River Tank ideas

I have a 125 gallon long tank, and it's been sitting in my basement empty for some time now. I am getting really antsy about setting it up the last week or so, and yeah... I'm going to set it up.. like this week.

But... before I even get it decorated and cycled, I need to know what to put in it.

Here is what I am thinking:

1- Tiger shovelnose x red tail hybrid
2- Datnoid
3- Florida Gar
4- Jaguar Cichlid
5- African Leopard Fish
6- Fire Eel

I already have a small 3'' redtail X, and I have a Jaguar Cichlid about 7'' and about 10 small African Leaf Fish.. Also have the fire eel 8''

I want plants, and drift wood, and rocks, and ahhh!!! I'm just sooooo excited!

I need ideas guys!

Those all are wicked ideas! I am thinking you may be overstocked if you put much more in there. It will still be awesome! I like the X and the Jags. Can't wait to see what you do! Keep pics updated!

Well, they will all be small minus the Jag and the fire eel... I dont' want to stock it full... just want to see if I should change or replace anything... hope they all get along.

I would add my african butterfly fish, but he might be lunch for the gar...

Sounds good to me and the fish looks great
Can you start with the decoration and some picts
What about :
rocks drift wood some plants some space rocks plants drift wood
swords
anubias
jave fern

well a 20ft long tank would make an awesome river tank! mmmmm

CajunGator wrote:

well a 20ft long tank would make an awesome river tank! mmmmm

I have a 10 foot long tank... lol.

10x5x4

Yes, he probably would. I think you've got a pretty good idea of stocking. You've got layers in the tank. It should look pretty sweet. Jags are some of my favorite fish!

CSnyder00 wrote:

Yes, he probably would. I think you've got a pretty good idea of stocking. You've got layers in the tank. It should look pretty sweet. Jags are some of my favorite fish!

I don't know if the Jag is a male or female, but it's name is Harry. haha! I won him on ebay for $13.

Should I maybe add some dithers in there?

Problem with dithers is the snack they might become.

CSnyder00 wrote:

Problem with dithers is the snack they might become.

yeah, but they aren't that expensive. Anything to keep the fishies happy!

So... I'm thinking decorations...

What for gravel should I use? I normally use crushed granite (chicken grit) which gives a white sand look without ruining the filters.. But I want something natural looking... So maybe that with some actual natural gravel? Not store bought brown gravel either. I have actual gravel from like the river, but it's been washed, and dried for a year now, so it's safe.

I plan on going driftwood hunting soon, and then I have to do the boil/bake thing. So not sure whether I should spend the time on wood, or just spend the money! haha.

then plants... I know that I want to have it grow onto the drftwood so you have to have it tied..

I've got plenty of flat rocks I can pick up... That's not a problem..

Oh, and I've got the heaters... and for filtration I have an eheim pro II canister filter, and a Aqua Clear 110 that I'm going to put on it.

Am I in the right direction? Should I add that black water tannin stuff to the water?

Awesome. good luck

You will get tannins from the driftwood, so I wouldn't worry about that. As far as a substrate, just make sure that you don't put anything too sharp for any of the fish you have. I would go with something smooth since you have catfish in the plans. Plants tied to driftwood is great. I do that all the time. Just make sure you get some strong string. And make sure that there is NO way that the fish can get between the string and the wood/plants.

Answer any of your questions?

Picked up some awesome Cajun driftwood hhis past saturdAy. Will post pics later lol