'Choose a region' when creating a community tank

Community tanks can work well if they are set up with a specific part of the world in mind.

When setting up a community aquarium, it is best to choose fish from one part of the world and stick to this region.

Water quality and habitats vary significantly from place to place and fishkeepers should bear this in mind when establishing their tank as it can be difficult to create an environment that suits all of its inhabitants.

To solve the problem, Practical Fishkeeping suggested replicating water conditions from a certain part of the world and then choosing suitable fish from this area.

For example, a South American-style setup needs soft, acidic tapwater with a pH of between 6.5 and 7.0, with temperatures kept at between 15 and 26 degrees C (77 and 79 degrees F).

To ensure aquarium plants grow well, the lighting should be bright and floating plants, any type of Echinodorus and Myriophyllum sp work well. The website recommended using two or three species, while some rounded pebbles and bogwood can be used for extra decoration.

Endler's guppy will get on well in this kind of tank, as will Hatchetfish, torpedo-shaped tetra and a few Dwarf cichlids, although enthusiasts should not introduce too many of these.

Any non-dwarf cichlids should be avoided, while Silver dollars, Biting pufferfish and Knifefish will also be unsuitable.

Alternatively, fishkeepers may like to try and create an Asian aquarium - a setup that will tolerate a greater range of conditions. Soft water is best and it should be kept at 26 to 29 degrees C (79 to 84 degrees F).

They could also follow the advice of Practical Fishkeeping and keep an aquarium diary to record conditions and ensure they remain stable at all times.

Fish in this type of tank will need lots of plants and wood and they should be given plenty of hiding places. Sand substrate is best, although fine gravel will also work.

When it comes to choosing their fish, people should go for Danios, Glass catfish and smaller loaches, while Croaking and Sparkling gourami will live well in this environment.

Fish to be avoided include Long-finned Better, Tiger barbs, large loaches and Asian climbing perch.

Posted by Sean Alexander
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Tuesday, 21 Feb 2012, 12:02pm