Can I add more fish?

[ravekiss]

I just upgraded to a 20g from a 10. I have in there 5 corys, 5 guppies, 2 platys, 1 Dwarf gourami & 1 Swordtail. Is this tank overstocked? Can I add anything else? I'm running a Aqua Clear 50 power filter. Plan to do 20% Water changes every week

 

[coryd]

I think you are at or even a bit over your limit. make sure you do your water changes. the general rule is 1in. of fish (adult size) to 1 gal. of water. I am pushing my limits as well but doing okay b/c of regular water changes.

 

[Teelie]

That rule isn't really applicable to anything but a few kinds of fish. The limit is close though and IMO you're limited on what you could add if anything.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi ravekiss

You have a nicely balanced combination of fish in your tank right now.

But, you do have a good filter running, and if you are faithful with your tank cleaning and water changes, (maybe doing a bit larger ones), I think you might be able to add a few more small fish.

What kind of fish did you want to add?

 

[ravekiss]

I am not sure..what do you think? Any ideas on what would go well with the group already in there?

 

[ravekiss]

Inchworm? Anyone with ideas on what else I can add?

 

[coryd]

I notice you don't have any algae eaters, how about a couple of ottos? They stay small so shouldnt affect your bio load too much, not to mention they are great little workers.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi ravekiss

Otos would be good. They are a fish that are entirely different from the ones you already have and that would add interest. So would a few kuhli loaches.

On the other hand, since you have livebearers, you might want to save the space to keep some of the fry they will have.

 

[ravekiss]

Kuhli loaches sound interesting...never had them. Are they easy to keep? I have gravel as substrate. I cant find ottos in any of the lfs in my area.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi ravekiss

Kuhlis are not hard to keep if your water is good, but you should get at least 3 of them. It seems that they are seasonal, so you might have to wait for them.

How big is your gravel? If it's fine enough for them to burrow into it will be OK. I used #3 gravel with them and had no problems. If what you have is more like small stones, it won't work though.

Do you have an independent lfs, or do you only shop at the chain stores? If not, I would strongly suggest looking around to find one. It will be well worth the trouble, even if it a bit more travel. Most of them will special order fish for their customers which the chain stores cannot do.

 

[ravekiss]

I think my gravel will be too coarse for them to burrow...any other nice fish?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi ravekiss

How about a small school of neon tertas? They are pretty little fish, but I would wait a few weeks until your tank gets settled in a bit more, because they can be a little finiky about water conditions.

Another interesting fish, that Petland Discounts often stocks is Blind Cave Tetras. They are unusual and interesting fish that come from Mexico. I've always been fond of them. A pair of them would work in your tank.

http/www.brooklands.co.nz/tropical/blindcave.htm

Since you mentioned it, is your gravel OK for your corys? They usually do best on a fairly fine gravel.

 

[ravekiss]

The corys are doing great no problems. i'm going over to the fish store after work, i'll see what they have. How many more fish can i get though? Regular fish like platies or mollies.

 

[fufanu360]

wut about some tetras of some sort,

or an african dwarf frog

 

[CTS]

i was thinking some neon/cardinal tetras, there small and add a lot of color to a tank!!