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I've just set up a new 4x2x2 and moved all of my existing fish into it. I'm interested in getting some more occupants in a couple months when I'm sure it's all settled down, and I was looking for a few suggestions.

Current occupants:
1 x synodontis eupterus
2 x jewel cichlid (m/f breeding pair)
3 x swordtail (1m/2f)
3 x bristlenose (1m/2f?)
3 x clown loach
2 x bala sharks

I was going to take out the breeding jewels but they seem to have settled down since their last attempt to spawn, when they both got beaten off by the syno cat (which was quite a relief).

Anyway, there's a fair number of low-dwelling fish there, was interested in opinions as to whether I can fit anything more in there, and if so, what you would suggest to occupy the higher reaches of the tank.

Cheers!

Even in a 125, the Bala Sharks are going to be cramped when they get older. Fully grown ones reach 12 inches with ease.

If you part with the Bala Sharks, then you've space for 8 Congo Tetras. Nice iridescent shoaling fishes that will stay in the upper reaches, and fast enough to avoid any unwelcome attention from the Jewel Cichlids.

Incidentally it doesn't surprise me that your Synodontis eupterus put the Jewel Cichids in their place ... they live alongside some fairly chunky Cichlids in the wild. In fact quite a few of the bigger Synodontis can cope with surprisingly tough and bad tempered companions - the ultimate bruiser encountered with some frequency in the aquariun being Synodontis acanthomias, a 12 inch fish that will square up to a Green Terror and tell it where to get off ...

A Featherfin and Clown Loaches together? Hmm, that's one lively aquarium you have there - even without factoring the Jewel Cichlids into the picture!


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Unfortunately due to the previous tank they were in I doubt the Balas will reach full size. But point taken. However, we've gotten quite attached to them, and so far they seem fine. Certainly happier than where they used to be..

The loaches and eupterus have never bothered each other, believe it or not. And they've been together quite a while now (> 1 year). In fact, they don't even really seem to notice each other. The loaches never have trouble with anything else, and the only fireworks are occasionally between the eupterus and the jewels, which seems to have calmed down.

So to summarise, without taking out the sharks I shouldn't be adding anything?

I'd hold off on more additions if you want to keep the Bala Sharks. They might surprise you and decide to put on a little growth spurt now they have some space.


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002