Right now I haven't had serious tanks in years but I was thinking one of these days to get back into it. When I can afford it I might build a large custom tank on my wall. I have an interest in blackwater aquariums with south american fish like tetras. Are these types of tanks difficult to maintain, and what kind of fish do best here? At first I thought red belly piranhas but I looked into it and they are banned in my state. Back when I had a 100 g tank I had one of these with some oscars. Then I thought cardinal tetras but I hear they live about 2 years max and I don't like that. Are there any other gleaming, colorful fish in particular that would do well in blackwater? Silver dollars, discus?

Blackwater tanks are simply awesome. You can't beat that natural look. Cardinals and Discs really showcase a blackwater tank.

Betta Imbellis,smaragdina,mahachai,splenden,and stiktos are some blackwater fish,as are some tetras,and other types of bettas(some are clearwater though so you have to read up on them.

Blackwater tanks are easy as you would classify them as low light and most crypts and java ferns and such does well in there.

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All fishes whose original home is the Rainforest of South America is a Blackwater fish, This includes Discus, Angels, Corys and Hatchets. Some Dwarf Cichlids from this region are colorful but tend to be very expensive. Most Corys and Cichlids easily live 8 years plus. Tetras are shortlived and will not live more than 3 years. Fishes of West Africa are also Black Water fishes but tend to be agressive and/or large.

Dont forget the rainforests of Asia as well.They are less thought of than the one from South America.

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Cory's live 8 years? Awesome! I've got 7 Three Line's and I love them! I hope they live a loooong time! So cute!

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I have some cories that are about 9 years now. I love blackwater tanks and most of mine are. Mainly the pleco tanks as they are from blackwater areas.

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Thanks for all the advice. This time around if I get to build this tank, I think I will skip cichlids and other highly aggressive fish because I've been there, I know how much work that is. Fish fighting, etc. Even red piranhas were more managable in my experience. I once had some jack dempseys that were unusually aggressive and would bully everyone else. I had to take them out, gave them to a shopping mall tank south of the border in mexico. This time I was thinking blackwater specific to south america, tetras or closely related. For now I think my plan is regular silver dollars (small), and maybe I can put in a few other compatible fish like a pleco lurking in the dark. I have seen tanks like this and they look very nice, mysterious.