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OK, what are thoughts on this stocking

2 B fusca
4-5 B falx (both are wild bettas, one large, one average)
4 giant danios
5 zebra danios
4 kuhlis
2 BN
1 harlequin


Possible additions
8 harlequins
3 BN
2 hillstream loaches
2 bumblebee gobies


I'm tempted to leave the bumblebees and the hillstreams to another tank, what do you think?

55 gal (ish, its a bit more) 4', sand substrate, stem planted + java fern, driftwood, ViaAqua 600 pro canister, twin light hood.



For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

Sounds like a good setup Calla.

A single harlequin is a wee bit strange though. You might want to ditch the giant danios for more harlequins. Keep the loaches in another tank if you can. Hillstreams can get too big even for a 55g with all the habitants you have.

All the best for your new setup!

Bleeder's Forum
http://silentlucidity.s10.forumsplace.com

I have no personal experience with those particular betta species but as a rule I don't like keeping most Anabantids with fast moving top water swimmers like danios. I'm not saying it could not work I'm just saying procede with caution and prepare to have to intervene.


I would definitly add the other harlequins, and maybe just one other bristle nose. I think the gobies and the hillsteams should be left out. I think the hill streams will be bullied by the BNs and I really don't like it when people try to put gobies in fresh water (again one of those things that can work but I avoid doing).

From my experience, danios can be nippy. I would may be leave these out a and get more harlequins.

-Vincent

It *was* 6 harlequins, but the fusca made short work of them, so i've been waiting for some larger harlies to become available that were inedible

the danios are in to work as ditherfish. I really didn't think i needed them, but those larger bettas need something other than themselves to pay attention to. They really are terribly nippy though, I hadn't noticed how snarky they are!

Agree about the single BN, they are messy, but I am considering adding all for a while and then removing the smaller ones as they grow, as this tank has the best setup for getting size on in the smallest amount of time. I'm a little worried I won't be able to catch the devils again!

Thanks for your feedback guys

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

I'd leave out the hillstream loaches and bumblebee gobies. They have specialised requirements. Many hillstream loaches need cooler than average temperatures and fast flowing water, 18 degrees C is a typical temp for a hillstream aquarium. Bumblebees are usually considered brackish water fishes, and tend to do best in water that's around 10% marine strength or above, which will be lethally incompatible with ANY catfishes or loaches of the usual kind.

If you're looking for a shoaling fish that will be quick enough to evade any attempts by your Betta fusca to pick them off, try the beautiful and much underrated Rasbora borapetensis. If you can find it, it's a lovely fish, and fast without being unduly nippy or facial tic inducing to watch!


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002