Hi all-
First let me start off with the usual noob stuff. I apologize for the wordiness.
I just started cycling a 95G Wave (48x24x25, AGA) with a dozen Danio's. Maybe another more colorful school of something else small. The tank has the AGA Mega overflow draining to a large sump (36x12.18in). I’m still twiddling with the plumbing, but I probably turn over about 140 gallons per hour of flow with the return pump through a couple nozzles, reef style, for returns. I'm starting some plants with flourite overlaid with pea gravel from Home Depot and have strong lighting since I bought this all (used) when thinking I might do a reef tank. I'm on just slightly soft well water, and after a lot of reading believe that S. Am. Dwarfs are the best fit for me. If all goes well, I'll eventually add CO2 but don't see it as necessary now. Rocks, caves etc are in development…. I’m hoping for a natural look but could use some excitement.
I think I’ve got room for two species to co-exist (3-5 fish each). My short list of preferred species is
Apistogramma agassizii
Apistogramma borrelii
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Apistogramma panduro or Apistogramma nijsseni
Microgeophagus ramirezi
I’ve seen some sad rams in a LFS and they looked a little un-natural to me but I suppose happy ones in a big tank would be pleasing. Probably most intriguing to me are agassizii, panduro (or nijsseni), and borrelii (or cacatuoides), with the 2nd runner ups in (parens). It would be cool if they successfully breed, but it’s not a make-or-break priority for me now. I’ll do my best. I choose these species because, from my reading, they seem to be more available and on the easier side of the spectrum.
For tank mates, I’ll probably keep about a dozen danio’s. I’d like to add a school of Cory’s. And I’ve always liked Silver Dollar fish for the middle because they are such dramatic swimmers. But, I hear they are piggy eaters and will mow down the plant life. So, maybe I’ll try some Angles later if they are OK with strong flow? …and possibly a pleco if algae gets bad. The tank has good height so I want somebody in the middle.
…so, what are my questions?
I’d appreciate compatibility comments. I was reading another thread about harem vs. non-harem which was a level I hadn’t considered. Since I haven’t landscaped yet I intend to set up two distinct territories. Any additional species recommendations? Or comments on numbers and sex ratios?
I was also wondering where good places to get fish are. The Boston area is closest but a bit of a drive for me, so I’d consider mail order to get the fish I like as well.
Thanks for reading.
First let me start off with the usual noob stuff. I apologize for the wordiness.
I just started cycling a 95G Wave (48x24x25, AGA) with a dozen Danio's. Maybe another more colorful school of something else small. The tank has the AGA Mega overflow draining to a large sump (36x12.18in). I’m still twiddling with the plumbing, but I probably turn over about 140 gallons per hour of flow with the return pump through a couple nozzles, reef style, for returns. I'm starting some plants with flourite overlaid with pea gravel from Home Depot and have strong lighting since I bought this all (used) when thinking I might do a reef tank. I'm on just slightly soft well water, and after a lot of reading believe that S. Am. Dwarfs are the best fit for me. If all goes well, I'll eventually add CO2 but don't see it as necessary now. Rocks, caves etc are in development…. I’m hoping for a natural look but could use some excitement.
I think I’ve got room for two species to co-exist (3-5 fish each). My short list of preferred species is
Apistogramma agassizii
Apistogramma borrelii
Apistogramma cacatuoides
Apistogramma panduro or Apistogramma nijsseni
Microgeophagus ramirezi
I’ve seen some sad rams in a LFS and they looked a little un-natural to me but I suppose happy ones in a big tank would be pleasing. Probably most intriguing to me are agassizii, panduro (or nijsseni), and borrelii (or cacatuoides), with the 2nd runner ups in (parens). It would be cool if they successfully breed, but it’s not a make-or-break priority for me now. I’ll do my best. I choose these species because, from my reading, they seem to be more available and on the easier side of the spectrum.
For tank mates, I’ll probably keep about a dozen danio’s. I’d like to add a school of Cory’s. And I’ve always liked Silver Dollar fish for the middle because they are such dramatic swimmers. But, I hear they are piggy eaters and will mow down the plant life. So, maybe I’ll try some Angles later if they are OK with strong flow? …and possibly a pleco if algae gets bad. The tank has good height so I want somebody in the middle.
…so, what are my questions?
I’d appreciate compatibility comments. I was reading another thread about harem vs. non-harem which was a level I hadn’t considered. Since I haven’t landscaped yet I intend to set up two distinct territories. Any additional species recommendations? Or comments on numbers and sex ratios?
I was also wondering where good places to get fish are. The Boston area is closest but a bit of a drive for me, so I’d consider mail order to get the fish I like as well.
Thanks for reading.
