Next fish?

[VikkiM]

Hi all,

I am a beginner with a 55 litre tank, which has been up and running for just over 2 months. I have 4 platies which have been in there since about Week 2, followed by 7 cardinal tetras, 4 of which were introduced in about Week 4 and the other 3 two weeks ago.

I quite fancy getting a couple of Black Mollies this weekend. Should I buy them in pairs or a group, and are they compatible with the other fish?

Also, I would quite like in a few weeks to get some sort of algae-eating type fish, can anyone recommend a suitable one for my size and stock of tank?

My nitrate tests are coming up very slightly high at the moment (all other tests OK)... I haven't got any live plants in the tank yet, would putting one in solve this problem?

One final question, and this might seem very silly to experienced fishkeepers, but the tank is actually the property of our 3 1/2 year old son and is quite "lively" in that we have a "fizzer" airstone creating a sheet of bubbles at the back of the tank, a diver with bubbles coming out of his ears (I know, I know!) as well as the air coming from the pump/filter. Is this a bit too much for the fish? Does it bother them? We have put the "extra" air pumps on a timer so they don't create this crazy atmosphere 24/7 but I wondered other's thoughts were.

So many questions!!!! Grateful for any responses.

Regards,

Vikki

 

[bunjiweb]

Personally I wouldnt add anymore middle or top swimmers to the tank, as 55L is NOT a big tank...

I would next add a small school of corys or ottos. If you want them to combat Algae then deffinatly go for Ottos. You could have 3 easily alongside what you already have.

Ben

 

[Arfie]

Hi VikkiM,

For algae eaters, I'd get 3 or 4 otto's they stay small and eat algae and are entertaining to watch, perfect! I'm getting some when I've rearranged my tanks

I would add some plants, they should help your nitrates and they make your tank look more natural IMO and give fish places to hide when they want.

The air bubbles will help create surface movement and help oxygenate the water, they won't hurt the fish, but it may be best to turn the air curtain off at night to give them a bit of peace.

Arfie

 

[VikkiM]

Thank you very much for your help... most appreciated!

My other half went out and bought the mollies today (I hadn't spoken to him after reading the posts but wasn't expecting that!) so I won't put any more fish in the tank. They look like they are enjoying themselves, anyway - they have stripped most of the algae off the stones!

Can you believe the guy in the shop where we bought the tank told us we could have 60 small fish in it? Good job we didn't take any notice of him, I think he must be getting his litres mixed up with his gallons, or something!

Thanks again.

Vikki

 

[isu_guy]

Did the fish store guy think you said 55 gallon? cause that could hold 60 small fish in it.

 

[Teelie]

Did the fish store guy think you said 55 gallon? cause that could hold 60 small fish in it.

That would be my assumption. A 55 liter is not a large enough tank for 60 fish unless they were fry sized.