Help me plan new tank.

[Hayabusa]

OK got a 48x12x18 tank sat around not doing anything for awhile thinking what to do with it, so I'm after suggestions, so far I have decided on...

Black backing.

Black Substrate, sand, not sure on make/manufacturer yet, open to suggestions.

One Birchir, pretty sure it will have to be a senegalus due to tank width, still undecided on albino or natural colour, most likely natural.

Also going to use real plants hopefully, but due to Birchir low light only, I'm not going to be adding any kind of CO2 system, any suggestions on plant types would be very appreciated I'm fairly clueless with plants.

Was thinking maybe a Pimelodus Blochii if I can find one, but not fully decided, again open to suggestions.

What other fish could I introduce? something mid/high level water fish, maybe a different catfish (as I seem unable to find any for sale anyway).

Thats probably enough info for now, any advice, suggestions or help very much appreciated.

 

[Hayabusa]

OK decided after alot of research to go with pool filter sand instead, so far its...

Black background, pool filter sand substrate, senegalus bichir.

Would love to be real plants, suggestions on plant types?

Other stock suggestions?

I have a largish upside down catfish could go in, blue phantom pleco and also a small red tail black shark, not sure if any of those might be suitable, they can stay where they are just as easily.

 

[cr8on]

I'm no plant expert but you could try some Anubias sp., they prefer low light, are relatively easy to keep, look cool and don't really require extra supplements.

Some fish suggestions would be Congo Tetras Phenacogrammus interruptus, Redline Torpedo Barbs Puntius denisonii, Leopard Bushfish Ctenopoma acutisrostre, Black Ghost Knife Apteronotus albifrons, Rainbowfish Melanotaenia sp., Pictus Catfish Pimelodus pictus. The list goes on.

 

[Stump]

You actually have a few bichirs to choose from.


There are bichirs from the Palmas complex (beuttikoferi, palmas, polli), there are the aforementioned senegals, Retropinnis, and even a Delhezi could fit in there.



Some people might disagree, but I personally would put any one of those in my tank... actually I would do a few.

 

[Hayabusa]

Thanks alot for the input guys.

I went with Senegalus due to its smaller size, the tank is only 12" wide so figured any of the other larger birchir would be to big.

I'm fairly easy about it not having to be a BIG fish, I have my main tank with juruense, tinfoils, Os etc, this is more of a planted experiment really as I have never had a planted tank, but want some nice fish as well, and always wanted a birchir, very cool fish.

But if the concensus is I could go with a larger species I am open to the idea.

What could I get as a mid water fish? a school would be nice but obviously need to be big enough not to be food.

Also want a nice catfish, not a pleco though, I have a massive pleco in main tank (about 18-20")

Thanks again for the help, anyone else feel free to brainstorm ideas.