Just Checking My Stocking

[squidneh]

Hello all, been a while since I posted here.
 
My 75 gallon tank is moderately planted and has an internal filter running about 650gph give or take.
 
Stock is as follows
 
1 female Opaline Gourami
8 Tiger Barbs
10 Neon Tetras
7 Bronze/Albino corys
5 Otos
1 Rainbow Shark
1 CAE
 
I feel like I am over stocked, but I'm thinking it may just be shock from upping my schools a little while ago.  All the water readings are where they should be, fish school nicely and appear happy, etc.
 
Opinions?
 
 

 

[Akasha72]

some of the fish I know very little about (I know nothing about gourami's or rainbow sharks) but the first thing to point out is that CAE - were you aware of how aggressive they become once adult sized? They've been known to kill a full grown angelfish ... basicly eating it alive. I just wanted to point that out in case you wern't aware that it needs to be watched closely.
 
The only other thing is - how are the tiger barbs with the cories? I've seen (and heard) of barbs taking cory fins clean off. Perhaps your shoal of 8 keeps that in check? I'd be interested to know how they are together ... even if only to dispell the myths about them fin nipping slow docile fish

 

[Byron]

I would be concerned over the Tiger Barb with the gourami...have you ever observed any fin nipping, or possible attempts from the barbs?
 
Another concern is the CAE as Akasha mentioned.  As this fish matures, it shows a marked tendency to get very nasty to many other fish.  And one that is likely going to be targeted is the Rainbow Shark, which incidentally is a bit feisty itself depending.
 
I would recommend getting rid of the CAE.  The other issues may be a question of wait and see, since you already have them as opposed to asking advice beforehand.
 
Byron.

 

[squidneh]

Thanks for the response 

 
Yes, I'm aware of the CAE's potential to become aggressive.  The one I have is approximately 2-3 years old, I've had him for a little over a year myself.  From my understanding mine has hit maturity - he is about 6 inches which is the average adult size, and has not grown substantially for months.  He is very peaceful and allows the cories to swim all over him and busies himself cleaning glass/plants/decorations most of the day

 .  It seems I've gotten lucky but I do watch closely for signs he needs to be removed.
 
As far as the barbs, I've never witnessed them harassing the cories, not even the babies which are hardly 3cm.  My gourami is the slowest and most docile of them all but they leave her alone - but, she is about 4 and 1/2 inches so she could be too large a target (however when they first arrived she did kill one before returning to her normal shy self so that could be why they leave her alone) 

 
The rainbow shark is feisty as you mentioned, Byron, she guards her log and will sometimes zip around the tank angrily during the day, but does most of her foraging at night when the lights are off.
 
The shark and CAE I have had since I set up my first 20 gallon tank more than a year ago.  I didn't know this site existed nor that there was so much involved in the hobby.  I've upgraded many times and sacrificed a lot for the well being of my aquatic friends.  I haven't added any fish except to up the schools of the species I have currently in hopes of achieving more natural behaviors.

 

[Munroco]

Sounds like everything is running fine. I don't think you are overloading the tank with these numbers.

 

[Byron]

Agree.  Why fish sometimes do not behave as they normally would is something of a mystery.  Individual fish, problems with health...it is difficult to pin point these abnormalities.
 
However, even if an otherwise non-recommended community of species appears to be functioning without incident, one does have to be very careful when introducing any new fish.  The present "state" may be working, but anything can tip the balance.
 
Byron.

 

[Akasha72]

also agreed. If it is going well and your are aware of the possible problems and are monitoring it then carry on as you are. If it ain't broke - don't try to fix it

 

[Noahsfish]

Doesn't sound overstocked, but I'd keep a close eye on those barbs in regards to the gourami. Observe for signs of nipping on the gourami, as well as if she's being harassed during feeding. I'd personally get rid of the tiger barbs and replace them with pentazona, they're less agressive. I'd also give away the CAE and get some other less agressive pleco.