New Tank // Stocking Suggestions

[Greg_DS]

Hi, just about 10 days into keeping fish, doing a fish in cycle (I see I would have been better off doing it without fish but too late now) and was looking for advise on what fish to add, how many and when.

Tank is 240 litres, filter is Fluval 305, I've added Tropica plants (around 5/6) and an air filter.

Started yesterday by introducing 8 Danios, they seem to be doing well so far, I would like a Siamese fighting fish at some point though I'm easy on the rest, some easy to care for, community fish would be ideal.

Thanks.

 

[Greg_DS]

P.S I would like some unusual fish if possible, I do have enough free time to look after specific needs.

 

[laura120381]

hi there,

not sure how a betta would get on with danios?? are they not a bit on the lively side??

L

 

[Greg_DS]

They do seem quite lively little things, would the betta not be keen on that?? Ignore my ignorance, this is my first experience of fish.

 

[ron4sum1]

You could perhaps put in some bottom feeders to keep your gravel cleaner ! You could add some schooling fish like Rasboras, Tetras etc. They look nice !

 

[laura120381]

hi again,

i am by no means an expert on bettas or danios but as far as i know they are not a great combination!! danios are quite aggressive and fast moving and i would be concerned at their ability to consume all the bettas food very quickly before it got a chance. hopefully someone with more experience in bettas can let you know if this is completely correct or not!!

what species of danio have you got? if you post the species we can try and advise on suitable tank mates!!

L

 

[Wills]

Hi, well in a fish in cycle situation you need to wait a while before you add more fish so just keep up with the water testing and the water changing

But once you are ready good plan to start planning now Bettas are not really suited to life in a big tank with a current from the filter - they have been line bred to have huge fins and large currents just blow them around the tank. If you want a Betta maybe consider a second tank of around 10 gallons or so

What other fish do you like? For me in a 4 foot tank a group of Cupid Cichlids would be a nice starting point Or a pair of Kribensis are always nice - Albino Kribs are a beautiful variety

Wills

 

[Greg_DS]

@ron4sum1 - I was reading that bottom feeders tend to prefer a more established tank, is there a hardy one that could be added sooner??

@laura120381 - 7 Zebra and 1 Leopard

@Wills - I was thinking about adding some in maybe 14 days, is this too soon?? That's a shame about the bettas, maybe get a small tank once I'm a bit further forward then as they are lovely. Thanks for the suggestions, would all those be OK with these little Danio's and can they be added this early in the tanks life??

Thanks.

 

[laura120381]

+1 to wills suggestions. danios are schooling fish so you might want to consider some more leopards.

L

 

[Greg_DS]

I went to Pets at Home and they suggested them, they were all in one tank as "Various Danio's" wasn't till I got home and researched them I realised they were different species. Will go pick a few more leopards up

 

[Greg_DS]

Any more suggestions?? I was looking at maybe Platys soon, read they are quite hardy and go well with Danios??

Also like Tiger Barbs, do these guys prefer a more established tank??

 

[-FighterFishh]

I agree on the betta front, simply because the danios might be a little too nippy.

Correct me if I'm wrong anyone, but would some gourami work?

Platys could work, but the females produce a lot of fry. You could try just putting in all males so you wouldn't get any?

 

[Greg_DS]

Yeah I scrapped the Betta idea for the meantime, hopefully get a small tank at a later date for one.

How much of a problem is fry, do they produce a lot?? I like the idea of a little breeding but wouldn't want it to get out of hand or they get eaten by another fish.

 

[-FighterFishh]

They do produce quite a lot. Not only if you have a female and a male in your tank will the female probably be constantly pregnant, but even if you don't have any males the girls store sperm so they can give birth anyway!
If you wanted some, you're best off getting 4-5 males to spread aggression and not have to worry about being overrun with fry!

 

[Greg_DS]

Sneaky little females lol

Thanks for the advice