Thoughts on Stocking

[maryhm]

I have a 180 that I was going to put a large puffer in, but have decided that until I find a T. pustulatus I'll just have a normal fishtank! Here's what I'm thinking of putting in it:

I'll be adding plants weekly until it is a medium to heavily planted tank. These are the additions I'm considering, in order of acquisition.
-Leopard Ctenopoma about 2"
-Anostomus anostomus about 4"
-Prochilodus taeniurus about 4"
-Pink Tail Chalceus about 3"
-Some sort of larger sized tetra in a school of about 6-10
-Puntius denisonii (Roseline sharks)- Adding 6-8 about 2"

After the Roselines, I'd like to add a school of SAPs. I have an oversized wet dry on the tank and can add a canister if needed. How many SAPs do you think I could add, if any?

[borgey]

I have a 180 that I was going to put a large puffer in, but have decided that until I find a T. pustulatus I'll just have a normal fishtank! Here's what I'm thinking of putting in it:

I'll be adding plants weekly until it is a medium to heavily planted tank. These are the additions I'm considering, in order of acquisition.
-Leopard Ctenopoma about 2"
-Anostomus anostomus about 4"
-Prochilodus taeniurus about 4"
-Pink Tail Chalceus about 3"
-Some sort of larger sized tetra in a school of about 6-10
-Puntius denisonii (Roseline sharks)- Adding 6-8 about 2"

After the Roselines, I'd like to add a school of SAPs. I have an oversized wet dry on the tank and can add a canister if needed. How many SAPs do you think I could add, if any?

A school of SAPs would be so awesome in that tank. I absolutely LOVE mine, they are so darn energetic. Well the PufferPedia says they need about 15 gallons per puffer minimum. They do best in schools, but I don't know about keeping them with other community fish. Yes they are one of the more peaceful puffers but don't forget that they are still in fact a puffer. Some act different then others so it all depends I would guess. I personally would not risk and would go with a school of SAPs and that's it in the tank.

[RTR]

I just don't do so-called community tanks anymore, not really for a long time. They are not and do not act as communities. Hobby sized tanks simply cannot support a real community.

I would pick one species which I really like and keep that, perhaps with purely bottom-dwelling support crew (fish or invert) and have one tank of really happy fish - whether single specimen or school.

FWIW, personal choice item.

[purplecandle]

I agree pic one largish cool fish.

That way it will be easier for you to rehome it when you find your Cross river..

Maybe some sort of large pleco (there are many kinds)...and for sure it would keep your bioload up!

[Pufferpunk]

All serious jumping fish, be sure you keep a tight lid on there. Cool list of fish though. My other concern is all the fish you have there are nervous, skittish fish & will not help the skittishness of that species of puffer.

[maryhm]

I'm not worried about having to rehome the fish if I find a T. pustulatus. And I realize it could easily be a few years before I do. So in the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy everything this 180 has to offer!

Concerning the skittish nature of the puffers...what are some good tankmates to help bring those guys out of their shell? I was under the impression that they are fairly playful little guys.

[Flutter]

They are very very active. I'm not sure about more relaxed fish you can put in but I'm sure other people will have some suggestions.