Mistakes Already

[55gal]

So we decided to set up our 55 gallon tank almost a year ago now, and I'm just learning that we have very non-compatible fish, and fish that are too big for the tank. We have
2 angle fish
2 cory cats
1 chinese algae eater
8 female guppies
1 bala shark
I also just purchased another algae eater because I learned that CAE don't eat algae, but now I am afraid He is also a CAE, even though that is not what his tank said. He is peach colored and some of the others in his tank had a peach head with a black body.
So who should I get rid of if I want to keep the Angels? and what fish are compatible with angels (I do not want an all angel tank since I don't want to breed and I don't want any more live bearers). Thanks for any help you can give!

 

[Breeze7050]

Honestly, if you've been running the tank for a year with all the same fish, I'd leave it for now. If the angels haven't already eaten the guppies, they may be ok. It all depends on the angels. Some people keep them with smaller fish have no problems at all.
I would up your corries as they like to be in larger groups. your bottom seems a little empty so I would get about 6 more. They'll appreciate the friends.
I would think about re-homing the bala shark as A. they get VERY big, B. they really prefer to be in groups of 3+
Also if you do have a 2nd CAE- I would see about taking him back to the LFS that sold him, mislabeled to you!! The current one you have, you may be able to keep assuming no problems arise or you could try to take him to the LFS as well.
HTH

 

[crazie.eddie]

I agree. The tank should be fine. I would just get rid of the CAE, since they can get aggressive when they get bigger. Also the bala shark, since they DO get big and will require a larger tank.

 

[55gal]

so are the CAE aggressive with all fish or just their own kind? Also has any one heard of the CAE being the color I described? so If I got rid of the bala and Chinese algae eater what could I add to the tank?

 

[gpgscott]

Sooner or later the angels are going to invite the guppies for dinner. I really think you need to decide if you are going to have a peaceful comminity or a semi agressive one. If the answer is peacful the angels have to go and you add more guppies, platys, mollies, neons. If you go the semi aggressive route then bigger faster tetras like skirt, silver dollar, buenos aires, congo, giant danios, gouramis. I have never had one but ottos are often recommended for algae duty. Scott

 

[Breeze7050]

Well, it kind of depends what way you want to go... I like a shoal of Rainbowfish, the bigger tetras as gpg stated, maybe some loaches on the bottom, maybe a bristlenose plec if you like the looks of them... kind of up to you now!
*EDIT* Not sure about the different colored CAE's. Sorry!

 

[wayne84]

my CAE just did not get on with his own kind with other fish he seems ok just gets on with his job lol byt thats just mine others may have other stuff to say about them but the shark needs to go back i have 3 and i still think they could do with a bigger group but its the space thing again they do get big

 

[55gal]

defenitly would rather have a semi-aggressive tank. But I really can't see one of my guppies fitting in there mouths, But I would not mind if they got eaten, they were a breeding attempt that got out of hand. Thanks for the advice!

 

[vinylman]

defenitly would rather have a semi-aggressive tank. But I really can't see one of my guppies fitting in there mouths, But I would not mind if they got eaten, they were a breeding attempt that got out of hand. Thanks for the advice!

Have you thought of giving your Guppies away to the LFS. You might not mind if they get eaten, but the fish probably will..........