kacie

Hi, I have 2 tanks, a 20g high and a 55g. So I gave 2 questions.

In my 20g, heated to 79 degrees F, I have;
3 neons
2 Kuhli Loaches
1 otto
1 Bolivian Ram (I just lost my female last month)

So besides getting more neons and 2 more ottos can I get anything else bigger that the Ram won't torture?

In my planted 55g, unheated so the temp is now 70f and may drop down into the 60's this winter, I have;
6 Bloodfin Tetras
5 Gymnogeophagus Blue Neons (unaggressive 3-4 inch SA cichlids)
1 BN Pleco

I'm thinking 3-5 peppered corydoras or another pleco or flagfish or more tetras. There is more room in there and I'd like more movement to draw the Gymnos out.

Any ideas anyone?

Amanda

First off, I'd add a heater to your 55.
I wouldn't add another pleco, but cories would fit in well!

kacie

I know the no heater thing seems crazy but the Gymnos need a cooling off period (winter) so I think the pepper cories can handle the low temps so I might try them. They are so cute.

Jaysee

I would get a few more kuhli loaches as well - they are much more active when kept in a group.

You aren't going to be able to keep many tropicals healthy with temps dipping into the 60's. A heater is a MUST - that doesn't mean you have to keep the temp at 80, but you must be able to control the temp of the tank if you want healthy fish. One pleco is definitly enough (from a bioload perspective), though you could add another bn or a clown pleco.

kacie

So for the heated 20g more neons and kuhli loaches. I wish I could get another ram or keyhole cichlid but i am afraid of the big bully I have in there now.

As far as the heat goes in the 55g, the gymnos aren't a tropical fish so they won't thrive in a heated tank but I want to have a community tank.... I have heard that peppered corys are found with the gymnos in subtropical rivers so they could work.

Jaysee

You heard right! A little research revealed the peppered corys lower range is in the mid 60's. What I was most surprised at was the bloodfins temperature range - 64 to 82 degrees. Had no idea they dipped that low.

So, unless your tank might drop into the 50's, you don't need a heater.

I'm not sure your pleco will like the cold.

kacie

Fingers crossed for the pleco (I was advised that he could handle it). Some people keep them with goldfish, right? Anyway my light gets pretty hot so the tank shouldn't get too cold. So maybe I'll try to get 6 peppered corys and 2 more bloodfin teteras for the 55g and more neons and ottos for the 20g.

btate617

Hey kacie

You are 100% correct about your Gymno's in cooler water. You can keep them in a heated tank though, say around 74degrees or so, but they need the cool down period in the winter of around 3 months or so. The problem with keeping them in hotter water is you will shorten their life span. Also the cool down brings out their best color, most that are always kept at higher temps have drab colors.

I am surprised you say you want something to bring out your Blue Neons though, as my pair are always out. The peppered corys should work so should Buenos Aires Tetras as they too are found in Uruguay. If you want another cichlid, which your 55gal is plenty big enough for, I would suggest an Australoheros species. I keep Australoheros cf. Scitulus and Australoheros sp. Red Ceibal in tanks with different Gymnogeophagus species with good results, they too are from Uruguay. Or you could try another Gymnogeophagus species, as many of them you can mix without the risk of cross breeding. Also don't worry about the 55gal getting too cold, if you can get it into the low 60's all the better. Good luck.

Brian

kacie

Thanks Brian,
My Blue Neon's used to be out more. I'm not sure why they've taken to hiding most of the time lately. Something must be up with them but the tank is a little empty with them hiding out in the plants so i'd like to add something. I'm going to look up the cichlids you recommended. How long have you had your gymnos?

btate617

I have had all of them for at least a year now some 2 years I can add some pics here if want.

Brian

btate617

Also where did your Gymno's come from, ACA?

Brian

btate617

Actually Kacie I just noticed something. I found a post from you from January this year titled pictures of my Gymnogeophagus Blue neons. The only problem I see is those are not Blue Neons. They are in fact Gymnogeophagus n. sp. Norte (Ex-meridionalis), another very cool fish. The yellow tail and black tipped dorsal fin are dead give aways.

Brian

EDIT I forgot the edit button again if one of the mods want to put my last 3 posts together.......

kacie

Pics would be great. I got my Gymnos almost a year ago on Aquabid from someone in Massapequa, NY. I'm not in Canada so it is hard for me to find more Gymnos. I keep an eye out for anyone selling them in my area but haven't had any luck.
Kacie

btate617

Gymnogeophagus n. sp. Paso Pache "Rio Santa Lucia"




Gymnogeophagus n. sp. Blue Neon "Valentines"






Gymnogeophagus cf. Gymnogenys "Arroyo Yerbalito"





Gymnogeophagus Balzanii

btate617

Gymnogeophagus Labiatus "Rio Olimar"






Gymnogeophagus Australis "Rio Uruguay"

btate617

Here are a few of the Australoheros species I was talking about.

Male Australoheros cf. Scitulus "Paso Pache"




Female Australoheros cf. Scitulus "Paso Pache"




Australoheros sp. Red Ceibal "Centurion"






Sorry for so many pics....

Brian

kacie

Thanks Brian. Your fish are just beautiful. The red Ceibal, the Yerbalito or the Balzani are really what I'd love to add. Thanks for sharing your pictures.

btate617

Thanks kacie.
Try Rapps in the states he usually has some Gymno's.

Brian