50 gallon stocking suggestions

[The Goonch]

I will be setting up a 50 gallon Top Fin aquarium (Dimensions: 48 1/4"L x 12 3/4"W x 20"H). I will be using the stock aquarium hood(s) for now. The substrate will be Black Diamond blasting grit. I will be using a SunSun canister filter (HW-303A). The heater is a Hydor 200W inline heater.

My stocklist includes:

10 - Columbian tetras (Hyphessobrycon colimbianus) or Odessa barbs (Puntius padamya)
1 - Rainbow shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatus)

What would you add to the list? Thanks.

[WATduh]

Originally Posted by The Goonch

I will be setting up a 50 gallon Top Fin aquarium (Dimensions: 48 1/4"L x 12 3/4"W x 20"H). I will be using the stock aquarium hood(s) for now. The substrate will be Black Diamond blasting grit. I will be using a SunSun canister filter (HW-303A). The heater is a Hydor 200W inline heater.

My stocklist includes:

10 - Columbian tetras (Hyphessobrycon colimbianus)
1 - Rainbow shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatus)

What would you add to the list? Thanks.

Are you going for a theme? South American species? Or just a mixed tropical community tank?

Unless your heart is truly set on it, I would nix the rainbow shark. They get rather large, but they are beautiful when fully grown. I'd also stick to smaller schools of larger species if you're going with the RS.

[The Goonch]

I think I might end up selecting a barb of some kind instead of tetras.

[Ashnic05]

Some Angels would look great with Columbians or a Gourami or two. You could also do some dwarf cichlids like Rams or Kribensis! Many options

I second that with the RTS. Can be quite aggressive when older, but gorgeous none the less. Could work if you put him/her in last with decent amount of low-light plants (since you're using the stock lights).

[WATduh]

Originally Posted by The Goonch

I think I might end up selecting a barb of some kind instead of tetras.

Tiger barbs are cool looking and they could hold their own against a juvenile RS. I've never kept barbs personally (my experience lies with South American fish) but I've heard they can be more nippy than tetras. I would keep a group of 6+. I also wouldn't keep them with anything that has long fins or is slow moving.

If you really want that Rainbow Shark- that'll be your center piece fish. Just keep in mind that it might grow to 6" or 7". When it's full grown, that thing will rule your tank- especially the bottom of your tank. I would keep larger species that occupy more of the middle and upper water column- that way they'll be less likely to have run-ins with your shark.

[LB79]

Yeah, unless the lower-area fish are mid-sized cichlids, the shark will be king. I'd steer clear of slower, more timid lower-area fish like cories, small schoolers, and such.

[The Goonch]

I like the look of Odessa barbs (Puntius padamya). The profiles I have read about them, suggest that they would be compatible with the Rainbow shark. Any thoughts?

[Ashnic05]

Originally Posted by The Goonch

I like the look of Odessa barbs (Puntius padamya). The profiles I have read about them, suggest that they would be compatible with the Rainbow shark. Any thoughts?

They are highly active, can be a bit nippy (typical of barbs) and are quite beautiful fish!

[Magnum26]

^ exactly this. I had 4 Odessa barbs with my other community fish, but I had to remove them as they were attacking and wounding my Golden barbs (which are soft gentle creatures that are scared of their own reflections - but I love them) so I had to get rid of them. I've found the same with Rosey barbs and Cherry barbs. Also avoid Tiger barbs or any variety as these can and are also nippy.

[rhody9]

I have a nice shoal of Columbian Tetras (16) , they are an awesome fish and shoal nicely. They are in with a smaller shoal of tiger barbs (7) which has worked out well. The tetras generally tend to group up in the mid water and the Barb(arian)s patrol and chase each other around the plants and driftwood. The tetras are great at feeding time tere is definately a "splash zone" in front of the tank.

[The Goonch]

Thanks everyone for the replies! I have decided to start off with 10 Odessa barbs and then add the Rainbow shark at a later date.

[micheljq]

I would be concerned about barbs eating soft plants if the tank is planted. Most barbs may like plants like cabombas, egeria densa, and the like.

Odessa barb can grow to 6-7cm. It can leave plants alone when small, and then begin to eat some when it reach 5+ cm, better feed them twice a day, all barbs are good eaters, maybe if well feeded it will leave plants alone.

Michel.