Showtank status fish for 40 gallon standard?

[Matt724]

Considering it's my senior year, i will be handing over the reigns of my 40 Gallon tank that has been "the tank" of the house for the majority of my fishkeeping career next year, I wanted to leave the parentals with a tank that they can be proud of. My mom, when she first bought me the tank, told me that because its going in the living room she wants it to be a piece of the living room, which meant: must impress guests. Apparently, my tank has yet to reach this status of "living room material" even though I won the April TOTM contest here on MFK (which BTW, I never got my prize because they just happened to end the contest that month, but w/e, off topic), my mom has yet to complement on my tank.

So, this is my attempt to create a tank that my mom can be proud of. First things first, I want to take down the entire tank, sell off most of the multispinosus minus the breeding pair which I will transfer to my 20 gallon tall so that they can keep breeding for me. Next, I will order a 3d background from a connection that I have/ my "boss". Next, I will drill the tank and hook up my canister filter to it. Then I will continue and stock the tank.

Lighting will hopefully be this: which I plan to get after i'm done with college apps (a.k.a Satan's spawn!!!) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...&_trkparms=algo=LVI&its=I&otn=2#ht_1726wt_802

Because there will be a 3d background, I expect the total gallonage to equal about 36 or so, so a bit less. The tank is 36" long.

Last requirements for stock: must be a "wow" fish (i.e. colorful or flashy probably but not necessarily) Oh, and most likely no plants (maybe low-maintenance plants, but remember my parents will be upkeeping the tank).

So far, my idea for tanks include:
- tanganyikan tank complete with shelldwellers and rockdwellers
- one large ebjd
- native tank (mosquito fish, flagfish, pygmy sunfish, whatever else is compatible i guess) - would be the only exception for plants

OTHER IDEAS NEEDED!!!

THanks in advance, all your comments are much much appreciated!

 

[fishbum]

If your parents are taking care of it,and are not into the hobby, get a single fish for it. Not sure if a EBJD would be my first choice,but something along those lines.

I would stay away from fish that will or may breed.

As far as plants,no matter which route you go,highlight or lowlight,they will need to be pruned eventually. And if they die,they will pollute the tank. Not sure if live plants would be the way to go.

 

[Matt724]

Whatabout Erythrinus erythrinus, Red Hi-fin wolffish?

Oh, and my brother, who is sort of interested in the fish hobby (takes care of his own tank and seems willing to learn) will be there for another 2 years after i graduate, so my parents won't be left totally deficient of someone knowledgeable about fish.

 

[fishbum]

That would be cool. The only reason I said I would stay away from a EBJD,is I have heard they can be prone to genetic problems. Not sure if it is true or not. If it is not true, it would be a good choice.

Then you could get some more realistic fake plants,or get some nice pieces of driftwood wood and tie some java moss,java ferns,and anabias to them. Put some swords for the background,natural gravel for substrate,and you have a nice looking river tank.

If your brother is willing to help out,this would be a pretty easy tank to keep.

A couple of senegal bichirs could also work with either of the fish mentioned tor a fancy pleco.

 

[elting44]

I would lean away from EBJD, they are pretty prone to internal parasites, and if the parentals fall behind on WCs it would increase the odds of internals.

Firemouths would be cool, with the 3d background you could use a sand/gravel mix for substrate, and a lot of driftwood. Go for a ghetto version of what Japes does.

 

[Matt724]

any eartheaters?