Hard water catfish

[Netengo]

Hi I am looking for some bottom dwellers for my tank. Im currently thinking of some kind of Synodontis with a group of Synodontis Polli 'White Zambia' as my favourites (if I can find them...)

My tank is a 135g 6 foot with 2 FX6 filters, my water is 7.1ph and 19dh - so I believe thats a pretty neutral ph but it is classed as quite hard water.

Because of this the tank I am looking to build is a mainly Central American tank, probably around Cryptoheros Nanoleutus, possibly with some Nicaraguans, possibly with some Rheoheros Coerleus (again if I can find them...). Other tank mates will probably be a group of Swordtails (either wild type or Montazuma) and maybe some sort of more unusal livebearer along with a school of a central american tetra, probably some kind of Astynax .sp but again I will see what I can find.

I've been looking at things like Hoplos and other Calicthys and there are some that have quite a broad range on profile sites in terms of ph and hardness. But if anyone else has any recommendations it would be greatly appreciated. I would like to stick to Central American fish but as I mentioned above I do like Synodontis quite a lot so Im not too precious on sticking to this as long as they will do well in my water.

Let me know what you all think

Thanks Andy

 

[CLauf]

Not too many catfish that occur in the trade and come from that area, unless you want to go with Ariids (most of which will eat your livebearers!). Going a little more southern and a little more commonly found some species of Hypostomus are fine in harder water. My personal favorite that would work in your setup and is more often available would be Platystacus cotylephorus. Beautiful fish that adapts to quite a wide range of conditions.

 

[Netengo]

I came across a few species of Hypostomus on planet catfish but you are right tracking them down is not easy. I will see what I can track down.

thanks