Catfish tank help

[AU_Arowana-RG]

Ok, so I'd like to know the possibilities that could be worked around for with an 8x4x4 foot aquarium.

The plan's to make it a catfish tank featuring catfish from around the world. That said, I'd like to know about what species to avoid in this sort of setup and what to go for.

So far, the only things that I have any certainty for are having a Lima and some Plecos in. Any other suggestions?

Also, this is just a plan. I, at this moment, don't have the needed materials/resources to get it done immediately. Something for consideration when I'm older.

[Richard B]

Although you couldn't mix many, careful consideration could be given to some of these...

Belodontichthys dinema

Cephalosilurus apurensis

Aguarunichthys tocantinsensis

Aguarunichthys torosus

Calophysus macropterus

Hemisorubim platyrhynchos

Hemisynodontis membranaceus

Synodontis acanthomias

Synodontis decora

Horabagrus brachysoma

Ageneiosus polystictus

Mystus leucophasis

Clearly a lot depends on availability, & personal choice...

[AU_Arowana-RG]

Thanks for the advice!

Also, would any Clarid or Silurid work in this setup? And would all of the ones stated work together or certain mixes have to be made from what you presented?

[MatsP]

You can't just mix any with any of the above, but some can be sensibly mixed.

You can certainly find species of Clariids and Silurids that would "fit" in that size tank.

--
Mats

[AU_Arowana-RG]

Mixing well is more of my concern than fitting. That said, if I have to stick only to certain size range with the fish, I will.

So, any Clarids or Silurids that would mix well with others (Catfish)?

[MatsP]

Sorry, I have no direct experience with either.

But I would consider "fitting" as the FIRST sorting criteria - if the fish grows too big for an already large tank, then it's not a good candidate. There will be PLENTY of fish that will fit, so then you have to find something you like and then find suitable candidates as companions.

--
Mats

[Richard B]

Some of that list would go together well, but it was only a sample of fish to look at to demonstarte the sort of things to consider.

Clarias batrachus

could also be considered.

An example of a mix that should work ok would be 3 or 4 Hemisynos, 3 or 4 Syno decora, 6 Beladontichthys & maybe a single Hemisorubim or Aguarunichthys. With this mix the Hemisynos & Decora are peaceful & provide some colour (decora) & unusual interest (hemisynos), the beladontichthys are a shoaling siluriid (predatory) & so is the pim - what this aims to achieve is some out-&-out bottom dwellers & some that occupy the midwater, with some omnivores & some predators - not have all denizens competing for the same foods, same space etc

The variables are endless so i'd suggest you tell us what you fancy doing & we'll try & advise on specifics

[AU_Arowana-RG]

Well, I don't really have that many specifications apart from having a representative from each continent save Europe, the Northern US States, and Antarctica.

So, besides an Eel Cat, a Silurid, a Clarid, Cats from Africa, some other Asians, and some SA representatives, I'm pretty vague. Would a pleco and a Lima do well in this setup, BTW?

[andywoolloo]

won't it be hard to match the water requirements?

[AU_Arowana-RG]

Depends on the fish, actually.

I'm trying for some that would be ok in somewhat neutral water.

Also, despite each of their habitats, most fish seem to be ok in a certain ph band, ie, 6.4-7.5.