Choosing fish for a short, deep tank

[Lioness]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of getting another tank and my local store has the AquaEl Ultrascape, which seems perfect for aquascaping. It's 90cm wide, 60cm deep, and 45cm high - a great size, but I'm not sure if it's suitable for all fish types.

I've already got my heart set on some electric blue Acaras. I also really like Congo tetras, Denison barbs, Columbian tetras, Rainbowfish, and Angelfish. However, I do have concerns about keeping Congo tetras and Denison barbs, which is a shame since they're my favourites.

How would you guys stock a tank like this?

[willie32]

I'd be looking for a bigger version of the AquaEl Ultrascape, to be honest, 90cm just doesn't cut it for some of those fish you've listed. Another 30cm would make a huge difference, but I do have to say, the AquaEl sets are top-notch.

If you're set on those companion fish, I'd either upsize the tank or downsize the species. I've been hearing about these new Blueberry Tetras, might be worth a look - George Farmer's got them in his big tank and they look great. Alternatively, you could consider some other African tetras - the yellow congos are a bit more readily available now, but they're still a bit big and active for a 90cm tank. Red eye African tetras could be a good option, they've got that big scale look like the congos, but a more streamlined body, and that flash of red you'd get from the Denison barbs. Spotted headstanders could work too, or even that small green distichilodous that's been doing the rounds in the UK hobby - could be an interesting choice.

[Lioness]

I'm actually based in Australia now, I've recently made the move to Tasmania. The tank sourcing situation here is really tough, and expensive - this AquaEl Ultrascape is the biggest I can get within my budget, and it's still going to set me back over $2000. It's 250 litres, but I know the dimensions are a bit unusual.

[coltin]

A 90cm wide, 60cm deep, and 45cm high tank isn't ideal for all the fish you've listed, Lioness, but it's still a nice size. I've had experience with similar dimensions - 3 ft x 2 ft x 18 inches high - and used them for snakeskin gouramis and a few cichlids. However, I think it might be a bit short for Denison barbs or Congo tetras, as they do like to have some space to swim.

One thing to keep in mind with Rainbowfish in Australia is that they can be prone to Fish TB, especially if they're from pet shops. Wild-caught ones are usually free from it, though.

Before we dive into fish selection, can you tell me what the GH, KH, and pH of your water supply are? You can usually find this information on your water supply company's website or by giving them a call. If they can't help, just take a glass of tap water to your local pet shop and ask them to test it for you. Make sure to write down the results, including the units they use.

Depending on your water's GH, that'll help determine which fish you should keep. For example, Angelfish, discus, most tetras, most barbs, and a few others are found in soft water with a GH below 150ppm and a pH below 7.0. On the other hand, livebearers, rainbowfish, and goldfish are more suited to medium hard water with a GH around 200-250ppm and a pH above 7.0. If your water is very hard, with a GH above 300ppm, you might want to consider African Rift Lake cichlids or use distilled or reverse osmosis water to create a softer environment for other fish.

[Lioness]

I've got my water parameters - the GH is pretty neutral, sitting at 7. I do think constant parameters are more important than the actual numbers, though. I mean, most fish are bred and kept in all sorts of different water conditions, and people seem to keep them happy and healthy regardless. I've seen stores and hobbyists keeping discus and African cichlids on the same water supply, and they all seem to thrive. Not saying your point isn't relevant, but I think it's just one piece of the puzzle. My tank will be heavily planted, as always, and I'm on the hunt for some nice dither fish to cohabitate with my Electric Blue Acara. The tricky part is finding ones that are a bit bigger than your average tetra, but still happy in a tank that's not too long.

[Lioness]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of getting another tank and my local store has the AquaEl Ultrascape, which seems perfect for aquascaping. It's 90cm wide, 60cm deep, and 45cm high - a great size, but I'm not sure if it's suitable for all fish types.

I've already got my heart set on some electric blue Acaras. I also really like Congo tetras, Denison barbs, Columbian tetras, Rainbowfish, and Angelfish. However, I do have concerns about keeping Congo tetras and Denison barbs, which is a shame since they're my favourites.

How would you guys stock a tank like this?

GH is 7, to be honest I think it's not as crucial as people make out. Fish are often bred in various water hardnesses, so I believe consistent parameters are more important. I've seen people keep discus and African cichlids on the same water supply. Not trying to dismiss your comment, just my two cents. My water's pretty much bang on 7. With the tank being heavily planted, I'm looking for some nice dither fish to cohabit with Electric Blue Acara. It's tricky because these dither fish need to be a bit bigger than your regular tetra, and as you've said, some of the bigger dithers need longer tanks.

[coltin]

Considering the Electric Blue Acara's needs, I think rosy or ruby barbs could be a good fit. They're not as demanding in terms of space as Denisons or Congos, and their activity level should be manageable for the Acaras.

[willie32]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of getting another tank and my local store has the AquaEl Ultrascape, which seems perfect for aquascaping. It's 90cm wide, 60cm deep, and 45cm high - a great size, but I'm not sure if it's suitable for all fish types.

I've already got my heart set on some electric blue Acaras. I also really like Congo tetras, Denison barbs, Columbian tetras, Rainbowfish, and Angelfish. However, I do have concerns about keeping Congo tetras and Denison barbs, which is a shame since they're my favourites.

How would you guys stock a tank like this?

I completely agree that consistent parameters are key, but matching your fish to your water can make a big difference in their health and lifespan. I think it's worth looking up your GH, as it's more crucial than pH. While it's true that many fish are bred and kept in different waters, I believe that if you have the chance to keep them in optimal conditions, you should take it. It's not just about them being 'fine', but about giving them the best chance to thrive.