Fish layering

I am not sure if this is the right group to post this.

My idea is.....
top layer in tank = Butterfly fish x 2
mid to top layer = silver dollars x 7
mid to bottom = ??? looking for smal to meduim size fish ( suggestions ? )
bottom/ cleaners = cory's x 5-7

tank 4ft (1210 x 450 x 500 OD)

any suggestions on species and if the community will be happy will be much appreciated

thank you
G

 

Are you planning on adding any plants?

 

Hi there.

How about some Silver or Marble Hatchets for the top as well and bottom Clown Loaches they are always nice???

 

@ Vis, I have read on the forum that plants and SD's are not friends. I would love to add plants if I can.

@ Pofkuikne. I dont have any knowldege on hatchets. I will research them....clown loaches?? are they not agressive like algea eaters to disc shaped fish?

thanks
G

 

Clown loaches shouldn`t give you any problem they also ad color to you tank, Hatchets are very placid and are the same as neons so if you can keep neons alive hatchets should be a breeze..........

On the Dollars if you feed them lettuce and peas they will leave your plant alone and keep to hard leafed plants if possible......

 

You just need to check that you do not overstock with SD's and clown
Loaches as they both grow pretty huge.

 

Clown loach is middle and bot. but you would need update later big tank. Maybe you can get yoyo or zebra loach he can grow untill 12-15cm

your fish in the tank is enough silver dollar is big 15cm. dont overstock

Dont add plants, silver dollar will damage all your plants

 

Personally I would look at something else other than Silver Dollars? These are shoaling fish and need to have at least 6 to be reasonably happy. That size tank is not really big enough to house a shoal and give them enough space to swim in. You would need a minimum 1.5m x 60 x 60 tank to do them justice.

If you want plants in the tank, then again get a different fish to SD's? They will shred any plant matter to pieces! Plastic plants are the other option, but then that defeats the benefits of having plants at all.

Clown loaches also need to be in a group of at least 6, and grow rather large too, so again, in that size tank I would advise against it.

Zebra and Pakistani Loachs (Botia) would work, but just be weary of other Botia species, as they are generally aggro! Again, these prefer to be in groups of 6, but will not grow anywhere near as large as the Clown loaches.

Alternatively, as you have stated, Corys are always a safe bet for the lower reaches, again as long as there is a group you will have no troubles.

Assuming you ditch the SD's, and do not get any other large fish that will eat smaller ones, then most tetras are always a good bet to fill out the mids of the tank. There are many many tetras to pick from.

You will need a lid for butterflies as they jump. Same with hatchets. Also these fish will require some special dietry needs. They are not begginers fish really.

Sorry for all the negativity, but you will need to be aware of just what you are getting yourself into, otherwise you will become discouraged, and the fish will become dead/diseased/unhealthy rather quickly.

Even when you think you have picked the fish you want, use google to do some further research to see if there are any compatability issues or special needs? As they say, do your homework properly. I speak from experience from my early days!

Regards
G!

 

Get some tiger barbs. They stick together and are fun to watch.

 

Thank you for the replies and help.... the group/shoal of SD's would have been the main attraction.
I am not a BIG fan of the tetra family.

SD's are closely related to the piranha/pacho(sp) species. Do you all think I could get away with 5 SD's?

I am on my mobile and will reply better when on pc.

thanks for info sofar.
G

 

I think I wont look at the hatchets or loaches.....rather not enter into the unexplored for me.

I will be building the canopy section out of timber still and this will include glass sliding doors.

Let me go visit one of the sponsers this weekend and see what is new in the aquatic world maybe after the visit I decide on a whole new approach to my tank.

I do have another 2 months before I add any fish to the tank.....research , research , research.

Thank you all.