Tony
Alligator Snapping Turtle/Past Pres
As I figured, my wipe thread had sort of started to turn into a restocking thread... which is fine because that's what my attempt at a glass-half-full mindset has been built around the last few days.
This being the case, I figured I'd move out of the old world section and into the more appropriate new world section.
I was thinking about discus for a second, but don't have the money to get something that ambitions started up properly. Sure, I can start with fewer than I should or lesser quality discus, but an undertaking like that should be done right to do it justice. One of these days, I will sit down with my friend, Hans and get things rolling right.
I'm thinking of either a community built around a single group of Geophagus or possibly a mixed central American setup. But I'm sure there are all sorts of other cool ideas involving fish I know nothing about.
Some constraints/design criteria:
I can spout off most scientific names of Malawi haps and tell you differences between collection points, but when it comes to our southern neighbors, I look to my friends in the club for help.
Thanks in advance.
This being the case, I figured I'd move out of the old world section and into the more appropriate new world section.
I was thinking about discus for a second, but don't have the money to get something that ambitions started up properly. Sure, I can start with fewer than I should or lesser quality discus, but an undertaking like that should be done right to do it justice. One of these days, I will sit down with my friend, Hans and get things rolling right.
I'm thinking of either a community built around a single group of Geophagus or possibly a mixed central American setup. But I'm sure there are all sorts of other cool ideas involving fish I know nothing about.
Some constraints/design criteria:
- Cories - I like cories. I like them a lot. But given the fact that the fish in all but two of my tanks currently set up like hard water has prevented me from properly keeping them. Throw in the fact that my current cichlids will turn them into chew toys and that's why I keep synos. So constraint #1 - a large school of cories.
- Plecos - I'd like to keep a few different cool single specimens in there. Not even going to consider the ridiculous logistics of trying to breed a single species in a giant community setup, so no worries there.
- Schooling fish - A group or two of tetras/barbs/rasboras would be pretty sweet in a tall 6 footer, I think.
- Breeding - I like breeding behavior. Would like to either see one dominant group breeding or perhaps more than one if I lean towards a community of more than one species of cichlid. I don't however want to end up with a tank full of 500 chanchitos by next spring (no offense, Matt). I'm not looking for the new world equivalent to a horde of Neolamprologus brichardi.
- Plants - I like planted tanks, but I already have my nice 45 gal planted tank upstairs. The high lighting and selection of easy varieties (anubias, giant val, cryptocoryne) has allowed this tank to be near zero maintenance. I like that, but it's taken years to get to that state and frankly, don't want to bother doing that again. I'd like to scape the tank with some easy plants and large chunks of driftwood, but nothing requiring a monster lighting investment. Lots of open swimming room, not the jungle I have in the 45. (I'm open to changing media from the current PFS/black 3M if it will look better)
- Big meanies - Sorry DQ, but no. I want more that 3 fish in the tank, without the possibility of random homicidal rampages. I have my La Cieba Freddies growing out and will eventually have a pair in one of those 50 long tanks. Similarly, not at all interested in doing the single male community tank with an oscar, a jag, a festae, a polleni..... I'm not saying I won't have one of these setups some day, just not now; too similar to big male Malawi tanks imo (I know.. much different, but still not interested now).
- Biotope - Wile I'm not looking for everything to be from the exact location on a river, I'd like to do fish that are sort of related. Not too interested in keeping convicts with angels and Malagasy cichlids. I'm flexible with mixing in tetras and catfish from other places though.
- Cost - Like the discus, I'm not looking to spend a fortune on cichlids. With the recent acquisition of some other fish (from a lake that shall not be mentioned in this section of the forum), I'd rather not spend $60-$80 each on adult fish. I'm completely fine with purchasing sub-adults on the more pricey stuff.
I can spout off most scientific names of Malawi haps and tell you differences between collection points, but when it comes to our southern neighbors, I look to my friends in the club for help.
Thanks in advance.
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