new tank...

[mahoro]

so the place i work at wants get a new tank, we decided to go with a 175, maybe a 200, its going to be easy cleaning, going to go with sand and large round rocks on the bottom, plastic plants, probly 3 AC110s, and stock it with a doz of cories, 4 doz of some kind of danio, and a doz of cherry barb (if i go with zerbra danios) does that sound okay?

[Mzungu]

I'd put more cories in there, especially for such a large tank!

[Complexity]

If you can afford it, get a dozen Torpedo Barbs (aka Roseline Sharks; Puntius denisonii). I have 8 in my 75g, and they are the stars of the tank. Very active without being spastic, eager feeders, easy to keep and maintain, very showy, and peaceful!

Also, consider adding Rainbowfish to the mix. I have a dozen or so Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish (aka Praecox Rainbowfish; Melanotaenia praecox). They love to swim with my Torpedo Barbs and are outstanding as a group. I'm not as familiar with other Rainbowfish, but I know many of them are very popular.

Cardinal Tetras. Their color is a mainstay in many tanks, and while some choke at the idea of having them in our high pH water, I have had nothing but success with them. They are especially beautiful when they mature into full bodied beauties.

Don't forget clean up crews! Amanos and Ottos are great to add. Very easy to care fore, no fuss at all. And they help keep the tank looking good. Plus, Amanos are funny to watch as they swim around and grab food. Most people have not seen inverts in a tank so this would be a treat for many to see.

Guppies. Let's face it, they're very colorful and many people love them even though they are common. Their breeding would be enjoyed (for those that survive) while the live food will be a treat for the tankmates. If you have fish, such as Torpedo Barbs, it's unlikely you'll have a population problem. You could also restrict your selection to males only which resolves any breeding concerns. Guppies also love to stay around the top of the tank where many fish don't go so it helps to fill out the tank. I think of male guppies as "aquarium butterflies" given the way they swim around in the upper part of the tank. They're cheap and easy to care for, as well.

[mahoro]

Torpedo Barbs, is that the fish with clear body with a black line running across it? and split tail, i think i seen them at one of the lfs while i was doign lfs hopping... i remember a pricy tag on it too...

[Complexity]

I think you're talking about the same fish, but they're more a whitish silver with a black and bright red stripe. They have yellow in their tails. Their colors are very clean and sharp. Beautiful fish.

Here are some pictures of Torpedo Barbs:

http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&hl=en&safe=off&sa=1&q=Puntius+denisonii&btnG=Search+images&aq=f&oq=

They grow to about 4" long which would be perfect in a tank that large. Not too large to overwhelm the tank, but not too small either. They are not cheap, though, but they are so worth it. Very hardy. Greet you when you come to the tank. Great eaters. Best of all, they are truly peaceful!

This is a decent video of them. It shows them eating which demonstrates their peacefulness. It does not show how they greet you at the tank like puppy dogs, wagging their tail!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH-fIRwj38c

Last I saw, Mike at Fish Ranch II had some small ones for $14ea. That's the lowest price I've found so far. If the money is there, 2 dozen would look outstanding in a tank of that size.

I think ADG has some in their main tank display when you walk in the door. Theirs are full grown so you can see what they ultimately look like.

[mahoro]

ya thats what i was thinking about, just got the coloring wrong... they make really nice school...

[Complexity]

Another fish to consider are Rummy-Nose Tetras (Hemigrammus bleheri). I have not had these myself, but I've known many people who have, and they seem to be a favorite. Again, very colorful and peaceful. I don't know how expensive they are, but they're not overly expensive.