Posted by breezin on January 16, 2003 at 16:21:09:
In Reply to: newbie with questions posted by robbyxoxo on January 15, 2003 at 12:55:39:
My concern about the coral is whether is was treated with something that may make it unsafe for your fish. If you didn't find it washed up on the beach, you don't know if it is "fish-friendly".
By the way, you CAN keep Mollies with a cichlid called Etroplus Maculatus (commonly called Orange Chromide or Red Chromide)... these are an Asian Cichlid that only grow to 3", are peaceful, and like the same water conditions that the Mollies do. (hard, brackish water) They are less tolerant of changes in the water quality than the Mollies are, however. If you go for them, you'll need to do smaller, more frequent water changes to keep things stable.
If you MUST have that piece of coral in your tank (and you know if it's safe)you're better off with fish that come in contact with coral in their natural invironment, such as a brackish or saltwater fish. Saltwater isn't for someone who wants a low-maintenance tank. But I'd hesitate to put coral in a tank with strictly freshwater fish. Some brackish water fish include: archer fish, scat, orange chromide, mono, mosquito fish, Indian glassfish, bumblebee goby...
As you can see, you have lots of choices. Research. Research. Research. Chances are, the teenager at the LFS will tell you whatever he/she thinks you want to hear. So know your fish and what they require before you buy. Also, lots of times, brackish water fish are kept in freshwater in the LFS. Find out what your LFS does so you don't give your fish an unpleasant surprise. :-(
Good luck! :-D
