RTBS

I have two questions...

I currently have three Black Phantom Tetras and a Red Tail Black Shark in a 20 Gal aquarium...

1. What type of bottom feeders do you recommend for the aggressive nature of my RTBS which will not nip the fins off my Tetra?

2. What type of Aquarium Plants would you recommend for keeping the levels of ammonia and nitrate down?

Appreciate the help...

Lucy

Hi RTBS Welcome to Fish Lore.

I hope you don't mind, I moved your questions to this forum where it will get more attention.

The Welcome forum is where you can say hi to everyone, please feel free to start another there introducing yourself so the members can welcome you.

I'll leave your questions to the members who are familiar with your type of fish.

Good luck.

heartsongsinger

just get some ghost shrimp. they're cheap when you have to replace them. I have them in all my tanks.

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore!!!

in a 20 gal, the rts will own it...they are very territorial and wont tolerate much near their spot....the only thing for that tank would be some cories or ottos and the rts will hurt them badly....as far as ammonia, if the tank is cycled, and not being overfed or overstocked, you shouldnt have ammonia with water maitenance..if you arent cycled yet, daily water changes with some prime water conditioner will help you with that process...goodluck!

RTBS

I had an American Flag fish but it nipped at the fins of one of my tetra. (I got rid of it) I was thinking about getting a Convict Chichild do you think that would be a bad idea?

Shawnie

a very bad idea...way to agressive for the tetra's and will go head to head with your rts

Steen16

try a bristlenose pleco

RTBS

Are they a little too big for my 20Gal? Up to 18Inches...

Shawnie

the rts will harrass the bn to no end in a 20 gal tho

Steen16

bristle nose get to maximum 6 inches

GouramiGirl1221

A bristlenose pleco will only grow to 4-5", but shawnie is correct, it will probably get harassed by your shark.

Steen16

I have two rts are they realy that bad? one is in a 25g and one in a 10g for now.. but both are super placid i have mine with a bn bigger then him and he goes noway near him..

I still believe that it all depends on individual fish.

GouramiGirl1221

I've heard that they're *typically* pretty aggressive toward other bottom dwellers but don't really bother the mid and upper level swimmers as much.

Steen16

mine is 7 yrs old and 6 inches virging on 7

RTBS

I guess my only option is ghost shrimp. Ill need to get a broken pot or somethin small for them to hide under also right? Are they known to clean up algae, and what do they eat?

This site is great help!!!

Shawnie

I just saw your pics and you have a rainbow shark rtbs and all the ones ive had have been very territorial...ive heard the red tails are similar but not as agressive...maybe thats why yours is different steen?

heartsongsinger

I don't have mine in anything. They'll eat anything from algea, to plants, to bloodworms.

Red1313

It all depends on the size of the tank. It also depends on if the shark was in the tank first or not. As an emergency meassure I had my female betta in with my RTS and she came out fairly beat up.
The RTS once it establishes it's territory doesn't really like having anyone show up in it. And they'll claim all of the tank depending on the size.

Barbrella

If you get ghost shrimp, Java moss is great for them to hide in, breed in, and pick around for food.

Everyone is right about RTBS, and they become much more aggressive with age and are relentless in their harassment of other fish.

kieley

yup i agree i had a rainbow shark and he was evil! i had to give him away to a friend of mine with a red devil (thought he would be lunch) but they get a long great randomly.. hes like 1/10th the size and he still picks fights with it! sometimes the red devil chases him but hes too smart to get caught!