Ideas for a centrepiece fish

[Ritam23]

Hi all. This post is on behave of a friend of mine. He recently got into fish keeping / aquarium - so his ideas are limited and asked me - in turn I am asking for advice from the more experienced fish keepers here!

The tank in question is around 400 ltr (120 cm long X 60 cm depth X 60 cm high). It is a well planted tank with the setup completely done by the store he purchased the tank, equipment, plants, substrate, etc, from. It has a single canister filter. He currently has 12 mollies (all around 2 inches), 6 harlequin rasboras and a single red tail shark (currently small at around 2 inches only).

He is now looking to add a (or couple of) centrepiece fish, that are large enough to be centrepiece, but will not be a threat to the rasboras. I told him about a single angel fish (I hope I was right), but his wife says angels are too common and something little different.

Conditions are -
1) Should be mid-level or top level dweller
2) Should not be too aggressive
3) Should not be a digger or uproot plants (he has spent a significant amount on plants and decor, so this is a must)
4) Should be at least 6 inches in length after full growth - this means it will be a true centrepiece

Any ideas please? Thanks all in advance.

 

[RayClem]

My suggestion would be a Jack Dempsey cichlid. In a 90-100 gallon tank, they can get up to 10" long. I have kept them in tanks ranging from 29 gallons to 90 gallons. They can live 10-15 years in captivity. So they are suitable for a centerpiece fish. There is even an electric blue variant.

While Jack Dempseys can be aggressive if kept in a smaller tank with other territorial fish, if kept in a community aquarium, the cichlid will claim the entire tank as his territory and everything will be peaceful as long as no other fish challenges his dominance.

I would also suggest that a small group of Tin Foil Barbs be added to the tank. These silver sided fish provide a wonderful contrast to a Jack Dempsey.

My concern with the overall setup is the inclusion of mollies in the tank. Harlequin Rasbora like water with neutral pH and relatively soft water. Mollies come from brackish waters where freshwater rivers and streams meet saltwater seas. Thus, they prefer harder, more alkaline water with some salinity. I have never had any success keeping mollies in a community aquarium with fish that like softer water. Also, if the Mollies do live, they are likely to breed.

The red tail shark is not a shark, but has the body shape of one. However, it can be aggressive. It is part of the Cyprinidae family that includes minnows, carp, and barbs. While common in aquaria, the red tail shark is considered critically endangered in its native Thailand. The red tail shark is not particularly easy to keep as it likes harder water, but neutral pH.

 

[A201]

I really like Jack Dempseys and Tinfoil Barbs. I have kept several Jack's and currently keep two Tinfoils.

I'm afraid that once a Jack Dempsey reached maturity, he would make the Mollies and Rasboras lunch.

There is no question that Tinfoils would eat all the plants.

If you want a colorful, relatively docile Cichlid, look at getting a small group of Electric Blue Acaras. Keyhole Cichlids are also very laid back, but aren't nearly as colorful, but would go well with your current stock.

 

[_Fried_Bettas_]

I would question your friend's desire even to have a centerpiece fish. Most solo fish that would fit that description for a tank of that size aren't suitable for a community tank. I would steer someone toward a school of attractive medium-sized schooling fish, something like any of a variety of rainbowfish. They aren't so common that everyone has them, but can be easily found to purchase as well.

 

[Ritam23]

My suggestion would be a Jack Dempsey cichlid. In a 90-100 gallon tank, they can get up to 10" long. I have kept them in tanks ranging from 29 gallons to 90 gallons. They can live 10-15 years in captivity. So they are suitable for a centerpiece fish. There is even an electric blue variant.

While Jack Dempseys can be aggressive if kept in a smaller tank with other territorial fish, if kept in a community aquarium, the cichlid will claim the entire tank as his territory and everything will be peaceful as long as no other fish challenges his dominance.

I would also suggest that a small group of Tin Foil Barbs be added to the tank. These silver sided fish provide a wonderful contrast to a Jack Dempsey.

My concern with the overall setup is the inclusion of mollies in the tank. Harlequin Rasbora like water with neutral pH and relatively soft water. Mollies come from brackish waters where freshwater rivers and streams meet saltwater seas. Thus, they prefer harder, more alkaline water with some salinity. I have never had any success keeping mollies in a community aquarium with fish that like softer water. Also, if the Mollies do live, they are likely to breed.

The red tail shark is not a shark, but has the body shape of one. However, it can be aggressive. It is part of the Cyprinidae family that includes minnows, carp, and barbs. While common in aquaria, the red tail shark is considered critically endangered in its native Thailand. The red tail shark is not particularly easy to keep as it likes harder water, but neutral pH.

Thank you for the recommendations RayClem , but it is a 4 ft tank. I was thinking anything like a Jack Dempsey will be too big for this tank. Plus won't it uproot the plants?

I really like Jack Dempseys and Tinfoil Barbs. I have kept several Jack's and currently keep two Tinfoils.

I'm afraid that once a Jack Dempsey reached maturity, he would make the Mollies and Rasboras lunch.

There is no question that Tinfoils would eat all the plants.

If you want a colorful, relatively docile Cichlid, look at getting a small group of Electric Blue Acaras. Keyhole Cichlids are also very laid back, but aren't nearly as colorful, but would go well with your current stock.

Thanks for the suggestions. But aren't EBAs diggers? I myself never went for EBAs (I have a 500 ltr planted tank) thinking they are diggers.

I would question your friend's desire even to have a centerpiece fish. Most solo fish that would fit that description for a tank of that size aren't suitable for a community tank. I would steer someone toward a school of attractive medium-sized schooling fish, something like any of a variety of rainbowfish. They aren't so common that everyone has them, but can be easily found to purchase as well.

I did tell him about Boesemani Rainbow (which is easily available here) and angel (suggest him single angel to reduce any possible aggression), but his wife wants something unique. The problem is the LFSs here are not too willing to give actual advice. Most of them don't even know about fish compatibility. So if he asks for a oscar, they will even sell him the oscar without asking about the tank, current stocking or anything else.

Maybe will tell him to go for a pair of angels (breeding pairs can be found here but will be slightly expensive). I hope a pair of angels along with current stocking will be ok for the tank.

 

[Mudminnow]

Three Spot Gouramis (any of their color variants) or Moonlight Gouramis might be worth considering.

 

[_Fried_Bettas_]

I haven't kept any large fish or large tanks. But from what I've read, here are some to further research to see if they are compatible with the tank that meet most of the requirements: Electric Blue Acara, Keyhole Cichlid, Discus, and, of course, Angelfish. Six-inch fish that won't eat smaller fish or plants and can be kept in small numbers are relatively rare.

Someone else will point this out, so I might as well. Some of these fish favor different water parameters than the fish already in the tank, which aren't particularly compatible already. For instance Discus need soft water to do well and Mollies need hard water, he should test the water and plan from there, and rehome unsuitable fish if necessary. This is why I generally plan out my stocking before I even buy a tank. Some fish are highly adaptable, and any reasonable pH and hardness will work.

 

[A201]

You know really,, I don't have a centerpiece fish. I like all the different varieties of fish I keep.

I mean, how would I pick between my Tiger Loaches, Kubotai Loaches Modestas or my YoYo''s.

What about my Tiger Barbs, Rosy's, Black Ruby's and Denison Barbs.
I'd hate to do without my Giant Danios, Buenos Aires Tetras, Filamentosa Barbs, Tinfoils and my last two remaining elderly Diamond Tetras.

My point is, make sure that "All" the fish you decide to stock are ones that you really want. Ones that you believe to be awsome. That way all your stock are so called centerpieces.

The term, Centerpiece fish, is such a misnomer and so over used in the context of a community setup.

I guess keeping a solo wet pet such as an Oscar or Flowerhorn would qualify as a true Centerpiece fish.

I suppose if one owns a Centerpiece fish, in a community setup, then the remaining tankmates are just an inferior supporting cast. I wouldn't want a situation like that.

 

[GlennO]

An angelfish could be unique if you got a rare type or colour. I thought perhaps a severum or other cichlid that tends to occupy the mid level, but most larger cichlids will not go well with plants.

 

[TClare]

Severum will definitely eat plants and probably not safe with rasboras. An angelfish does seem to be the best option all round and there are some more unusual varieties as GlennO mentioned, or perhaps gouramis, I don't have much experience with those. As fish that use the top or middle regions of the tank has been specified, festivums (Mesonauta, flag cichlid) would be good, but I can't 100% guarantee that they would not eat plants or rasboras. Some people say they are completely plant safe others not, I have not tried them with plants or very small fish. A single blue acara with no breeding possibility will probably not disturb the plants - they will dig if they breed. However they do not normally occupy the top/middle part of the tank.

As other have mentioned it would be important to know your water parameters, specifically if you have hard or soft water, as mollies are not really compatible with any of the fish that have been suggested so far, except possibly rainbow fish.

 

[bgarthe]

A201 and _Fried_Bettas_ were spot on. How about considering a “centerpiece shoal”? Find a compatible fish shoal with the water you have and go. Either go with hard water fish (mollies) or softer water fish (H. Rasboras) and build from there depending on your water pH, GH, and KH. Or…..do an Oscar/Flowerhorn and trade in your mollies and HRs. Just trying to help. You are addressing two fronts…..1. fish compatibility with your water and 2. community lack of compatibility with an actual centerpiece fish or adding another group into the community.

 

[TClare]

Either go with hard water fish (mollies) or softer water fish (H. Rasboras) and build from there depending on your water pH, GH, and KH. Or…..do an Oscar/Flowerhorn and trade in your mollies and HRs.

First option would be better - Oscar/flowerhorn would destroy the plants.

 

[bgarthe]

I agree, but am not sure whether plants being left alone or centerpiece fish is more important or what the water parameters are. If the water is on the soft side, an Angel is abt the best option and ideally, starting out with one on the smaller side would be preferable.

 

[TClare]

They said they had spent a lot on plants...

 

[Ritam23]

Three Spot Gouramis (any of their color variants) or Moonlight Gouramis might be worth considering.

Agree on this. Told them about pearl gourami as well, which looks very nice. Lets see.

I haven't kept any large fish or large tanks. But from what I've read, here are some to further research to see if they are compatible with the tank that meet most of the requirements: Electric Blue Acara, Keyhole Cichlid, Discus, and, of course, Angelfish. Six-inch fish that won't eat smaller fish or plants and can be kept in small numbers are relatively rare.

Someone else will point this out, so I might as well. Some of these fish favor different water parameters than the fish already in the tank, which aren't particularly compatible already. For instance Discus need soft water to do well and Mollies need hard water, he should test the water and plan from there, and rehome unsuitable fish if necessary. This is why I generally plan out my stocking before I even buy a tank. Some fish are highly adaptable, and any reasonable pH and hardness will work.

Planning stocking is something I always do, but as I mentioned, this is a complete setup done by the LFS, and the LFS here are not much into fish compatibility. So I don't think they checked the compatibility at all. Now they are just looking for a centrepiece fish - something bigger than the rest.

You know really,, I don't have a centerpiece fish. I like all the different varieties of fish I keep.

I mean, how would I pick between my Tiger Loaches, Kubotai Loaches Modestas or my YoYo''s.

What about my Tiger Barbs, Rosy's, Black Ruby's and Denison Barbs.
I'd hate to do without my Giant Danios, Buenos Aires Tetras, Filamentosa Barbs, Tinfoils and my last two remaining elderly Diamond Tetras.

My point is, make sure that "All" the fish you decide to stock are ones that you really want. Ones that you believe to be awsome. That way all your stock are so called centerpieces.

The term, Centerpiece fish, is such a misnomer and so over used in the context of a community setup.

I guess keeping a solo wet pet such as an Oscar or Flowerhorn would qualify as a true Centerpiece fish.

I suppose if one owns a Centerpiece fish, in a community setup, then the remaining tankmates are just an inferior supporting cast. I wouldn't want a situation like that.

Even I don't have a centrepiece fish and give equal importance to all. But they have a different thought process and I won't go into explaining about giving equal love to all . I don't think they will be interested in that. The fact - a lot of people here own aquariums, but very less care about compatibility. I have seen people keeping goldfish with tiger barbs!

Severum will definitely eat plants and probably not safe with rasboras. An angelfish does seem to be the best option all round and there are some more unusual varieties as GlennO mentioned, or perhaps gouramis, I don't have much experience with those. As fish that use the top or middle regions of the tank has been specified, festivums (Mesonauta, flag cichlid) would be good, but I can't 100% guarantee that they would not eat plants or rasboras. Some people say they are completely plant safe others not, I have not tried them with plants or very small fish. A single blue acara with no breeding possibility will probably not disturb the plants - they will dig if they breed. However they do not normally occupy the top/middle part of the tank.

As other have mentioned it would be important to know your water parameters, specifically if you have hard or soft water, as mollies are not really compatible with any of the fish that have been suggested so far, except possibly rainbow fish.

Its definitely hardwater. But I don't think they have the API kit or anything as such to measure hardness. As I mentioned, a lot of people have started keeping aquariums, but give little importance (and know very less) to compatibility. I won't blame them completely though as most LFS here (apart from hobbyist) give basic advice.

A201 and _Fried_Bettas_ were spot on. How about considering a “centerpiece shoal”? Find a compatible fish shoal with the water you have and go. Either go with hard water fish (mollies) or softer water fish (H. Rasboras) and build from there depending on your water pH, GH, and KH. Or…..do an Oscar/Flowerhorn and trade in your mollies and HRs. Just trying to help. You are addressing two fronts…..1. fish compatibility with your water and 2. community lack of compatibility with an actual centerpiece fish or adding another group into the community.

Thanks for this, but frankly I don't think they will take this much of advice - especially trading the current stock with oscar, etc. Maybe will give them simple advice of going ahead with boesemani rainbow - they grow to a decent size I believe, are very active and colourful.

I agree, but am not sure whether plants being left alone or centerpiece fish is more important or what the water parameters are. If the water is on the soft side, an Angel is abt the best option and ideally, starting out with one on the smaller side would be preferable.

Since its a complete setup with lots of plants (there was close to 400 plants of different types), plants is a must, at least that is what they told me.

I have seen a lot of people keep angels here, and pretty sure all will have hardwater (can tell from the scales from post evaporation). So wasn't aware of the hardwater vs software compatibility of angels.

I was think I will tell them either of the three -
1) Pearl gourami (grows to 5 inch I guess), which are very beautiful and I think the only gourami than can live in a group (?)
2) An angel or a pair (rare colour variation should be available)
3) A shoal / school or boesemani rainbow

Please let me know if this will be okay? or any incompatibility - like gourami a softwater fish, etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

[_Fried_Bettas_]

One of the benefits of Angelfish is that, despite care guides that will suggest soft-neutral water, they do just fine in just about any conditions, including moderately hard water. They are very good fish for inexperienced aquarists and usually don't bother other community fish. They are also beautiful and come in many varieties. Of course, for all these reasons, they are also very popular and people will consider them too common. One could look for a less common variety. I am partial to the Sunset Angelfish. I would try to steer someone in this direction or toward schoaling/schooling fish like Rainbows. There are quite a few choices with them if you can find them.

 

[BlockHead1981]

The red tail black shark IS the centerpiece fish. They get very large and can be very aggressive, as in no other fish allowed to be at peace. I had one grow to 7-8" and thick in a 55 gallon with some Angelfish. It terrified anything smaller including a school of tiger barb which are known to be aggressive themselves. Might have to move those rasbora and mollies once the RTBS matures. RTBS is a very cool fish, beautiful and full of personality but they can be mean

 

[Ritam23]

The red tail black shark IS the centerpiece fish. They get very large and can be very aggressive, as in no other fish allowed to be at peace. I had one grow to 7-8" and thick in a 55 gallon with some Angelfish. It terrified anything smaller including a school of tiger barb which are known to be aggressive themselves. Might have to move those rasbora and mollies once the RTBS matures. RTBS is a very cool fish, beautiful and full of personality but they can be mean

I don't have red tail, but having a rainbow shark, which is 6 inches now. Since they are mostly bottom dwellers, my rainbow rarely interacts with the harlequin rasboras I have - the rasboras almost always keep to top and mid level. The only time they get to the mid-bottom level is when I am cleaning the tank - they are skittish. I have seen my rainbow shark chase the swordtails, especially when they are close to its cave or gets too close to its algae wafers, but have not seen it chase the rasboras in the past couple of years.

Mollies could be an issue, but then with that much of plants plus 4ft X 2 ft of space at the bottom, I was thinking it should be okay.

If redtail and rainbows have similar temperament then it should be okay I was thinking.

One of the benefits of Angelfish is that, despite care guides that will suggest soft-neutral water, they do just fine in just about any conditions, including moderately hard water. They are very good fish for inexperienced aquarists and usually don't bother other community fish. They are also beautiful and come in many varieties. Of course, for all these reasons, they are also very popular and people will consider them too common. One could look for a less common variety. I am partial to the Sunset Angelfish. I would try to steer someone in this direction or toward schoaling/schooling fish like Rainbows. There are quite a few choices with them if you can find them.

Thank you for this. will look into it

 

[KingOscar]

For me an angelfish is the quintessential centerpiece fish. I've always kept a solo angel with other smaller fish without issue. I prefer them solo because I don't want to deal with angel on angel aggression, or the raising of fry. Call it a centerpiece or not, but it will be the first fish noticed by all when entering the room, including the owner! Nothing wrong with this, and nothing wrong with the keeping of groups of other fish.

Red Tail Sharks have a reputation for being more territorial than Rainbow Sharks. Relentlessly harassing other fish is common once they grow up. I won't put up with the stress of that on me and the fish. My Red Tail is doing fine on his own and I'm quite happy with yet another calming tank. Let us know what your friend chooses!

 

[Ritam23]

For me an angelfish is the quintessential centerpiece fish. I've always kept a solo angel with other smaller fish without issue. I prefer them solo because I don't want to deal with angel on angel aggression, or the raising of fry. Call it a centerpiece or not, but it will be the first fish noticed by all when entering the room, including the owner! Nothing wrong with this, and nothing wrong with the keeping of groups of other fish.

Red Tail Sharks have a reputation for being more territorial than Rainbow Sharks. Relentlessly harassing other fish is common once they grow up. I won't put up with the stress of that on me and the fish. My Red Tail is doing fine on his own and I'm quite happy with yet another calming tank. Let us know what your friend chooses!

Thank you for this. Then maybe will tell him to trade the redtail for a rainbow - they look almost similar and fin colour is the only difference, so I don't think it will be an issue for them.

Mostly they will get an angel this weekend - I am going to suggest either of - 1) koi angel, 2) a full black red eye angel, 3) bulgarian seal point / green angel, 4) sunset angel. All these are slightly less seen as marbel, zebra and blue ones are the mostly common ones.

(I am not sure if bulgarian seal point / green angel is the actual name, but thats what the LFS said it is).

 

[bgarthe]

Through the years, I have had two koi angels as singles in community tanks. The whiter one remained docile after getting big while the oranger one got a bit too feisty as it grew and was rehomed.

 

[GlennO]

Then maybe will tell him to trade the redtail for a rainbow - they look almost similar and fin colour is the only difference, so I don't think it will be an issue for them.

Rainbowfish are schooling fish, I'd advise against getting just one. If they like the 'shark' shape they could get a couple of Siamese Algae Eaters. Or they could try a Red Flying Fox Shark (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) which are said to be less aggressive/territorial than the Red Tail or Rainbow Shark.

 

[Ritam23]

Through the years, I have had two koi angels as singles in community tanks. The whiter one remained docile after getting big while the oranger one got a bit too feisty as it grew and was rehomed. View attachment 921712View attachment 921711

Thanks for this, super beautiful angels! Liked the whiter one more as haven't seen that colour combination much.

Rainbowfish are schooling fish, I'd advise against getting just one. If they like the 'shark' shape they could get a couple of Siamese Algae Eaters. Or they could try a Red Flying Fox Shark (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) which are said to be less aggressive/territorial than the Red Tail or Rainbow Shark.

sorry on the confusion, I meant rainbow shark.

 

[Deathstar31]

Discus? I know that they are expensive, but still cool! Honey Gourami might be nice.

 

[Ritam23]

Discus? I know that they are expensive, but still cool! Honey Gourami might be nice.

thanks for the suggestion, but don't think they can manage discus. Aren't they difficult to keep?

 

[A201]

Discus require very warm water, 82 - 84 degrees w/ very low nitrate. At least 50% - 75% water change weekly.

Other than that Discus aren't too difficult to keep.

 

[Ritam23]

Discus require very warm water, 82 - 84 degrees w/ very low nitrate. At least 50% - 75% water change weekly.

Other than that Discus aren't too difficult to keep.

Oh ok, the general thought is that discus are incredibly difficult to keep. Reddit is full of it actually. I have never kept it so I thought what was mentioned in Reddit. Warm water is fine (Tropics) and will not be an issue. But 50% - 75% water change will be too much for them.

Off-topic - A201 , if you dont mind me asking - what fish do have as your profile pic? Blue with red fin and black / dark blue tail - looks very unique!

 

[bgarthe]

And they (discus) prefer softer water like 1-4 dH. I kept my discus at 86 degrees. Discus are also slower eaters which could be an issue should the other fish be fast eaters. IMO, most discus are kept in species only tanks w perhaps a few CoryCats and/or Cardinal Tets as dither fish.
My favorite discus…….

 

[Deathstar31]

Yeah I just read part of the question and thought of discus! They are very memorable!

Yeah I just read part of the question and thought of discus! They are very memorable!

Sorry for not reading all of it!

 

[Ritam23]

Yeah I just read part of the question and thought of discus! They are very memorable!


Sorry for not reading all of it!

All good

 

[_Fried_Bettas_]

I can say that if I had a 100-gallon or larger tank, I would probably keep discus in it. You can keep several in the tank and something on the bottom, like Kuhli Loaches or Corydoras. I would expect to have to use remineralized RO water anywhere with harder water (filter isn't that expensive). Discus are fairly hardy if their basic water conditions are kept. The only reason I would hesitate to recommend them to someone new is that they would need to not skip routine maintenance. You don't need to be experienced to keep them, just conscientious. He would have to return all those miscellaneous random fish the store sold him, he doesn't sound too attached to them anyway.

 

[Ritam23]

I can say that if I had a 100-gallon or larger tank, I would probably keep discus in it. You can keep several in the tank and something on the bottom, like Kuhli Loaches or Corydoras. I would expect to have to use remineralized RO water anywhere with harder water (filter isn't that expensive). Discus are fairly hardy if their basic water conditions are kept. The only reason I would hesitate to recommend them to someone new is that they would need to not skip routine maintenance. You don't need to be experienced to keep them, just conscientious. He would have to return all those miscellaneous random fish the store sold him, he doesn't sound too attached to them anyway.

Not sure what made you think they are not too attached to the fishes! - please don't assume things. Just because yours and their thoughts process is not the same does not make you right and them wrong - so please don't make statements like "return miscellaneous random fish the store sold him, he doesn't sound too attached to them anyway".

When I started, within the first few months, 6 of my tiger barbs died, I have learnt from my mistakes. They have just started, so it takes time, no one is going to be an expert on the first day itself.

Anyways, thanks for the advice.

 

[_Fried_Bettas_]

Not sure what made you think they are not too attached to the fishes! - please don't assume things. Just because yours and their thoughts process is not the same does not make you right and them wrong - so please don't make statements like "return miscellaneous random fish the store sold him, he doesn't sound too attached to them anyway".

When I started, within the first few months, 6 of my tiger barbs died, I have learnt from my mistakes. They have just started, so it takes time, no one is going to be an expert on the first day itself.

Anyways, thanks for the advice.

I didn't mean any offense, and it was a casual comment anyway and had nothing to do with the point I was making. That I like discus, but they aren't compatible with the fish already in the tank, and the combination of fish are problematic with many of the options presented. And the fish are pretty random if they were selected by the fish store, which is how I interpreted some previous comment. If he likes the fish he has and doesn't want to trade, then he can try to pick something that will work in combination.

We are all, always learning new things, especially when we try something different. I got guppies for the first time a few months back and learned that I really don't care for them. They are pretty, but some are constantly mean to others, not just puffing up and protecting a little territory, but one will chase another all around the tank for hours until the one is obviously terribly stressed and hiding on the bottom under leaves and still being harassed. This might not bother some people, but it is disturbing to me. I will continue to take care of them, but I'm not getting any more.

 

[Ritam23]

I didn't mean any offense, and it was a casual comment anyway and had nothing to do with the point I was making. That I like discus, but they aren't compatible with the fish already in the tank, and the combination of fish are problematic with many of the options presented. And the fish are pretty random if they were selected by the fish store, which is how I interpreted some previous comment. If he likes the fish he has and doesn't want to trade, then he can try to pick something that will work in combination.

We are all, always learning new things, especially when we try something different. I got guppies for the first time a few months back and learned that I really don't care for them. They are pretty, but some are constantly mean to others, not just puffing up and protecting a little territory, but one will chase another all around the tank for hours until the one is obviously terribly stressed and hiding on the bottom under leaves and still being harassed. This might not bother some people, but it is disturbing to me. I will continue to take care of them, but I'm not getting any more.

No issues its all good .... The main idea behind their tank was their son, who likes fishes and wanted to have one after seeing my tank. So I am sure they will care for the fishes, at least in a way that they will try their best to not let any die or suffer.

The incompatibility is because of the low knowledge, which is not just limited to them but majority of the people here - as I mentioned earlier, a lot of people keep fishes / aquariums, but idea of compatibility is limited to very large vs small, and salt water vs fresh water. Softwater vs hardwater and other compatibilities are not something people are aware of, and it will take time for them to understand this. When I said they may not take advice, I meant I didn't want to sound like a superior person and them a noob, especially when the LFSs themselves don't give much advice here.

So its just a slow process for them (and most here) and it will take time.

Hope this makes sense.

thanks again for all the help and advice.

 

[GlennO]

You can't really blame beginners when the majority of LFS staff will tell you that it's fine to keep mollies with tetras and rasboras and red tail sharks are ok as community fish.