Stocking Ideas for a 50-75G?

[CLDarnell]

I am wondering about leopard ctenopomas... are they ok in a communal tank?

I just noticed you are from Alberta. Very pretty part of the world! We just shipped some equipment that I designed to Alberta

I am not familiar with leopard ctenopomas, but a quick Google looks like they would be fine with larger species of community fish. I would stay away from neons lol.

I can tell you've put some thought in this and do have some experience. I am sure you're going to make the right decisions.

Be sure to post photos once you get set up and going

 

[Nomi]

I just noticed you are from Alberta. Very pretty part of the world! We just shipped some equipment that I designed to Alberta

I am not familiar with leopard ctenopomas, but a quick Google looks like they would be fine with larger species of community fish. I would stay away from neons lol.

I can tell you've put some thought in this and do have some experience. I am sure you're going to make the right decisions.

Be sure to post photos once you get set up and going

I am from AB, but I just moved to ONT for school. I should change my info I suppose, since I'm going to be here anther 4 years!

Yea, no neons! I wonder how ctenopomas would do with some of the larger tetras. I'll have to look into this. Of course, if I can't decide, I could always get a 2-level metal stand and have a tank on the bottom.

I will most likely post many, many pictures as soon as I set of the tank. Might even be as soon as next week!

 

[Kanta]

Mini what kind of pikes do you keep? I really want one but can't find any small ones.

 

[MonsterMinis]

C. Proteus is a very attractive lil' fish my female is very aggressive but doesn't bother with my Bichir, or the tire track in the tank with her, but unfortunately killed the male I was hoping she would pair up with.

leopard ctenopomas are def different, my limited experiance with them they where pretty shy fish and hide alot. But this was also at work where it was fairly active. They where interesting to watch eat. Perhaps when they settle in at home they are more outgoing. I'm sure someone will pipe up with some experiance with these fish at home.

As for Bichir I would suggest Senegals, you can get regular, albino, longfins.. They are a hearty small bichir. palamas would also likely do fine. Being as I only own 2 sens and an ornate I can say my Sens where def the cheaper.. and the more amuseing. My ornate is a beauty, but fairly reclusive, and somewhat crabby it seems. And will also outgrow a 75.. where the Sens will not.

 

[blksubykid]

Crenicichla regani is a beautiful dwarf pike. You could also do Bichirs as well (Senegral or Delhezi) would be perfect for that tank. Or you could go with a group of dwarf cichlids with some ditchers and bottom dwellers as well. Personally, I prefer a larger individual fish with a few ditchers or nice Pleco.

 

[Nomi]

Would a mix of a delhezi birchir, a leopard ctenotoma, a small group of roseline barbs (P. denisonii), a small-med pleco species and a school of larger tetras/tiger barbs work well? Will the birchir and pleco get along?

Another route I am considering would be to try a few discus in a south american community tank. Go for a large school of cardinals and rummynoses, some fun cories and ottos as well. Maybe some blue rams, though a mated pair might become a bit too aggressive. I always have wanted to keep discus.

Ah, so many choices!

 

[Nomi]

Ok, so I think I have narrowed it down to 4 choices.

Assuming I go for a standard 75 Gallon:

1. An oddball community consisting of a leopard ctenotoma, delhezi birchir, a pleco of some sort, roseline barbs, and a school of med-large tetras/barbs. Low light planted. Should be easy enough, though I've never had some of these fish.

2. Aquascaped discus tank, consisiting of some discus, school cardinal and rummynose tetras, and some other gentle discus tankmates. Maybe a bit more difficult, as I have never kept discus before. More research.

3. A fancy goldfish tank because I miss my goldies. 5 or so fancy goldfish, bare bottom, coldwater. Easy, have done this before.

4. A beginner saltwater/reef tank. Only do beginner fish, inverts and corals. Would need more equipment (sump, protein filter, ect), be more expensive and require more work. But would also be as cool as hell.

Each has pros and cons. Opinions?