaceful life disrupted!

 

[Linconooni]

Spotted the lone cherry shrimp this morning, first time since they moved. Caught it in a pic with one of the vampire shrimp on the shelf behind. And then the little chocolate guy made an appearance too

 

[DirtyDan]

Cherry or golden barbs would look great, their social behavior is very fun to watch

 

[neontetraking]

You should try tiger barbs. they are very active and look cool