Upgrading Blood Parrots: Tank mate suggestions

[AtomixIGN]

I have 3 very large blood parrots in a 29 high I'll be moving to my now empty 55. I have a brand new Penguin 350 in the box to hang off the back.


Other than the Blood Parrots there are 10 Black Veil Tetras, a 6"pleco, and a 6" Synodontis njassae that are moving over to the 55.



What else should I add? I want to keep the tank active, but I don't want to overcrowd it. The Parrots ick up enough as stressed out as they are. All my fish are acclimated to a 7.0 - 7.5 ph. I was thinking Green Terror. But German Blue Rams might just do the trick.

 

[evilxyardxgnome]

If you want to keep your tetras I wouldn't suggest a Green Terror. Rams would probably be your best bet.

 

[Peanut_Power]

I think a group of RBP or Dovii would go nice....*evil grin*

 

[AtomixIGN]

Any similiar chiclids to the Rams? Bolivians are a little bland. I want a Chilid with a moderate temperment and natural behavior that contrats and compliments the parrots.

 

[Jason_S]

imo, you're going to be pretty full already. I wouldn't add any more cichlids. exactly how large are the blood parrots because full grown they can reach around 8" give or take a couple inches.

 

[AtomixIGN]

2 8" and a 5". The 5" is male, over 5 years old and very bright orange. The 8" are about 2 yrs in my care, bought at 2", real fast growers, and occasionally attempt to breed.


I keep the black veils with them because they are generally left alone. Originally the tank was loaded with Tiger and rosey barbs but the pair stressed them all to death when they first attempted to breed.

 

[Jason_S]

ok then I stick by my original statement. I wouldn't add any more cichlids. If anything I might try to add to the tetra school or find another compatible catfish. other than that I'd leave the tank as is and let the fish already in there have plenty of room to feel comfortable.

 

[dark_aLLeY]

ok then I stick by my original statement. I wouldn't add any more cichlids. If anything I might try to add to the tetra school or find another compatible catfish. other than that I'd leave the tank as is and let the fish already in there have plenty of room to feel comfortable.

Yup, I agree too...

On top of that, blood parrot also like soft acidic water (ph 6.5)...so you can only add fish who share the same parameters with the BPs....

 

[Jason_S]

Yup, I agree too...

On top of that, blood parrot also like soft acidic water (ph 6.5)...so you can only add fish who share the same parameters with the BPs....

I don't think parrots are going to be too picky about water parameters. given they're a hybrid, there is no "natural environment" to compare to. I think they'll be fine in about any water parameters so far as major extremes are avoided. ph anywhere from 6.5 to 8.5 should be just fine for them.

 

[AtomixIGN]

I finished the tank and took some pics. The Parrots are super happy to have room to swim and the lighter two turned deep red as soon as the stress of the move was over.

The Tank in the dark

Two of the parrots playing in the bubbles.

Clean shot of some of the Black Veils.

A Pic of my Sydontis. The njasse part now in question. ID would be nice since I'm pretty sure I've been totally wrong about what he is.

Here is a pic of my salted System 12 Baby tank. I saved three 1" Wal-Mart rams for $5.00 today. Hopefully i can keep them healthy. They are bottom quality but VERY happy playing with the pair of bumble bee gobi I'm growing in the tank.

Also in the shot is an odd baby clown loach I picked up and one of 2 corys that live in the tank full time. Infact if you look close you can see the other full time 12 occupant, a 6"+ clown loach under the fake log. He'll be moving to the 55 in the near future.



The Pleco in the 30 didn't make it to the 35. Starved to death. Real shame.