Congo Tetras

[fishmommie]

I keep 10 rummy nose with a pair of angels and they are fine together. The rummys tend to stay near the bottom of the tank.

there you go! that sounds gorgeous.

[steeler58]

I know I definitely want congos and cardinals...just not sure what else to add to round the tank out... I love rummy nose tetras, but I hear they are difficult to keep. Hmmm...any other suggestions?

The Rummy Nose's are not any more difficult to keep than Cardinals IME. They also look very well together.

The Rummy noses are also one of the tightest scoolers of all the tetras.

[fishywish]

The Rummy noses are also one of the tightest scoolers of all the tetras.

Good info! I love the look of tight schools. I was hoping the serpaes would be tight, biut they are pretty free spirited:)

Ok...so far I'm thinking 6 congos, 8 cardinals, 8 rummys and maybe an angel or two? my friend has a 55 gallon w/3 angels, 6 serpaes, 4 mollies, a bristlenose and 4 corys...they all get along great - his angels stay near the top and don't seem to bother anything....

[Imma24]

The advice I've seen given over and over on this forum is the following:

Do not aim for several groups of different fish - stick with 1 and make it a larger one. It's understandable to want variety (and colors), but schooling fish (such as tetras) tend to act more naturally when they are in a larger groups.

Also, despite your love of "tight schools", it is better if a group doesn't school tightly because it could mean they feel threatened. Fish should be comfortable enough that they venture away from their group if they want to.

Also, if you want an angel - stick with 1 - 2 apparently don't work well unless they're a mating pair.

[fishmommie]

Good info! I love the look of tight schools. I was hoping the serpaes would be tight, biut they are pretty free spirited:)

Ok...so far I'm thinking 6 congos, 8 cardinals, 8 rummys and maybe an angel or two? my friend has a 55 gallon w/3 angels, 6 serpaes, 4 mollies, a bristlenose and 4 corys...they all get along great - his angels stay near the top and don't seem to bother anything....

Your friend probably has a mated pair of angels. You could sure try two but just keep a very close eye on them and be prepared to have to separate them if things get dicey.

As for the schools - I'd either go with a larger school of cardinals or larger school of rummys. You have to remember, in a 55 small schools are going to look very tiny ... also the cardinals aren't going to school that tight so they'll more likely be scattered all over the tank.

Another mix might be your 6 or 7 congos, 20 rummys (or 20 cardinals), 1 angel and 6 corys (really need something on the bottom and 6 is the smallest recommended for corys for the most activity and for happy little fellas) you could also add a dwarf Bristle Nose pleco if you wanted as they only get to about 3 - 4 inches.

Tough decisions, huh??

Try messing around on aqadvisor.com. It's kind of a fun site. you plug in your tank size, filters and fill in your stocking 'wish' list and it gives you an idea if your filtration is adequate, if your stock is compatible and if you're over or under stocked. It's not the be all end all but it gives you a pretty good idea of what all you can stock and how.

have fun.

[fishmommie]

l0l - looks like Andrea and I were writing at the same time and are of like minds :o).

[jeffs99dime]

Rummy's and Cardinals, Rummys especially, both need very clean water with no ph swings/ fluctuations. Keep the nitrate level low. Salt and other additives are not recommended as they do not like change. My last tank was nothing but Rummys and Cardinals in a 30long. Make sure you have several of both because they like to school. When you introduce them to the tank be prepared to drip acclimate for at least a couple hours. I like to get the ph of the tank at the shop or breeder so when I get them home I know what the ph difference is and make my drip accordingly. I do this with all fish/inverts.

[fishywish]

[COLOR="Purple"]6 corys (really need something on the bottom and 6 is the smallest recommended for corys for the most activity and for happy little fellas) you could also add a dwarf Bristle Nose pleco if you wanted as they only get to about 3 - 4 inches.

Corys are my favorite! and I've thought of the bristlenose before...do you have to provide them with algae wafers if there is no algae in the tank?

Try messing around on aqadvisor.com. COLOR]

This site IS fun! Thanks!

Ok...so far in my head I have: 6 congos, 6 corys, 1 bristlenose, 12-20 cardinals....

Rasboras might work with this group as well?

[fishmommie]

This site IS fun! Thanks!

Ok...so far in my head I have: 6 congos, 6 corys, 1 bristlenose, 12-20 cardinals....

Rasboras might work with this group as well?

Rasboras would be a also be a good choice. I'd still stick with one swimming school (cardinals since you like them so well) and make the school a nice big one, see how you do with them before you add either your angel or another school. Live with the tank for a while before you decide ... I think you'll be glad you did even though I know it's hard to wait :o)

So you could maybe start with your congos, the cardinals, the pleco and the corys. Later, you'll know if you want a centerpiece fish like an angel or another swimming school.

As for feeding the pleco - he must have some driftwood - very fun to watch him with it. I drop sinking veggie chips and or algae wafers for him and the corys a couple times a week. I also feed the pleco zuchinni rounds. Between him and the 2 mystery snails they eat one every 2 days. also fun to watch

[steeler58]

Rummy's and Cardinals, Rummys especially, both need very clean water with no ph swings/ fluctuations. Keep the nitrate level low. Salt and other additives are not recommended as they do not like change. My last tank was nothing but Rummys and Cardinals in a 30long. Make sure you have several of both because they like to school. When you introduce them to the tank be prepared to drip acclimate for at least a couple hours. I like to get the ph of the tank at the shop or breeder so when I get them home I know what the ph difference is and make my drip accordingly. I do this with all fish/inverts.

+1 jeff on all points, alot of people justifiably fall in love with both species but don't realise how sensative to water conditions both are. Not beginer fish at all. I keep both together and go the extra mile and add peat to make the water soft and lower the pH to 6.5.

Jeff sorry your Giants did not get in but at least the Cowboys are staying home also.