Top-dweller ideas

[IlianaM]

I am looking for some top-dweller ideas for my 40 gallon tank. I would like something that does well in the hard water that naturally occurs in my area, and will be compatible with the few rainbowfish I already have. Also, I am really looking for something that is more of an exclusive top-dweller than mollies are. Any ideas?

[ScottFish]

How about Danios? They are a pretty hardy fish that always provide alot of excitement up top.

[lou zello]

that's exactlly what i would say!!!like zebra's,any of the kinds in your area,but danios in general are very top fish.i don't know if you can find them in your area but you might allso look at "ORANGE CHELA'S" very nice looking fish about the size of zebra danio's,i have 19 of them in my 55gal,and like danio's very top water.

[twotone12valve]

How hard is this water? I really like my hatches they are fun to watch. I keep mine in relatively hard water, and they are really healthy I'm going to buy some marble's soon. I've always kept silver hatches, they would rather soft water though.

[Sigh Monk Owl]

I've kept Pearl Gourami successfully in hard water and they generally stayed in the upper levels of the aquarium, though occasionally ventured to the middle. For something that's really going to hug the top it's hard to beat hatchets, as mentioned above. And the danios mentioned above are a longtime favorite of many that will swim near the top.

Of course any recommendation would hinge upon how many fish are currently in the tank. I hope you find a fish you are happy with!

[IlianaM]

Thanks folks, I didn't think of using Danios. I only know measurements about the water from multiple test strip readings over time, and according to these, the pH is usually around 8, gH about 300 and the kH is something like 180. If these are off in any way, I assume it's probably not by too much, considering this is Central Texas and our water comes from the underground limestone aquifer systems.

[C. Andrew Nelson]

I'll cast another vote for Danios. They are quite a hardy fish (especially Zebras), they are attractive, they're active, and the will nice fill in the top half of your tank.

[AnimalBoy333]

I also agree, danios have been a favorite of mine for a while and the black and white of the zebra danios will contrast well with the colors of the rainbowfish.

[Diana]

I would be concerned about most Danios in that hard water. Zebras have been in captivity the longest and are probably the best bet, though.

Do your local stores keep them? Are they in that sort of water?

[Crazygar]

Zebra's seem to fare quite well in harder more alkaline water, but as usual, try not to go to their most extreme. Do a little research before purchasing.

Gary