JennDFK

I currently have a 30 gallon hex set up with 4 platys, 1 gourami, and a Chinese Algea eater. I really love RTSs and would love to add one to my tank but I was cautioned against keeping RTS with these fish at the pet store due to their aggresion. I have read so much conflicting information about them that I don't know what to believe.

I am going to set up a 55 gallon in a couple of months and I was planning on moving the platys and gouramis to it and stocking it with the gentler type fish... Then I was going to make the 30 gallon a little more interesting. I would like to keep my chinese algea eater, a red tail, and add an assortment of barbs possibly. Is this tank big enough? Any thoughts on compatability? Or other possible combinations?

Red1313

I'd honestly suggest putting the shark in the 55 if I was you. They like lots of bottom area so unless you're 30 hex is 36" long then I woudn't suggest it. Sorry

However if you'd like to try the RTS in the 55 then rainbows, tiger-barbs, and other tank-mates (either large peaceful fish to big to bother, fish to fast to catch, or fish rough and tough enough to hold their own) would make for a really interesting and attactive 55 gal.

JennDFK

The fishlore RTS profile says not to keep RTSs with rainbows... but reading around the forum I've seen a lot of people suggesting that combo. I've also seen a lot of people say they are so shy that they do fine with community fish.

What about my Chinese algea eater? They are suppose to get aggresive as they get older... If I put a RTS in the 55 then can I put my CAE there too? I don't want to leave it in the tank with the gourami... the other night right before lights out I started to notice that he was being a bit of a bully to it. I was ill-advised to buy him at the pet store to keep with my gentle tropicals...I've kind of grown attached to him.

Thanks,
Jenn

Red1313

Don't keep Red Tail Sharks with Rainbow sharks togeather
However Rainbows (Rainbow fish) are a different thing entirely. There are some great pics of them in the rainbow section of the forum

The CAE and the RTS would probably be ok togeather. They both tend to be mean. You'll want to make sure that you don't keep broad sided fish slower fish with the CAE they like to attack them and eat the slime coat.

JennDFK

That is what I was worried about with my Gourami. The CAE is still pretty small... but last night I saw him going after the Gourami. I'm beginning to wonder if that is what happened to my other Dwarf Gouramis... The pet store I got him from actually recommended him for my tank.... yikes. I won't have the 55 gallon up and running for a couple of months... hopefully the Gourami will be able to hold his own. He's a really cool fish.

I just looked at the Rainbow fish... very pretty. They have broad sides, however. Are they tough enough to hold their own with the CAE?

Thanks, BTW for the info....

agabr123

yeah i definitely think you may run into problems with the CAE and the gourami, basically any flat bodied fish are going to look pretty tempting to the CAE. you should definitely be concerned if you start to see circular patches on any of your fishes sides.

i'd say keep your platies and gourami in your 30 gallon, move the RTS over to the 55....and then move the CAE over to the 55 when you get it set up but think about re-homing him or you'll probably run into some problems in the future.

Red1313

Other then the rainbows there are other choices to. Just keep in mind the basic rules:
1) too big to bother
2) too fast to catch
3) mean enough to hold their own.

My RTS will be sharing his tank with Tiger barbs pretty soon.
There are lots of neat ones availible.
In further regard to the CAE... I'd think about either picking up a tank just for him or making sure future tank mates arn't too broad sided.

JennDFK

Grrr... I really wish that the pet store hadn't suggested him(the CAE)... I don't know what they were thinking (or not thinking). The same pet store sold me a female platy to go with my group of males. I have been having problems with aggression with them too... I think they mighted bullied the smallest male to death (poor guy). Looks like it's time to find a new pet store.

agabr123

yeah, unfortunately most stores are in the business for one thing, and that's to make money, not necessarily do what's best for the fish.

as far as your platies, i think you'll be much better off if you can remove the one female. generally you either want all males, all females, or just one male for at least 2-3 females to keep aggression down

JennDFK

I think we are going to try and take them back (the platy and CAE) and play the "well if you can't take these guys back then I guess we will have to take our business elsewhere" card.

Thanks for all the ideas guys... I think I have a pretty good vision of what I want to do with my two tanks. I think the RTS in the 55 gallon with the rainbow fish and some barbs could be pretty cool... I will probably keep my hex tank for the platys and gouramies... and maybe add a small school of some variety of tetra.
Thanks again,
Jenn

Red1313

No problem

agabr123

Good Luck!

sylice8

i have a 55 gal wiht 2 platies 2 sword tales and 2 gourimes with a RTS and they dont have a problem at all they get along fine. the only thing is have hiding spots for the RTS they like that alot and it would be better to put in the 55gal they need more space

GypsyGirl71

I have a RTS and CAE together in a 55 gal. The RTS chases the CAE but no real harm is done. I've even noticed her chasing mollies tonight but still nothing too aggresive. I also have silver dollars and keep a close eye to make sure the CAE doesnt bother them. Those guys survived a cycle (before I knew better!) and there's no way I'd allow the CAE to pick on them!

JennDFK

Well I found a new home for the CAE... he was attacking my gourami and I didn't have my 55 gallon set up yet. Thanks for all the suggestions guys about RTS. I have one in my 55 now and I am going to set it up with some rainbow fish soon... I'm not sure what else is going to go into the tank... but I'm really looking forward to it.

My RTS is great, BTW. What a cool fish! I'm so happy I got her.

Jenn

agabr123

i'm glad you found a new home for him

sylice8

me too have alot of fun with ur new RTS i did when i got my first one

Marisseas

An RTS can be kept with most other fish if you densly populate its territory. In the wild two may live right next to each other and never realize it due to the foilage. I'd say it would be alright to place them with most other tropical community fish from what I've been told. They're quite fun fish to have if kept properly!