How Important Is It For These Species To Have Company?

[smmetz]

Hi,

My 10 gallon is done cycling, and I was thinking of how to re-arrange my fish. I was considering getting some more fish, for species that like to have company.

I have 5 neon tetras, and I actually just got 4 more, so they should be fine.

I have 4 zebra danios, I read that they like to be in groupls of 5-6 or more. How important is it that I get a couple more of them?

I have 1 spotted raphael catfish. I read that they like to be in tanks with 3 or more of them. How important is it that I get him a buddy or two?

I have 1 rainbow madagascar fish. I read they like to be in groups of 5-6 or more. Again, how important is it that he not be a loner? BTW, I do like that fish, and plan to get 3-4 more.

Of course, if I get all the species enough buddies to be social with, then I am back to overcrowded tanks. (setting up my 10 gallon was supposed to releive that)

Also, if I exchange my 2 common plecos for a bristlenose pleco - would that fish be good as an adult in a 29 gallon tank?

 

[Durbkat]

I would return the danios because they are to active for a 10g also yes I would exchange the 2 common plecos for the brisle nose pleco because common plecos grow up to 2 feet in length which is to big for a 29g. I would return the spotted rapheal catfish to because they reach 8 1/2" which also is to big for that size tank. After you return the danios I would get 5-6 black widow tetras because they would be fine in that size tank. Then you could get black widow tetras for your 29g if you like the black widow tetras in your 10g. If you have anymore questions just ask.

 

[BettaUK]

Hi, Most the fish you have do best in multiple numbers, rainbow fish are gorgeous but your madagascar rainbow fully grown if not stunted could reach 5-6"! So i'm afraid it's another species that's not really suited to your aquarium size and also would do best with multiples of it's own species

Madagascar Rainbowfish - Bedotia geayi​

 

[smmetz]

Wow, didnt think my catfish was gonna get 8", thought I read 5-6" was the max.

I was thinking of getting a 55 gallon kit, but not for a while Guess I'll have to think about what I want to do, since I don't really want to return that many of my fish. Another option is to get a 20 gallon kit maybe. That is, assuming the catfish wont really get that big and rainbow fish will be OK with a 29 gallon.

Weird thing is, our own fish index section says that rainbow madagascar fish don't usually get bigger than 4"? Things like this lead me to confusion, as I thought that a 4" fish would do fine with a 30" long tank, even if it is an active fish.


Thanks for the honest advice! I really do want to do the right thing for the fish. I do like a slightly overstocked, overfiltered tank, but I don't want my fish to be too crowded, or too big for their home.

 

[Mad Duff]

The Madagascar rainbow can easily reach 6"+ given the right conditions, If you are going to keep a group you are better off keeping 3 to 4 females with every male. Males can get very rough with other males when mature and can harass females to death if there are only 1 or 2.

Females are easily distinguished from the males as they have white tips to the fins instead of the red of the males.

I see that you have put the rainbow in the 29 gallon they maybe alright for a while but they would do better in 40 gallons minimum.

Mark