http://forum.aqua-fish.net/ A forum devoted to aquarium fish, plants, techniques and fish keeping as a whole. en http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=huge-empty-aquarium#1 Hi, I am new here, so here goes, I already have a few set ups, and keep/have kept betta splendens, a couple of minature plecos, a couple dwarf of gouramis, white/golden cloud mountain minnow, glowlight tetras, a golden sucking loach, corydoras, guppies etc. so I have a moderate amount of experience. I have just brought a 176L (about 47 US gallons) tank, and while it is cycling, I am planning what to place in the tank. So far we have decided at some point we want an oscar fish, but they are very expensive, and need a stable tank, so to begin with (for a few years) I am looking to place a number of smaller (around 10cms ish) fish in the tank and enjoy a range of colours, different shapes etc. Currently I quite like the idea of mollys because they are very cute little fish, and they are quite interested in the space outdside the tank, but I am looking for any advice on what fish go together well, or if you yourself have a large, mixed species set-up? I am open to any suggestions, but as it is a new tank hardier fish would be better. I dont mind sorting out a range of food, however I would rather not have real plants, as an oscar fish will tear up anything it can, so I am going to invest in a range of silk plants, ornaments for hiding in, and I am using natural gravel as a substrate. They dont have to be brightly coloured, but I want a combination of species which looks attractive. Any thoughts? Thank you, Terry weirdartist 2009-04-22 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=huge-empty-aquarium#2 ok, so I am thinking of a handful of Sailfin mollys in various colours, a single pleco, probably a bulldog, and a few angel fish? but im not sure how they would go with mollys, size wise and temperament they all seem ok on paper, but any advice would be great. They all have semi-matching ph/hardness/temperatures, so it would be possible to get the water within range I do not want much/any breeding, so Im hoping the angelfish will eat any fry that are created, or at least most of them. Any ideas on what sort of numbers I should be looking at? im happy to keep 2-5 angels and as many mollys as will comfortably fit with space for a couple more in case they manage to successfully breed. The pleco will be kept on its own, unless suggested otherwise they seem to be happiest on thir own. like I said food isnt an issue, im happy to source various frozen/flake/pellet/algae wafers and add sachets of other food if appropriate, and I am still researching fish, so please giveme opinions/feedback from your experience, Thanks! Terry weirdartist 2009-04-22 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=huge-empty-aquarium#3 ok, if all is well in the 'getting along department' i think i will start with 2 mollys and a bulldog pleco, then keep it going steady for a week or so, testing carefully, then add another 3 mollys, keep testing and then add 2 agel fish, keep it like this for a few months then maybe add more angels or mollys if there is plenty of space/test levels are good. what do you think? weirdartist 2009-04-22 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=huge-empty-aquarium#4 ok, somebody has informed me angels can be over territorial, so maybe there is a better suggestion for sailfin mollies and a bulldog pleco (I may get a different pleco, depending on availability and what other species I put in the tank). I want something to add a different shape or colour variation, which wont cause much conflict and doesnt require too many special conditions. sorry for posting alot, Im researching options still. weirdartist 2009-04-22 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=huge-empty-aquarium#5 Best way to plann your tank is to split the fish into Bottom feeders Middle feeders Top feeders Judging from your choices so far you must have water that is pH7.0 or above. Sailfin mollies-good choice for top to middle fish I always go for bristlenose plecs for bottom feeders plus they keep the tank glass clean. Add some corydoras as well for bottom feeders. Middle feeders the choice is endless, why not add some plattys, there are various species that are different colour variations mickey 2009-04-22 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=huge-empty-aquarium#6 plattys are an option, but they are a bit smaller than mollies and angelfish, and especially if the angelfish become terratorial, this may be a problem. I definately want a single moderate sized pleco, i have been looking into species and something like the bulldog seems to be a good option, Im not terribly keen on the bristlenose's appearance. In terms of mid swimmers I like the idea of mixing angelfish and mollys to add a variation in colour, shape and personality. I am torn between adding more mollys, more angelfish or about 50/50. I know angelfish are good in groups of 4+ and mollys tend to be happy in groups too, I think i am either going to put about 5 mollys and 4 angelfish in, or 5 angels and 4 mollys. If the chap who knows everything (has been keeping fish and running the fish shop since I was a baby!) recommends fewer angels because of terratorial behavoir, I might just get the 1 and have a molly or two extra. Im hoping to buy everything about the same size, so they can grow with each other. Ive got my wood in soak ready for a pleco, and the rocks and gravel and silk plants are all in, Im gunna start buying cheap freezer food when Im sure about which species im getting more of, as well as my usual basic (blood worm, brine shrimp, daphnia etc) set a date for the first proper water test, and then sit back and enjoy my other little fishies before i start stocking (yay!) The other thing Im not certain about is the best way to stock, I plan on stocking in small groups, to help the water stay stable. So do I get 2 angels and 2 mollys at once or is it better to get one species in, then the other, or as its a bigger tank, and the fish will be little babies, will it be safe to buy it all at once and just keep an eye on everything? lol, my biggest tank other than this one is a 35litre, so iv really got no idea how stable/unstable this size is in comparison. obviously, before getting all those fish I will be carefully doing my sums to work out overstocking. weirdartist 2009-04-23 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=huge-empty-aquarium#7 Could always go with male guppies. They add wonderful colors, and are fairly hardy. Their temp ranges from 70-82, and the PH is about 7, so they make good tankmates for mollies. Amber 2009-04-26 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=huge-empty-aquarium#8 thank you for all the help, after some research and a really in depth conversation, we decided to get an oscar and a common pleco, tank should be ready in another week or so, cant wait! i got a good deal on the retail front, and assurances that they are very well quarantined and from good sources so they will be strong and healthy. plus if there is a problem i can return sick/deceased fish for another, AND they are giving me free water tests im so good at bargaining hehe. nothing like a girl in a cute top to get a good deal on fish... I even managed a thirty pound voucer when we got the tank, so it should all work out sort-of free, food included. i hope! cant wait to raise a healthy, happy oscar, and pleco (the two fish i have wanted forever!) yay for happy beginings. weirdartist 2009-04-29 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=huge-empty-aquarium#9 Glad youve sorted out your fish mickey 2009-04-29