New Tank

[Trin3ty]

Hi guys, new to the forum, and wanting advice on stocking a new tank that has been completely redone (been keeping tropical fish for just under 5 years but would in no way say I'm an experienced keeper, I've kinda just been following what my last lot of fish and water parameters have told me). Tank is as described in the topic and planted with sand substrate. I'd love to keep corys, platy's and swords in it, but I'm curious as to what you guys all think.

How many of each would you stock it with, and would you recommend I start off with something more hardy in the first instance such as zebra danios?

Not done water tests yet as tank is still cycling. Do you all recommend the 7 days of zero for nitrate and ammonia before stocking with anything?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Man of fish]

You want 0 ammonia and nitrIte. NitrAte should be over 5 but I think you'll be fine if it's not.
What size is the tank?

 

[Trin3ty]

90L, so not very big I know, but I have a one bed hose, so unfortunately it's all that will fit

 

[Man of fish]

Then I'd advise not doing danios. They like tanks with 3ft at a minimum with 4 ft. Being much better.
With the sand you can do corys
You can do platys.
I'm assuming you can do swords. In that size I'd do:
6-8 corys. All one species. I like peppered, bronze, and Julii
4 platys. Species doesn't matter.
4 swords. Species doesn't matter.
For the swords and platys make sure you either have a 2:1 or 3:1 female to male ratio, or do all males, or all females.

 

[Trin3ty]

Thank you. I was only thinking of the danio's anyway to start off the tank as I've heard they are a rather hardy species.

Once cycled, which would you recommend I begin with, the corys, swords or platys?

Finally, sorry, to be a pain in the #17#####, but I just want the best for the fish.... how about Corydoras Sterbai? Or are they a no go in this size tank?

 

[Man of fish]

They're good too I believe they'll be fine they are my like 5th favorite Cory but I think they'll be good.
Personally I'd start with the platys then do the swords 2 or so weeks later then if all is well the corys a month or so later. Make sure it's ready though. How do you plan to cycle it?

 

[laura120381]

hi there,

sterbai need slightly higher temps than most other corys. be sure to check this is compatible with your other choices.

good luck and happy stocking!

L