35 Gallon Tank Question

[Bigd5482]

So my buddy gave me his 35 gallon tank and the fish in it. We transfered the fish with the water in bags like you would get from a store. Got the tank set up and unfortuently having to do a fish in cycle which is going good so far ammonia only at 1, Nitrate at 20 and Nitrite at 1.0 along with a ph of 7.4. So in the tank is currently

4 tiger barbs
male and female german blue ram
4 male fancy tail guppies along with 3 females
2 tetras (not sure what kind golden color with black stripe)

tank dimensions are 30x12x17

got some plants and couple store bought cave structures in it

So want to know if I could add anymore fish to it and what might be good companions with what is currently in the tank.l I've had tanks before with barbs but normally had at least 6 however they are not bothering any of the other fish so far just the normal fighting among themselves sometimes. The 2 germans are maybe an inch and half long if that with none of the other fish being over an inch. I would like to have the german rams breed but thats another topic. So any opionions would be helpfull I'd like to add a couple clown loaches with maybe a pleco however I'm concerned with the pleco getting too big in a tank this size. Also though about angel fish but not sure how the barbs would react to them with them being slower moving and the long fins and all. Thanks in advance for help and opionions.

Oh forgot to add that tank has been going through the cycle now for over a week in a half. But not planning on adding anything until I see the levels even out and the cycle is done

 

[mancin]

Got the tank set up and unfortuently having to do a fish in cycle which is going good so far ammonia only at 1, Nitrate at 20 and Nitrite at 1.0 along with a ph of 7.4.
4 tiger barbs
male and female german blue ram
4 male fancy tail guppies along with 3 females
2 tetras (not sure what kind golden color with black stripe)

You're likely to lose some fish with those readings! I had to do a fish-in cycle with Tiger Barbs and lost a couple, even with daily water changes. Anytime your Ammonia or NitrIte reading is over 0.25, immediately do a water change. Test the water an hour or two later, and if still over 0.25, do another water change. You may also lose the Rams. They are VERY sensitive to water conditions.

So want to know if I could add anymore fish to it and what might be good companions with what is currently in the tank.

The Tiger Barbs do need to be in groups of at least 6. I don't know that the Barbs are a good choice with the Guppies as they are notorious for fin nipping. Keeping them in larger groups can help prevent this, and I know you say they are fine now, but just keep that in mind!

So any opionions would be helpfull I'd like to add a couple clown loaches with maybe a pleco however I'm concerned with the pleco getting too big in a tank this size.

Clown loaches will grow much too large for that tank. They do grow slowly, but IMO, I wouldn't put them in my 55 Gallon. As far as the Pleco goes, there are Plecos (such as the Bristlenose/Bushynose) that stay quite small -- normally under 6". You'd probably only want one as if you got two and you got both males, there could be some territory issues in a 35 Gallon.

Also though about angel fish but not sure how the barbs would react to them with them being slower moving and the long fins and all.

I would strongly advise against this for exactly the reasons you mentioned. The tank isn't high enough anyway. Angels need 18" from the top of the substrate to the water line.

IMO, you need to determine if you want to keep the Tiger Barbs. If so, I'd up those to 6 and ditch the Guppies, and instead also up the # of Tetras. I think Tetras in general like to be in groups.

 

[fatheadminnow]

Like stated above, during a fish-in cycle, you do not want the Ammonia and/or nitrIte to exceed .25 ppm.

If Ammonia is over this, .25 ppm, it can give the fish permanent gill damage.

Also, if NitrIte is over .25 it can give the fish permanent nerve damage.

So it is very important to do water changes to keep your Ammonia and/or NitrIte down at or below .25 until the cycle has completed.

-FHM

 

[Bigd5482]

Yeah I did a water change today and am going to start doing at least one a day to try and get those levels lower. Well thats what I'm wondering if I should ditch the tiger barbs or not I know people that would take them. I'd like to add other fish just don't know what to add I really like the krips (purple cichilids) can't remember how to spell the krip name but don't know if they can go in the tank with already having the 2 rams. Its a pain doing the in fish cycle with the fish he had to be honest I wonder if he even had the tank at the right levels he kinda just through it together without really researching first then moved and wasn't able to take the tank with him. I'll look into the smaller pleco's to add once the tank is stabalized. j

So with that said what are some other lets say more interesting fish than the normal livebearers and tetras that I could possible add to the tank if any is the general rule of thumb still 1 inch of fish per gallon of water? Last thing I want to do is overcrowd the tank I've done that before when I first started the hobby and lost a lot of fish because of my own stupidity. However its been years since I've done the tanks so trying to reeducate myself again. Thanks again for the info ahead of time and for what you already mentioned.

Forgot to put in with the water changes I've been doing 25% daily now should I increase these to twice a day with the 25% changes or go to 50% changes or whatever it takes to keep the levels below .25?

 

[fatheadminnow]

Endlers are nice.

However, I would not add anymore fish until the cycle completes!

-FHM

 

[mancin]

The 1 inch per gallon rule is just a guideline, and is often broken. Some will stock to 1.5 or even 2 inches a gallon with sufficient filtration and enough water changes. The live plants will also help. What kind of filtration do you have right now? The 1 inch per gallon is a pretty safe bet though if you are just getting back into it. Once the tank is cycled, I'd stick to 1 inch per gallon for at least 6 months, see how it goes, and then determine if you want to stock more.

What kind of fish are you looking for? Are you looking for a schooling fish or a center piece fish? I have some Harlequin Rasboras in my 55 Gallon and I absolutely love them.

If you aren't planning on keeping the fish, you may see if an LFS will take them off your hands and do a fishless cycle for the tank. That will give you some time to research the fish that you would like to keep (water parameters, compatability, etc.) and you won't have to deal w/ the daily water changes.

 

[Bigd5482]

The 1 inch per gallon rule is just a guideline, and is often broken. Some will stock to 1.5 or even 2 inches a gallon with sufficient filtration and enough water changes. The live plants will also help. What kind of filtration do you have right now? The 1 inch per gallon is a pretty safe bet though if you are just getting back into it. Once the tank is cycled, I'd stick to 1 inch per gallon for at least 6 months, see how it goes, and then determine if you want to stock more.

I have an elite Power filter currently in it pumps 145 gal/h.

What kind of fish are you looking for? Are you looking for a schooling fish or a center piece fish? I have some Harlequin Rasboras in my 55 Gallon and I absolutely love them.

Well I like both really lol. But I was always interested in the cichlids which is why I was happy to see that he had 2 rams but at the same time not very happy because of having to the fish in cycle with them I always had guppies and platy's and other live bearers for the most part when I had them and the last tank set up I had cichlids in it. Just wanted to get into some lets say I guess cooler fish. Not really sure how to put it lol. So center piece fish I guess would be what I'm going for. Is it possible with the tank size I have at one point to add a pair of krips in? Or for that matter I'd even be happy with more barbs but again worried about them bothering the cichlids like you said they're not now but that doesn't mean they won't start to at one point. So don't know if barbs are an option or not.

If you aren't planning on keeping the fish, you may see if an LFS will take them off your hands and do a fishless cycle for the tank. That will give you some time to research the fish that you would like to keep (water parameters, compatability, etc.) and you won't have to deal w/ the daily water changes.

Well I'm happy with the fish that are in the tank now and would like to keep them so if its daily water changes that are needed will do whatever is necessary. With that is the 25% changes once or twice a day good or should I move to 50% depending on the levels. Speaking of levels checked them again and ammonia still at 1.0 but nitrite has gone down to .50. However depending on what I go with and if I had to get rid of the barbs or guppies I do have a couple lfs around here that will take them. The one I deal with is by far the best one I've found around my area the people there actually seem to know what they're talking about and don't try to do the sale and feed you bs about everything being ok.

 

[mancin]

I'd probably aim for a 30% - 40% water change and see how that works. You might want to invest in a Python. Makes water changes a breeze!

You could do a pair of Kribs, but if you do you'd want to get rid of your Rams. Having both pairs in a 35 Gallon might cause some aggression issues as there won't be enough room for territories. Both are known to get aggressive when spawning. What kind of Cichlids did you have before? There are all sorts of Kribs out there! They are beautiful fish. I have a pair of Pelvicachromis Taeniatus "klugei" in my 55 and they are beautiful!!! Do a google search for Kribensis Cichlid and take a peek at the different varieties and see if those that you are interested in require the same water parameters as your current fish.

I have read that Tiger Barbs are typically used as a dithers for Cichlids as they are semi-aggressive and can hold their own most of the time (with the smaller Cichlids anyway).

 

[Bigd5482]

I'd probably aim for a 30% - 40% water change and see how that works. You might want to invest in a Python. Makes water changes a breeze!

You could do a pair of Kribs, but if you do you'd want to get rid of your Rams. Having both pairs in a 35 Gallon might cause some aggression issues as there won't be enough room for territories. Both are known to get aggressive when spawning. What kind of Cichlids did you have before? There are all sorts of Kribs out there! They are beautiful fish. I have a pair of Pelvicachromis Taeniatus "klugei" in my 55 and they are beautiful!!! Do a google search for Kribensis Cichlid and take a peek at the different varieties and see if those that you are interested in require the same water parameters as your current fish.

I have read that Tiger Barbs are typically used as a dithers for Cichlids as they are semi-aggressive and can hold their own most of the time (with the smaller Cichlids anyway).

Already got the python and it is great. Well I"ll stick with the german rams as thay are quite cool and already named them lol I kinda figured that having 2 pairs of different cichlids in this small of tank wouldn't work but figured I'd ask. I had discus and bolivian rams. So it seems with the current set up I have I'm kinda in the choice of either adding a couple more tiger barbs and then maybe more livebearers. Or if I ditched the barbs are there any other cichlids that could go in with the rest of the fish currently in the tank? The one other issue I'm concerned with is I believe the cichlids need higher PH level than the guppies if I remember correctly? So may end up with more tetras or livebearers. But are there any other species of barbs that could go well with the 2 rams and livebearers currently in my tank if I had the lfs take the tiger barbs? Sorry for all the questions but getting back into this I don't want to screw the tank up after getting it through this cycle.

 

[CKutz]

your tank is actually a 25 gallon (26 by dimensions..but with substrate probably 25 anyways). just lettin ya know!

also, for german blue rams to be healthy and happy, it is best to keep them at 82F. your other fish probably won't like this very much, check out their temp range and if you can, bump your temp up to 80.

rubbernose or rubberlip plecos also stay small i think.
you might be interested in a gourami species..although the tiger barbs might pick at their feelers

good luck with the cycle, and welcome to the forum

 

[Bigd5482]

your tank is actually a 25 gallon (26 by dimensions..but with substrate probably 25 anyways). just lettin ya know!

also, for german blue rams to be healthy and happy, it is best to keep them at 82F. your other fish probably won't like this very much, check out their temp range and if you can, bump your temp up to 80.

rubbernose or rubberlip plecos also stay small i think.
you might be interested in a gourami species..although the tiger barbs might pick at their feelers

good luck with the cycle, and welcome to the forum

I may have been wrong with the dimensions cause I know when I filled it it took 6 and 1/2 5 gal buckets to fill. Didn't think of gourami I've always liked them as well. So perhaps adding the extra 2 tiger barbs to get them to 6 (which I've had luck with them in other tanks with them not bothering other fish with this many) I could get a couple gourami to go in it once the cycle is done.

 

[mancin]

Or if I ditched the barbs are there any other cichlids that could go in with the rest of the fish currently in the tank? The one other issue I'm concerned with is I believe the cichlids need higher PH level than the guppies if I remember correctly?

It depends on the Cichlid. I'm pretty new to Cichlids, but my understanding is many of the African Cichlids require a higher pH (7.8+) and the New World Cichlids require a lower pH.

As CKutz mentioned, the Rams really need warmer water in order to thrive. The high temp can be an issue for some fish that like lower temps.

Other small Cichlids that come to mind: Keyholes, Bolivian Rams, Apistos, etc. I *think* they are OK in singles, but someone please correct me if I'm wrong! There are also Gold Rams, which are a color variation of the German Blue Rams. However, since you have a pair of Rams already, I'd go with 2 females if you wanted to go that route. Once you have a pair, if you have an odd number of Rams, typically the odd one out will be bullied.

I'd re-measure your tank to be sure of the dimensions. Chances are the 5 gallon buckets weren't completely filled to the brim (unless you are much more coordinated than I ) If it really is a 25 Gallon, that will end up changing some of the stocking since you have 10 less gallons to work with.

 

[arobinson1984]

The 1 inch per gallon rule is just a guideline, and is often broken. Some will stock to 1.5 or even 2 inches a gallon with sufficient filtration and enough water changes. The live plants will also help. What kind of filtration do you have right now? The 1 inch per gallon is a pretty safe bet though if you are just getting back into it. Once the tank is cycled, I'd stick to 1 inch per gallon for at least 6 months, see how it goes, and then determine if you want to stock more.

I have an elite Power filter currently in it pumps 145 gal/h.

What kind of fish are you looking for? Are you looking for a schooling fish or a center piece fish? I have some Harlequin Rasboras in my 55 Gallon and I absolutely love them.

Well I like both really lol. But I was always interested in the cichlids which is why I was happy to see that he had 2 rams but at the same time not very happy because of having to the fish in cycle with them I always had guppies and platy's and other live bearers for the most part when I had them and the last tank set up I had cichlids in it. Just wanted to get into some lets say I guess cooler fish. Not really sure how to put it lol. So center piece fish I guess would be what I'm going for. Is it possible with the tank size I have at one point to add a pair of krips in? Or for that matter I'd even be happy with more barbs but again worried about them bothering the cichlids like you said they're not now but that doesn't mean they won't start to at one point. So don't know if barbs are an option or not.

If you aren't planning on keeping the fish, you may see if an LFS will take them off your hands and do a fishless cycle for the tank. That will give you some time to research the fish that you would like to keep (water parameters, compatability, etc.) and you won't have to deal w/ the daily water changes.

Well I'm happy with the fish that are in the tank now and would like to keep them so if its daily water changes that are needed will do whatever is necessary. With that is the 25% changes once or twice a day good or should I move to 50% depending on the levels. Speaking of levels checked them again and ammonia still at 1.0 but nitrite has gone down to .50. However depending on what I go with and if I had to get rid of the barbs or guppies I do have a couple lfs around here that will take them. The one I deal with is by far the best one I've found around my area the people there actually seem to know what they're talking about and don't try to do the sale and feed you bs about everything being ok.

You may need to do 50% water changes upto 3 times a day when performing a fish in cycle.

Whatever it takes to get the levels for ammonia and nitrITE below 0.25ppm.

Once you have done a water change, wait an hour or two, test again if levels are still high, do another water change and so on.

Andy

 

[Jazzzz]

So my buddy gave me his 35 gallon tank and the fish in it. We transfered the fish with the water in bags like you would get from a store. Got the tank set up and unfortuently having to do a fish in cycle which is going good so far ammonia only at 1, Nitrate at 20 and Nitrite at 1.0 along with a ph of 7.4. So in the tank is currently

4 tiger barbs
male and female german blue ram
4 male fancy tail guppies along with 3 females
2 tetras (not sure what kind golden color with black stripe)

tank dimensions are 30x12x17

Welcome

Tiger barbs in with guppy's is a really bad idea hte guppy's will not last long

The guppies will also breed like rabits but all the yough will probaly be eaten by the tiger barbs they are miniture sharks in personality and I would never recomend keeping them with anything but tiger barbs.

Also your amonia level is really high

The guppies and tigers are not likly to survive the cycle being fragile fish

 

[Bigd5482]

Ok so I stand corrected with size of tank thought something sounded screwy to me when I first posted the dimensions and you're right buckets weren't completely full. So exact measurements of tank are 30 1/4 x 12 1/2 x 18 3/4 which will put it at a 29 gallon tank. Which makes more sense with the dimensions I had. Sorry for screw up. So with that said it is going to change the stocking options. Are there any gourmai that could go in the tank? Oh and decided to up the barb count to 6 once cycle is complete as I do enjoy the tiger barbs and worse case scenario if I see them starting to nip the guppies too much my dad will take them for his tank.