Which Fish

How much was the zebra plec? if it was under $100 chances are either it isn't a real zebra plec (there are many plecs that very closely resemble it) or there is a reason it's cheap (e.g. dieing). The rasboras are good, as are neons/cardinals. Barbs are pretty good, but I haven't had any experience with them. Some other fish you might try:
Congo Tetra - bigger schooling fish, beautiful white irridencent
Penguin Fish - another schooler, nice effect in mass
Cories - there are dozens of different breeds of these, look a little like the loachs but more peaceful smaller and work best in schools (minimum 3 of the same species)
Rainbow fish - stunning color, little on the expensive side, various species

good luck!
 
OK OK it sounds like the clown loaches are out... I kinda thought they would be from the beginning... but oh well.

Too bad about the angel fish I really liked the way they look... but they sound kinda mean.

OK rainbows maybe? Didnt really pay much attention to them in the store.

Anyone know anything about Kavala Blues?

How about the Adonis PLeco...?

OK so for now I am looking at (6) cardinal tetras, (6)harlequinn rasboras, (?)zebra loaches (?) adonis plecos and (?) tiger barbs [are tigers too agressive]...

do I have too many fish here? if not, could I add some other type of algea eater... or some other types of fish... ?

I am still a couple of weeks from purchasing fish. I dont have any nitrites in my tank, but I am sure they will show up eventually, I am patient. In the meantime i will keep learning about fish.

Thanks to everyone for the info, please keep it coming.

BTW the zebra pleco was $125... I am in VA but was visiting family in baltimore maryland... these were very neet looking but were also very sickly looking.
 
Persoanlly I would stick to 2 schooling fish at the most. Too many schools just end up mixing and looking wierd. The tigers should be fine if the other fish have a place to hide and there are enough tigers to keep aggression in the group. So 5 at minimum for those guys. And they get bigger than tetras as well.
 
I think it really depends on the angel. I have two angels in my 42 gallon community tank and they are *****-cats compared to my pearl gouramis. And they aren't small angels either - one has a body about 2.5 inches the other veil-tailed body is a little bigger than a silver dollar. I got them directly from a breeder..... I don't know if it matters though. But mine just hang out and beg for food. They are some of the funniest "personailities" in there. i've heard they get aggressive over time but so far (1 month) they are fine. I feed them regularly though.

If it was me I would try the angels BUT put them in the morning and be prepared to take them back to the store that afternoon or the following day if they get aggressive.

I like lots of different fish...so I have three schools (cardinals and danios and panda cories) and two kinds of "center-piece" fish - Gouramis and Angels. Some people might think it's too "busy' looking though. It depends on what you like. :D
 
Added question... Tiger barbs... do they EAT other fish or do they just like to chase them? If they are in a big school (like 20) will they still pick on other little community fish (guppies or neon's, for example) ... and would it make a difference if the other fish was also in a school?
 
Angels can work, but the main problem comes when they grow up and are easily able to eat your smaller tetras. Plenty of plants and hiding spots and a large school of neons might work, but be aware they could become aggressive.
 
illiswiller: I have never had a tank... but really want a busy fish tank... I do not want to overcrowd, nor do I want to set a particular fish up for failure or uh as dinner. ( I am trying to consider all angles before buying )

what are other schoolers that wont nip at an angel?

I just go through reading an email, this person is saying that if I provide adequate hiding, adequate space, for fish that accupy different tank levels, and stock all the fish at the same time (as juveniles) they will find their own territory and be less likely to threaten each other, what does anyone think?
 
There are people that keep angels and they never becoem a threat. Others have problems. It isn't too cut and dry. Keeping the angels well fed and providing good hiding spots will possibly be enough to do it. But if you have a breeding pair then the angels will attack any fish that come near regardless.

I would avoid barbs and angels personally though.
 
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