Ropefish Tankmates

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I will probably go for a fancy bushynose pleco. They seem less expensive and get just the right size.
 
I will probably go for a fancy bushynose pleco. They seem less expensive and get just the right size.
 
Cat Fish Mama said:
Starting off in a 50 gallon, could you do 3-5 ropes, or is that too much? It seems like it would be overcrowded. I am open to cleaning twice a week if needed. The tank will be heavily planted, with wood and caves for hiding to make them feel more secure. I will ensure there are no places to get stuck either. I don't want any ropefish to drown!
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What does your timeline look like for the upgrade? If you are getting ropes like the ones I got then you'll proably be fine for awhile. Mine were all 6-8" they don't grow super fast either. If they are bigger then 12" I'd say you might want to wait till you get a 4' tank 75gish. A standard 50 just doesn't have a good dimension for a long period of holding for the ropes. So to sum it up I'd say super small ropes(below 10") good for about a year, 10+" you might want to wait till you get the bigger tank. I thought you were getting a 65? While it'd be better to have them in a 4' or 6' tank ultimately, a 65 has a good bit more swimming space then the 50.
As for the swords I'd think like you said the fry would be food but the adults should be ok. You may loose some once the ropes get big.
 
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The plan was to start with a 65. Then, someone gave me a free 50 gallon tank. It's hard to argue with free! But if it's not right for the ropefish, I could try to sell the 50 and look for a larger tank.
 
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What size would ultimately be ideal for 3-5 ropefish, 3+ blue gouramis, a bn pleco, and a few synodontis (maybe petricola)?
 
For synodontis, now that I've looked them up, I think I would pick multipunctatus, maybe 3 of them. I would get more but dang! They are expensive.
 
Cat Fish Mama said:
For synodontis, now that I've looked them up, I think I would pick multipunctatus, maybe 3 of them. I would get more but dang! They are expensive.
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Yes multis are great. Again 5 would be better. They are social but at the same time squabble a bit amongst themselves. I've had them in a few different tanks. If I've gotten 3 2 usually beat up 1. If 5+ no issues. I'm guessing paired off...? Never seen any fry though. A lfs does breed them. But I've read they have a parasitic stage in their development based off a particular cichlid. I've also read that they can grow 7-10" biggest I've seen is 5". I'll have to ask lfs about raising their fry.

As for your tank size 75 would probably be great for life. You could go 90 same foot print just taller 48"x 18" .
 
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I would be concerned about bioload if I got 5 ropes, 5 syno multipunctatus, 3 gouramis, and a pleco in a 75. That's why I asked about ideal size. Do ropes contribute less bioload for their size?
 
I've been looking at plecos and considering one slightly bigger, max around 9 inches. Anyone have experience with a Columbian para pleco?
 
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