Thanks for the replies! I had never heard of the Pleco/Bichir conflict before, so thanks for pointing that out! I've already got the Pleco, so if I can't keep both, he wins out. Is there anything I should consider instead, or should I just use the extra room for a larger school of Rainbows? Speaking of the Rainbows, about how many would work in this setup?
55g "Wet Pet" Tank
- Thread starter JGombs99
- Start date
Really? Like a dwarf species? I have to admit, this is the first time I'm hearing this. I thought I'd have to go with one of the larger species in order to coexist with the GT.
You can put more dithers with a smaller version (not necessarily dwarf). The mouth on a 9" male GT is small, and would not be able to consume an Australian Rainbow fish (~4"), which is smaller than a boesemani (~6") or red rainbow fish. SInce you are getting a female, it will be quite a while before she hits 9", if she gets that long.
Ok, thanks. I have Bosemanis in my 100 gallon, so I'm likely not looking to do those in this tank, anyway. Definitely not thinking about dwarf either, though. I'm open to suggestions, but I'm most hoping to do Turquoise Rainbows, or even a mix between two species to afd more color, if possible.
Also, the GT I gave my eye on, I've been told is currently 5"-6". Obviously, she's not full grown, but I don't think she'd be considered a juvenile, either. I'd likely need to go with juvenile Rainbows as that's what's generally in the stores locally. Does anyone have an idea of how safe this is or isn't? Again, I'm not sure how big a GT's mouth is. Also, is the Pleco/Bichir thing a definite no go, or is it a risk that is worth taking?
Not a juvenile, and it would be a few years if she ever reaches 9". As long as the rainbows are not as small as zebra danios or neons, you will be fine.
Thanks for the info! No, the Rainbows locally aren't that small. I'd say Rainbows are commonly sold at approximately 2" or so in my area. Would you recommend going with any number in particular? Should I keep it to just the GT, Pleco, and Rainbows to be safe, or is there something else I should look into?
I think 2" long rainbows would be safer. I would do 8 or more rainbows. The more rainbows, the better.
5-6" female GT
2" rainbows x 8 (more is better)
blue phantom pleco (L128)
The GT will scour the bottom for food, so no need for an additional bottom feeder. GT's are a little more on the herbivorous side, since they have poo that is long (not as long as a pleco). I would look into algae pellets like 2mm New Life Spectrum Algaemax as a regular pellet food. You can mix other food from time to time.
Ok, thanks! So, this stocking would be good for life? No need to remove fish as they grow? How will nitrates be in this setup? Am I pushing the limits, here, or should it be relatively easy to keep parameters in check? With this number of Rainbows, does it seem fair to add two different species, or is there a reason why I should stick with one?
Sorry for so many questions. I just want to get this right. The skinny size of juvenile Rainbows scares me a bit, but I really love Rainbows, and this tank sounds lovely to me!
Sorry for so many questions. I just want to get this right. The skinny size of juvenile Rainbows scares me a bit, but I really love Rainbows, and this tank sounds lovely to me!
