Another Stocking Question

[kcalbat]

Well....i am getting my tank back in order from a few months without water changes and maintenance due to come circumstances. I am also trying to get a small filter to mature in my main tank for the quarantine tank.

So now I am back to square one.

In a few weeks I will start adding new fish....

I am usure though of how many of what to add. Thats where I need help.

Here are my stats.

It is a 44 gallon irregular shaped tank. Its more tall than wide.

It has a HOB filter made for a 50 gallon. I am looking to upgrade. any ideas?

The tank has fake plants...but ALOT of them but it also has plenty of open swimming space.

The PH around here is around 7.5 or higher...haha.

So NOW


it has 7 Harlequin Rasboras. How many more to complete a happy school...or shoal(?).
3 golden barbs. Once again how many more should I add?



I am interested in adding the following fish however...well not all. but I am looking at the options.

I already have two shaoling fish groups but I am really in love with the neon rainbows! Is it possible to add any?


I definately want to add some Algea eaters...the um..otos. How many?

I like cory cats as well. Which species and how many?


I also want a centre piece fish. I am looking into

Dwarf Gouramis (one male or two females and one male?)
or
a pair of German Blue Rams(but I hear they are delicate)
or does anyone have any suggestions?


I understand I may not be able to add ALL those....but what combination do you think will work?

thanks very much!

 

[doresy]

Hi, when you said 'Here are my stats' I thought you were going to talk about ammonia/nitrite and nitrate levels

Before talking about adding stock it really is best to talk about water quality first.

As far as the harlequines are concerned, the more the merrier but 7 are good enough for a shoal.

I don't do Barbs

Rams and gouramis are best left alone untill your tank well matures (at least 6-8 months AFTER cycling)

Cory are best in +4 and the SAME kind.

Can't help with advice on neon Rainbows

Ottos again are delicate due to being wild caught and +4 groups.

Hope that helps a bit and perhaps post your real stats?

 

[Josiah]

Barbs generally need to be kept in a school of at least 6 because of aggression. I have 7 tiger barbs in my 55g, and they don't bother the other occupants, they just bother each other all day .

 

[kcalbat]

sorry

the tank is fully cycled. Its been up since June.

It went through a period of no maintenance for a while(another thread).

For the past two weeks ive been doing small daily water changes to bring the nitrates down.

Ph- 7.6
Ammonia 0 ppm
nitrite 0 ppm
nitrate 25 ppm

i will definately add to my barbs.

If I add gouramis or Rams I will def. wait until last. Are gold barbs too active for gouramis?

I did hear that ottos are delicate...

thanks for all the help.

 

[I Love my fishies]

A minimum of 6 Barbs will be suitable but if you have the room 8-10 will be alot happier the more you have the less fighting they will do with others and amongst themselves.