90L Stocking Advice

[PhilH]

So I picked up a second hand Fluval tank this weekend (60 x 35 x 50cm.) and was somewhat surprised to lhave a number of fish included...

I took them as I was concerned their fate may otherwise have been grim.

I transported the tank with a few inches of the existing water, mature substrate and media, hoping this will retain some of the bacteria. I have since been completing 50% water changes daily, treating the water to dechlorinate and adding bacteria from a bottle (I know there are questions over the benefit but figure it can't hurt).

Within the tank were 20-30 guppies ranging from a few adults to loads of fry, 2 Neons, 1 black tetra and a kuhli. I've since rehomed the guppies barring a few fry I couldn't catch or see!

The tank was thick with algae too so I've cleaned this from the sides and filter with tank water.

I took a water sample to my LFS and they said the only concern was slightly high nitrates (I took the sample before that day's water change) so I'm hoping things will be ok for the travellers... I haven't had any casualties and I'm awaiting delivery of an API kit to monitor levels.

Once everything is settled I'm thinking of the following stocking:

2 Honey Gouramis (1m 1f)
4-5 additional black tetra
2 additional kuhlis
some RCS

Any thoughts or advice on any of the above welcome and appreciated.

 

[Ninjouzata]

Glad you got a hold of them and they're all alive. I'd up the numbers of the black tetra and khuli loaches to 6 each.

 

[PhilH]

Thanks - I have 2 neons and 1 black tetra in already, be ok with an additional 6? Or do you mean create a group of 6?

Do I have a good enough tank distribution with this set up or is everything going to hang about the bottom? And will red cherries be safe if I give them some java moss to hide in or is anything likely to see them as lunch?

 

[Ninjouzata]

I mean create groups of 6
 
The distribution is good, the khuli loaches & shrimp will be on the bottom, the black tetras the middle, and the honey gourami will pretty much go everywhere though they are more mid-top dwelling fish.
 
I am not sure how safe your shrimp will be, sorry. I havn't had them myself. Java moss should help them though!

 

[PhilH]

Thanks for the advice!

Will do some more research on the RCS, most of what I've read suggests they'll be fine as adults.

 

[PhilH]

Just a quick update on this tank!

I've got hold of some wood, silk plants and some pots to make caves from (The Kuhli loves chilling out under the wood!) So thought I'd post a pic.

Forgive the little bits of algae left over from initial clean, they've since been banished!

Looking to go get some more fish this weekend as my water is looking good! (0ppm ammonia, 0ppm nitrite, 5ppm nitrates).

 

[PhilH]

Hmm just getting an error when I try to attach photos... will have to try this evening!