Ok Let's stock the 140 Gallon!!

Mr Malawi · 02-20-2007, 09:47 PM

Ok , I've got a 140 Gallon show tank, It currently has 1= Mature Angel, 2= silver wblack striped Tetra's and that's it . I have tha 100 Gallon for my Malawi's and the boss "aka" my wife want to make the 140 the Family community tank!
So I'd like some suggestions please , So what would you put in it?

gm333 · 02-20-2007, 10:00 PM

That size tank can handle some good size schools of fish, a nice size school of rummy nosed tetras, two or three more angels, I always like the way a school of silver dollars looked swimming in a tank.

Bad Kitty · 02-21-2007, 02:07 PM

Ok, I'm just going to list some that I have/want in my 200.
Gouramis, red tail shark or rainbow shark, pictus catfish, plecostumus, giant danios. Theres so many options, it's hard to think.... lol

JJAmazon · 02-21-2007, 03:10 PM

Definitely go with gm333 idea of a school of Rummies - they are awesome, and if the water quality is good then their heads and tails will sparkle. Use dark plants and substrate and you will be very happy.

A couple of Bala/tri-color sharks will also add some awesome movement to the tank. A school of 3 of them would be a great addition and add some safe, non-aggressive size.

finally, if you are up for it, a 140 gallon community presents a unique opportunity to have a shoal of hatchets, and while they can be difficult they are fairly impressive in larger numbers, especially the marbled variety.

Finally, I would suggest a more exotic member of the plecostomus family - a Queen Arabesque or false zebra - they are interesting, beautiful, and useful as well.

elpaninaro · 02-21-2007, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJAmazon

finally, if you are up for it, a 140 gallon community presents a unique opportunity to have a shoal of hatchets, and while they can be difficult they are fairly impressive in larger numbers, especially the marbled variety.

I will second that!

Today I went fish shopping and the LFS had a fresh shipment of marbled hatchetfish- probably 50 of them in the tank.

It was a really beautiful sight.

On a final note- consider a large school of Corys for eating leftover food and providing lots of entertainment! These are really fun fish.

jlogan2664 · 02-22-2007, 11:21 PM

If you go with hatchets, in a tank that size I'd probably get at least a dozen if not more. Provide some cover at the top of the tank to help them feel secure and make sure the tank is covered well as they can really jump.

I also agree with a school of cory cats. I have 6 in my 50 gallon and it's fun watching them interact and they seem to be more lively in a group than they are when I've kept then in ones and twos. A tank that size could easily handle a dozen or more and they do a good job of cleaning up what the other fish miss but I would still feed some sinking foods every day so they get enough to eat.

You could do a very impressive community setup in a tank that large as long as you take into account the mature size and personality of the fish and their compatibility. While I have gravitated towards single-species tanks off and on over the years, I started with community tanks and I always seem to keep at least one community tank just for the pure enjoyment of watching a mixed group of fish interact. I also prefer a natural looking setup with dark gravel, a variety of green plants and a dark background. With the proper lighting, it seems to make the colors of the fish pop when they are in peak condition. However, the fish really don't care what decor you choose as long as it provides them with a feeling of security while allowing them ample room to swim. Go with a good combination of top dwellers, mid-level dwellers, and bottom dwellers and you will have the makings of a real nice community tank that should bring years of pleasure.

88cupfan · 02-24-2007, 11:24 PM

Before you stock your tank I suggest you ask yourself a few questions.
1- How soft is your water or how willing are you to spend the extra money and work to make it soft if it isn't? You would need allot of soft water for changes for a 140 gallon tank. If you have hard water I would stick with fish that thrive in harder water.
2- Do you prefer the fish choices for more alkaline or more acidic water fish? Your Tetras like water on the acidic side. You should choose one or the other if you want your fish to thrive. Research the types of fish you take a liking to in order for them to thrive in the same environment and get along.
3- Are you sure that your tank has had enough time to Nitrogen cycle? Unless you have rid your tank of Ammonia and then Nitrite and now are getting Nitrate readings I would wait till then to stock your tank.

I envy you for your tank size. I would love to have the opportunity to set up one that large. But I don't envy the work of water changes. I have found that the only sure way to maintain your tank is through preventative maintenance. Water changes are a part of that. I would get a good Protein skimmer for a tank that size also to remove Total Dissolved Solids. I believe it would cut the need for water changes but you still need to vacuum the waste from the bottom of the tank weekly if you stock heavily. 20 percent ( 28 gallons) is allot of water if you're not set up for an easy way to change it. I assume you have a Python Vac that will also fill. Just don't leave the area when filling and make sure you call your insurance man about any special coverage you may need. Thats allot of water!

Happy stocking and God Bless, Kenny 88cupfan

jlogan2664 · 02-24-2007, 11:59 PM

Not to disagree with Kenny but protein skimmers have not been proven to be very beneficial on freshwater aquariums. In my humble opinion, I think you are better off spending the money on one, or better yet, two really good canister filters for a tank that size. Have fun with the tank! My goal is to one day have a 125 gallon setup. I can't imagine a tank even bigger than that but I wouldn't be opposed to setting one up if the opportunity presented itself. So far I haven't managed to make it past the 55 gallon size yet. If I have to decide between a larger tank or the sofa, the sofa is going to win (for now).

88cupfan · 02-25-2007, 12:32 AM

Just to back up my advise. I recently read an article from an expert who stated that 90 plus percent of TDS are present on a top thin layer of the aquarium water and Skimmers are the best method of removal. In his opinion, a Protein Skimmer should be considered to be essential equipment on Fresh Water Aquariums of larger sizes with large stocks of fish. Skimmers were popular some years ago but the research as to their effectiveness has only recently been evaluated. Turns out- they are very effective. Do some searching for yourself. You'll probably end up with one on your 55.
God Bless, Kenny

devilblue · 02-25-2007, 02:41 PM

I have a school of fancy guppies that are great fun to watch. They are very colorful and swirl around each other all day making a kaliedescope effect. In a tank that size a school of 13 or so would look cool. Schooling fish are fun, I plan on making my 55g all schooling fish.