African oddball tank

[LizardInDisguise]

Planning on getting a 450l (~119g) tank, measuring 150Lx50Wx60Hcm (~5ftx1.6x2ft), in a couple months and still debating a few different stockings/themes. One of my favorites so far would be an African oddbal tank. Current stock would look something like this:

African brown knife fish x1
African Butterfly fish x2
Congo tetras x15
Rope/Reed fish x3
Senegal bichir x1

I'm a bit unsure about the number of rope and tetras in the tank. I also looked at a couple threads about keeping congo tetras with a Senegal bichir/ropefish and it seems to doable, with potential risks.

I've also considered leopard bushfish but wasn't quite sure if/how'd they fit in.

Would really appreciate your input or comments on the stocking. But of course also open for suggestions of other fish that'd fit.

 

[tlindsey]

Planning on getting a 450l (~119g) tank, measuring 150Lx50Wx60Hcm (~5ftx1.6x2ft), in a couple months and still debating a few different stockings/themes. One of my favorites so far would be an African oddbal tank. Current stock would look something like this:

African brown knife fish x1
African Butterfly fish x2
Congo tetras x15
Rope/Reed fish x3
Senegal bichir x1

I'm a bit unsure about the number of rope and tetras in the tank. I also looked at a couple threads about keeping congo tetras with a Senegal bichir/ropefish and it seems to doable, with potential risks.

I've also considered leopard bushfish but wasn't quite sure if/how'd they fit in.

Would really appreciate your input or comments on the stocking. But of course also open for suggestions of other fish that'd fit.

With the exception of the Leopard Bush fish it may work. You will have to figure out a feeding plan because the African Butterfly require floating foods. Also the Congo Tetra will need smaller pellets. If you added a Leopard Bushfish the Bichir and Rope may not get food.

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

This is what it looks like on AqAdvisor: https://aqadvisor.com/AqAdvisor.php...AqSpeciesWindowSize=short&AqSearchMode=simple

Total stocking is 103% (this is less than the 130%, which is the 100% for intermediate and up fishkeepers), so space probably isn't an issue. The only issue that crops up is that the ropefish may eat the tetras.

 

[The Masked Shadow]

This is what it looks like on AqAdvisor: https://aqadvisor.com/AqAdvisor.php?AquTankName=&AquListBoxTank=Choose&AquTankLength=150&AquTankDepth=50&AquTankHeight=60&AquListBoxFilter=Choose&AquTextFilterRate=N/A+&AquListBoxFilter2=Choose&AquTextFilterRate2=N/A+&AquFilterString=bichir&AquListBoxChooser=Senegal+Bichir+(Polypterus+senegalus+senegalus)&AquTextBoxQuantity=1&FormSubmit=Add+>&AquTextBoxRemoveQuantity=&AlreadySelected=200909300050:15:0:,200910160205:1:0:,201001041370:3:0:,200909300003:2:0:&FilterMode=Display+all+species&AqTempUnit=C&AqVolUnit=L&AqLengthUnit=cm&AqSortType=cname&FilterQuantity=2&AqJuvMode=&AqSpeciesWindowSize=short&AqSearchMode=simple

Total stocking is 103% (this is less than the 130%, which is the 100% for intermediate and up fishkeepers), so space probably isn't an issue. The only issue that crops up is that the ropefish may eat the tetras.

Congo's are a tall tetra that grows pretty big, excluding the long fins. If you had a full-grown group of Congos, I think it would be fine.

Warning you rn, you need only a few males and the rest females. DO NOT BUY ALL MALES!!!! Congo Tetras make their own social class. Mine picked at the fins of the weakest tetra until it was not able to swim. It was then finished off by the Bichirs. If the king tetra dies, it goes into an all out free for all. Warning you...it may not be the best idea.

 

[dr exum]

had something similar runner - big bichir and afer ate butterfly - brown should be nicer than afer

2 leaf fish fought in several tanks and settled finally after few years in a 6’ 125g - i killed them on OD of safe - no more congo bio tope?


GL!

 

[LizardInDisguise]

With the exception of the Leopard Bush fish it may work. You will have to figure out a feeding plan because the African Butterfly require floating foods. Also the Congo Tetra will need smaller pellets. If you added a Leopard Bushfish the Bichir and Rope may not get food.

Yeah thought so, wanted to mention them just in case but I won't add them.

The only issue that crops up is that the ropefish may eat the tetras.

That is my main worry. I think/hope that, as marked shadow aslo mentioned, if they large enough they won't try. But I'd also plan to just be very vigilant and put them in another tank if I see too much aggression.

Warning you rn, you need only a few males and the rest females. DO NOT BUY ALL MALES!!!! Congo Tetras make their own social class. Mine picked at the fins of the weakest tetra until it was not able to swim. It was then finished off by the Bichirs. If the king tetra dies, it goes into an all out free for all. Warning you...it may not be the best idea.

Thanks for the warning, honestly hadn't considered that too much. Gonna do some additonal reading and watch for that, appreciate it.