My new plan is to get an Oscar, a severum, a common plecostomus, and MAYBE another cichlid (5-10in.) I used aqadvisor, which I know isn't totally accurate but still gives you an idea,NAND it told me an Oscar, severum, and pleco would be too big for my 150g tank and my Rena xo3 (175g) would only be satisfactory (not plenty.) If it is true then it is true, maybe I'll go with a smaller pleco, but I wanted to ask you all first!
A new look (and question) on tank population?
- Thread starter Rykershot101
- Start date
I think that stock (Oscar, Sev, Pleco) would be fine in your 150. I would, however, add some more filtration, even if it's just an AC 110.
Leave the common pleco out, they grow over a foot long and produce a lot waste............Try a smaller pleco such a Gold Nugget or Green Phantom...........The Oscar will do fine on the 150g...............Throwing in a pair of Green or Gold Severums will complete the project perfectly.............I have owned the RENA XP3 in the past enjoyed the filter with no problems..........Add 2 Aqua Clear 101's for absolute mechanical filtration.......The XP3 will take care of the biological filteration...........Fill the three chambers up with ceramic rings for best bioogical filtration...................
Importracer, what type of ceramic rings do/did you purchase? The rena ones seem a bit extreme in price... And thanks everyone, I think I'll probably go with a smaller pleco like suggested then. How would then adding another cichlid sound, along with a smaller pleco?
So, you think I could add another cichlid? I was thinking since I'd be adding the pleco as well, get another, smaller cichlid; one that gets to 5-6 in. such as a Jack dempsey!
Personally I think an oscar and a severum would be a great combination, plan on doing it myself, but I suggest you scratch the common pleco and get some bristlenoses, unless you want the pleco because it looks cool, in that case, check out some fancy plecos such as L-114's, L-128's, L-200's, L-14's, and L-18/81's. If you don't get a common pleco, I think a smaller cichlid would be fine in your tank.
I still have the sponges working on mine because I found the XP3 to pick up way more than any HOB (of course I hate HOBs). Then I use noodles and bio balls. If you don't use any mech on the XP the waste it does collect will build up on the noodles/rings and decrease surface area anyway. Heck for the little extra price, you would be better off adding another XP3 or XP2. They are so easy to clean and look and sound so much better.
Another route would be to use the XP3 for purely mechanical and a couple large sponge filters for bio. Use a power head to push the debris towards the XP intake.
Bioballs are good because if you start a new tank, they are easy take to out of an established tank and put in the new tank.
Rena makes the X3, not XP3. I used to use them on my 156g and 135g but later switched to two Fluval FX5 on each tank. After using the Fluvals for a couple of years, I pulled all the Rena's out of storage and hooked them back up again. I switched back for their ease of cleaning and they filter just fine. The Fluvals are a big pain in the butt to break down and clean opposed to the X3's. Anyway, my point is I like the X3's and I would recommend adding another one to help filter your tank. I have a wet dry sump on my biggest tank and that's really the absolute best way to go if the tank is drilled.
As far as stock, I think there's enough space for what you want to keep. Also agree with others about the common pleco. Have fun with it and good luck.
As far as stock, I think there's enough space for what you want to keep. Also agree with others about the common pleco. Have fun with it and good luck.