f1ea

Hello all,
This is my first post, but I have read the forum for a few weeks and it has been pretty helpful for my other tanks.

This weekend I will start building an outdoor concrete / glass freshwater tank and want to do it right Size will be 2.44 x 0.60 x 0.50 m (96 x 24 x 20 in). Roughly 190 gal. It will have a hood and lighting with no heating.

My first question is regarding the stocking (aquascaping / equipment will be a subject in its own). So the general idea is:

(5) Angelfish
(1) red tail shark
(4) Blood parrot
(1) Black ghost knife
(10) Guppies
(10) Swordtails
(2) Bettas
(3) Dwarf gouramis

Definitely open to any suggestions, possibilities and special considerations to pay attention to!

Amanda

I wouldn't add 2 bettas to the tank, possibly one female, if you have a back-up plan.
With a tank that large I would personally go with large cichlids, but that's just me.

f1ea

I figured in a large tank, more than 1 betta would do ok...

As for large Cichlids, i would love medium sized (around 6"), but wouldnt like to go through all the hassle of a large tank and then having a single fella owning the tank. Happened to me with an Oscar, initially had 4 in a 50 gal... only one remained; killed everyone tore all plants and decorations

So, if i could arrange some mild mannered medium sized cichlids, i'd definitely go for it. I'll look for it and come back with some options...

Also, my water is fairly neutral, so i could work out increasing the pH with substrate and stones, to accomodate some african cichlids... first i have to see where and if i would be able to get them.

catfishlover123

Gouramis will fight each other. I would rather go with 1 gourami. I'd get African cichlids since they don't fight as much as other cichlids do.

agabr123

if it's not going to be heated then i'm not sure you can safely keep tropical fish in that tank, they really need stable temperatures that don't fluctuate, and having it outisde means that there will be a lot of fluctuations. i'd consider coldwater fish such as goldies and dojo loaches.

f1ea

I don't think temeperature will be such a problem. The tank will be in a reasonably shadowed place with some indirect sunlight between 3-5 pm and it is quite large, so fluctuation should be minimal. Also, where i live the temperature is absolutely tropical (always around 76 - 88 F, with some slight seasonal change).

In fact, here we are theoretically not even able to keep goldfish without a cooler, but we still do; without problems... i think they have been genetically acclimatised over the yrs.

ABCDemily

Sounds like a nice idea overall, hoever two male bettas will fight, as will the DG's, and it should be heated, even if you live in a warmer climate.

Bad Wolf

you could experiment with the 2 bettas with a tank that size and if you put a lot of plants, but there's more chance it will end in tears that a success.

good luck with it any way!

aquarist48

Good morning! Your plans sound wonderful as far as having an outdoor tank. As mentioned above keep an eye on your temperature and try to keep it stable. Here is some information on Bloody Parrots that you might find helpful (if you haven't seen it already).
http://www.fishlore.com/aquariummaga...ot-cichlid.htm
Blood Red Parrots (BR's) will grow from 7 to 10 inches. Normally females of the same age are a bit smaller than the males. They are a cichlid hybrid and for the most part very peaceful when kept with fish of similar size. It you do decide to keep guppies and sword tails in with the BR's the smaller fish could be at risk. BR's tend to react as a pack when it comes to aggression.
As for the Red Tail Shark, I would like to suggest adding it last. They are so territorial when it comes to other bottom feeders. Let the others get established in a home/cave that they choose, first.
Best of luck and keep it fun! If you have the means we would all love to see some pictures once you're all set up.

f1ea

Thanks guys!

I know I have to carefully monitor temperatures, and will do that while it is cycling (also because being such a large tank, an accurate 'target temperature increase' is pretty useful, otherwise i may need a power plant to heat it up!!)

The main fish will be Angels and Parrots (they swim in different areas, and BPs will provide the colour the angels dont have). They are both very interesting fish.

Will post pictures for sure!

Guppies and swordtails will be in from the beggining... as background/filler fish, so hopefully they dont end up being eaten, as it would probably take like 1.5 yrs before the larger fellas grow their full size. And I dont mind if the larger ones eat the livebeares fry...

Stocking order would be:
1. BPs + Livebearers
2. Angels
3. Black Ghost
4. Rainbow Shark

One thing i am concerned, is if having eatable fry in with them at times will trigger their instincts and get them to eat other fish later on??

aquarist48

I think the instinct is already there when it comes to the large eating the small in most cases.