help me pick some tetras - Page 2

dannybgoode · 12-24-15, 02:37 AM

To be honest, a big shoal of 1 type of tetra imo has far more impact that 5 of this and 6 of that.

I'd up the red eyes to 11+ and then 11+ black phantoms for contrast.

You would then have 2 really nice active shoals of attractive but contrasting fish.

An alternative would be to up the red eyes to 11+ then look at a shoal of pencil fish. They stay small, are very attractive and just a bit different. They are totally compatible with tetras and make a slightly usual addition to the tank.

Salty Rob · 12-26-15, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannybgoode

To be honest, a big shoal of 1 type of tetra imo has far more impact that 5 of this and 6 of that.

I'd up the red eyes to 11+ and then 11+ black phantoms for contrast.

You would then have 2 really nice active shoals of attractive but contrasting fish.

An alternative would be to up the red eyes to 11+ then look at a shoal of pencil fish. They stay small, are very attractive and just a bit different. They are totally compatible with tetras and make a slightly usual addition to the tank.

Thanks. Had to look the pencil fish up. They look pretty cool. I might just do that

Pogie · 12-30-15, 11:18 AM

I like the rummy nose but they can be delicate. I never had problems with them but others have for some reason. And I too like the large schools of them. They are much calmer and some more than others will school. Not all will however. I have had the Congos and Diamond tetras and they both schooled very well. I miss my tanks lol.

**Minkness** · 12-30-15, 11:29 AM

I can't wait to get started on my 'big' tank, which will hopefully be a 55 gallon. =)

It will be all fresh water and I can't decide between a moxture of tetras and other fish, or possibly a cichlid tank.... I do like the idea of a 'natural' tank with several kinds of fish...and maybe another lobster (or two!)

Pogie · 12-30-15, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

I can't wait to get started on my 'big' tank, which will hopefully be a 55 gallon. =)

It will be all fresh water and I can't decide between a moxture of tetras and other fish, or possibly a cichlid tank.... I do like the idea of a 'natural' tank with several kinds of fish...and maybe another lobster (or two!)

I tried the cichlids, they were ok but not for me.

My last tank was diamond tetras, congo tetras, bristle nose pleco, about 6 cory cats, platys, a few guppies I could never catch and my lone angel fish

Oh and lots and lots of live plants.

I have had saltwater, reef, goldfish and my favorite the planted freshwater tanks. From 10 gals to 125 gal. I do miss my tanks but I needed a break from them. I have had a tank of some sort since 4th grade.

Nothing any prettier than a tank with live plants....sooooo pretty. I put dirt in mine, gravel on top and stuck the plants in and after a while there isn't even a need for filters, the plants do all the work for ya

Well unless you have cichlids, plants tend to be torn up by them. Still pretty fish though.

Pogie · 12-30-15, 07:26 PM

Mink, if you can get a 75, much better for depth. Same length as the 55 but deeper

**Minkness** · 12-30-15, 07:48 PM

Good to know!

Where did you get the dirt?

**Minkness** · 12-30-15, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogie

Mink, if you can get a 75, much better for depth. Same length as the 55 but deeper

I honestly wouldn't have the space for a 75 lol.

Pogie · 12-30-15, 07:50 PM

The dirt was just plain ole topsoil from Lowes

As for the gravel I used brown aquarium gravel, I love the natural look.

Pogie · 12-30-15, 07:51 PM

The depth of a 75 is 18" deep as compared to the 75 which is only like 12". You can do it! lol

Bandit · 12-30-15, 09:03 PM

I'm thinking once I get a new place I'll get a 75g. I'll try my hand at a planted tank with some nice community fish. One thing I can say with certainty is that I will have loaches. Love those guys.

Pogie · 12-30-15, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandit

I'm thinking once I get a new place I'll get a 75g. I'll try my hand at a planted tank with some nice community fish. One thing I can say with certainty is that I will have loaches. Love those guys.

Nice! I use to have those in that tank too, I'm sure I'm forgetting others lol. You will love it!

Bandit · 12-30-15, 09:20 PM

I tried doing a little planted shrimp tank (3g) a while back, but I didn't keep up with it and I also had moss in there which sort of took over. Hopefully I get something together though. I love keeping fish, just don't have the time, money, or space to do it how I would like to right now. Once the fish in my 29g die out I'll be taking a break for a couple years most likely. But I'm pretty sure the remaining fish are immortal lol.

Pogie · 12-30-15, 09:52 PM

Larger tanks are much...MUCH easier to keep. What kind of fish do you have? I had zebra fish I thought would outlive me! Tough lil buggers lol.

Bandit · 12-30-15, 09:58 PM

The only fish remaining are three zebra loaches (had them about 6 years I think) and a rainbow shark who I've had for 10.5 years. I've kept plenty of different freshwater community fish over the years...barbs, gouramis, tetras, rainbow fish, etc. The only thing I have consistently not been able to keep alive are plecos for some reason.