Comments on: 17. Aquarium Fish Selection

By: David Bogert

David Bogert — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 19:39:09 +0000

In reply to CodyG.

In reply to CodyG ……… Yoyo loaches would probably be a poor fit. A school of clown loaches would do much better

By: David Bogert

David Bogert — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 19:29:16 +0000

In reply to CodyG.

In reply to CodyG ……….Central American cichlids don’t appear to be as sensitive as to sexing (unlike peacocks). And you can mix peacocks with central American CAREFULLY WITH REGARD TO SIZE. A six inch fish wil normally be quite capable of eating any three inch fish.

By: CodyG

CodyG — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:42:52 +0000

In reply to CodyG. Also would yo-yo loaches be big enough and boisterous enough to be with medium to large cichlids?

By: CodyG

CodyG — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:00:40 +0000

Hi Dave. I’ve kind of caught the bigger fish bug, and want to swap out most of my fish in my 100 gallon tank and do a tank full of 4-5 inch peacocks, or same size South/Central America cichlids. I possibly could add a school of larger barbs with that. Any thoughts? Also if stocking with South/Central American cichlids do you suggest the same as stocking peacocks and doing males only? Thanks

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 17:17:13 +0000

In reply to Michelle.

In reply to Michelle …….. Cories don’t need sand and do just fine on undergravels with normal gravel size.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 09:35:10 +0000

Hi Dave,

I am curious in trying an undergravel filter due to reading your blog. But I love cories so much and have been told they must be kept on sand. Just wanted to check in with you if there’s any validity that cories must be on sand and not gravel, or is it another myth? Is it safe to keep cories on gravel with an undergravel filter?

By: Jana

Jana — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 06:28:33 +0000

I have a 75 gallon with two red parrot fish and four angelfish. I need some dither fish to get them swimming around more.

I tried a school of 30 Harlequin rasboras, but it was a disaster. The parrot fish (who previously seemed gentle) harassed them to hiding, even killed some (it may partly be because they weren’t fully grown yet, not sure).

So, I’m thinking I need something larger. I want hardy, schooling or shoaling fish that can act as a dither to get the big fish swimming all around.

I saw some Black Skirt tetras at LFS that look cool, but then heard a YouTuber say they might nip the angels. True?

Others say Congo, Red Eye, Emporer, Buenos Aires, or other mid-size tetra.

What would you suggest?

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 02:59:14 +0000

In reply to Patrick.

In reply to Patrick …. Use the Walstad method, not the Father Fish method (several readers have killed fish using the Father Fish method). https://tankstartguide.com/index.php/15-8-walstad-aquarium/

And yes, schooling fish require a bit of a commitment.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 05:37:03 +0000

Hi Dave, I’m new to the hobby and am preparing to set up a 24 gallon tank. My plan is to have a dirt layer capped with play sand to help with plant growth. I have a plakat betta in a 3 gallon currently which I will move into the 24g when it’s ready.
I’m thinking of what tankmates to get for the 24g that the betta will hopefully get along with.
I will probably get some kind of snail as part of a clean-up crew. I’ve been told bristlenose plecos are great scavengers but are prodigious poopers so I am not sure about them. The Corys and Siamese algae eaters seem like good choices.
Swordtails, Endler Livebearers, and platys look very nice.
I think blue dream/velvet shrimp look lovely, but as you say they’re not suitable for brand new tanks or beginners. Plus I’m not sure if my betta will get along with shrimp or try to eat them.
How is it to keep schooling fish? There are some under your beginners list so I imagine those pretty easy. I’m a little worried about schooling fish because I’d need to keep above a certain number of them and replace them if any die, into perpetuity. It seems like a lot of commitment.
I would love your thoughts!
Thanks!

By: Bhuwan Chander

Bhuwan Chander — Wed, 08 May 2024 04:33:19 +0000

Hi Dave,

OK. Any other colorful fish which could compliment my aquarium.

Regards,

Bhuwan