Asian Biotype Idea

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smithj427

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 10, 2008
341
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Edmonton, Canada
So my 33 gal just has a lone Red tailed shark so I'm thinking of throwing together an asian biotype aquarium. I'd switch the gravel to some sort of sand buy I'm wondering if anyone has experience keeping the same combination of fish that i'm thinking of.

My plan is currently: the Red tailed shark obviously
may 2-3 small loaches
5-6 scissor tail rasboras
5-6 tiger barbs

I'm just conserned about the barbs because I had them several years ago and they were quite agressive with the other fishes' fins. That's my may concern any suggestions of different fish that would all work good is welcome. Thaks for the help.
 
Your scissortail rasboras are quick enough to avoid any severe fin damage. If you can add 6 more tiger barbs, it'll definitely work well as an Asian biotope. For loaches, try kuhlis or better yet, the Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki. Avoid the skunks (Yasuhikotakia morleti). These ones tend to be very nasty and will harass other tankmates to death. My tiger barbs are 2.5 inches in adult size. I believe they may have spawned although my loaches are bound to eat the eggs anyway but who knows you could be luckier than I am.:)
 
What about Gouramis instead of the Barbs?
 
What about Gouramis instead of the Barbs?
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I had three in the past and they were so boring. Always hiding and so skiddish. I'm really not a fan. The reason I'm thinking tiger barbs is their pattern and their activity level.

You might want to alter your stock for an Orange Chromide...
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I'd rather keep this completely fresh and from what I've read so far about OC is they requir at least a little salt. I'd like to set-up a brackish in the future so maybe I'll consider one then. Plus there's basically no brackish water fish in the shops in town either. One day when the money's there I'll take a trip and get some sweeter fish.

Oh ya, if I get loaches would the barbs leave them alone?
 
An alternative to tiger barbs is Puntius pentazona. They don't get as big as tiger barbs and aren't agressive at all. I think they're actually better looking than tigers myself.
They're not as readily available as tigers tho.

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hey what asian biotope are you going for?

i have a book on aquarium design so if you tell me which particular style you are looking for i could give you some good authentic ideas if you like =)

malaysian stream, thai beach, chinese river etc

also ive never owned boring gourami's i currently own 6 snakeskin gourami's who are always out and play "american football" with pellets
 
Eläköön;2615899; said:
hey what asian biotope are you going for?

i have a book on aquarium design so if you tell me which particular style you are looking for i could give you some good authentic ideas if you like =)

malaysian stream, thai beach, chinese river etc

also ive never owned boring gourami's i currently own 6 snakeskin gourami's who are always out and play "american football" with pellets
Click to expand...

Are you talking about Peter Hiscock's book? If so, it's on my "to-get" list
 
benzjamin13;2614527; said:
What about Gouramis instead of the Barbs?
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Gouramis are probaly easier to take care of and you might hate the tiger barbs if they go after your shark.When they attacked my fish i almost flushed them.But i gave them to a friend.
 
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