posted 02-12-2004 11:11 AM         

Basically what I envision is a tank with about 20 smaller semi-aggressive fish. I really don't want fish that will grow to be larger than 3 inches or so. I really want a few tiger barbs, so we'll go from there.

What other fish would mix well with the tiger barbs and fit the criteria I've mentioned above?

posted 02-12-2004 11:33 AM         

Also, be careful with danios and gouramis. Some of them are quite passive and not as quick as tiger barbs. They may be chased or have problems competing for food. My brother kept honey gouramis with barbs without much problem. What I would recommend though is other barb species (tinfoil and green tiger barb are my preference). Silver dollars and larger tertras would probably be OK, too. Another fish that I'd definitely get is a plecostomus (common or bristlenose). They're passive, but rarely get picked on and are about the best algae eaters available.

posted 02-12-2004 11:50 AM         

As for the barbs, maybe i will go with a different type, the tigers seem to be a little too fiesty for what I'm planning.

I'll definitely look into that plecostomus.

posted 02-12-2004 12:30 PM         

Here's what I'm thinking of so far, it will probably change a little:

5 tiger barbs
6 Zebra danios (any others you'd recomend?)
3 silver dollars
2 Gouramis (Recomendations?)
2 plecostomus

18 fish, do you think that's too many for a 55 gal? I don't think any of those fish get too big.

Also what are some larger Tetras that I could substitute in for those silver dollars?

posted 02-12-2004 01:52 PM         

Question for tommorrow:

I didn't realize the plecos got so large, are there any smaller versions that are as good at consuming the algae?

Here's my new and improved list of prospects:

6 tiger barbs
6 bleeding heart tetras
4 zebra danios
2 honey guaramis
1 pleco

posted 02-12-2004 02:38 PM         

Getting just water won't help a whole lot because there is very little bacteria in the water. However, there is quite a bit in the gravel so that would be good.

Also, if you already have your filters, take the media out and see if your friend can fit it in their filter (while leaving their own media in) and leave it there for about 2 weeks. Then you can add your fish and put the (now bacteria seeded) media in your filter at the same time and at the most, you should only experience a mini cycle which your fish should be able to handle.

posted 02-12-2004 03:53 PM         

Thanks for the tip on the filter, that sounds like a good idea.

As for these cichlids, they are unbelievable looking. Most seem to large for what I want or the required PH level seems to high. For example the Yellow Labidochromis, the PH level is much higher than all the other fish I plan on getting.

posted 02-12-2004 06:48 PM         

My sincere appologies.

And as far as pH is concerned, being stable is more important than being at the perfect level. As long as it is somewhere between 6 & 8, most fish will be fine. But if you plan on getting the ram and tetras, I would avoid africans.

posted 02-13-2004 02:27 PM         

My new revised list

6 tiger barbs
4 of some rainbow species
2 yellow labs
1 red tailed shark
1 yo yo loach
1 pleco

Two questions:
Do you think this arrangement will work out well?
Is there any other good algae eater that won't get as large as the common pleco?

posted 02-14-2004 10:54 AM         

Everything I've read says to put 3 or 4 yellow labs with other Malawai cichlids, is it a bad idea to put some in with

6 Tiger barbs
4 Boesemani rainbow
1 Red tailed shark
1 Brisrtlenose Pleco

posted 02-14-2004 11:27 AM         

Other than that, I think your mix sounds okay. Just make sure your tank is done cycling before adding the fish.