Ready To Take The Plunge.....

[fishinessex]

Hi. I have been doing a lot of research since June and now I am ready to finally take the plunge. This website is great and I have learned a lot. After all my research, here is what I am planning:

Tank: Aqua One AR850 82cm x 44 cm x 58 cm 155 liter (will do fishless tank cycle)

Lots of differing opinions on tanks in this website but I think I will probably go with the AR850...hope it isn't too big or too small for a starter tank. Haven't had tropical fish since high school.

Fish: (not in order of introduction to tank: any suggestions on order and quantities to introduce appreciated)

6 Harlequin Rasbora
6 Purple Emperor Tetras
5 or 6Julii Cory Catfish
2 or 3 Oto Catfish
2 Ram (German or Bolivian)

others that were on my long-list, but decided against (maybe for my next tank)

Royal Black Emperor Tetra, Rummynose Tetra, Cardinal Tetra, Neon Tetra, Zebra Danio, Leopard Danio, Pearl Gourami, Ruby Red Pencilfish, Boesemani Rainbow, and Killifish

Any and all comments/suggestions gladly welcomed!!! Thanks in advance

 

[Glod]

Certainly looks like you've been doing your homework

The stocking looks pretty good to me, the only thing that jumps out is mixing rams (cichilids) with Corys... The rams may get territorial and the corys have no concept of territory so they may be harrassed.

Other than that.. Once the cycle is done I'd probably add the Emperor Tetras first. Then the Rasorbas over a couple of weeks. Then maybe the Corys followed by the Rams and lastly the Otos which can be quite sensitive.

I'm only saying the tetras and the rasorbas first since they were the initial inhabitants in my community and coped fine. I'd look into the Ram / Cory compatibility tho, I was advised not to mix them.

Good luck with your new tank

 

[xoedusk]

After completing a fishless cycle, I've heard that you can add all your fish at once? Not that you want to be driving home with 20 bags with you, but may ban do rasboars, tetras, and cories together or something?

See what others say about this.

Also, I'd recommend waiting until you have algae to get your ottos, unless you will buy them algae wafers.

 

[Htw]

I'm not sure adding all the fish in one go is the best way. I think Glod has the right idea, adding the fish gradually over a few weeks. Even with a fishless cycle, you can overload the system, so it's better to be safe than sorry, imo

 

[Glod]

Yes xoedusk, the theory behind fishless cycling is that the tank is prepared to handle a full bio-load. I feel that the needs of the fish still come into the equation tho. Adding them to a newly cycled tank will still be stressful so I would add the more tolerant ones first and let things settle before adding the more sensitive ones.
It's also good for a new fishkeeper to get the hang of water changes and maintenance while they have more room for error with the lighter bio-load of lower stocking. It's all part of the learning curve

 

[fishinessex]

Thanks Glod....and all......I will for sure look into the Ram/Cory compatability....the Rams were the last group that I was planning on introducing into the tank....

also, I was planning on gradually introducing everyone into the tank once I have cycled it....starting probably with the tetras or the rasboras....

do you think that I should add all six of either the tetras or rasboras, or start with just a few and add more gradually?

 

[xoedusk]

I'm not sure adding all the fish in one go is the best way. I think Glod has the right idea, adding the fish gradually over a few weeks. Even with a fishless cycle, you can overload the system, so it's better to be safe than sorry, imo

Yes xoedusk, the theory behind fishless cycling is that the tank is prepared to handle a full bio-load. I feel that the needs of the fish still come into the equation tho. Adding them to a newly cycled tank will still be stressful so I would add the more tolerant ones first and let things settle before adding the more sensitive ones.
It's also good for a new fishkeeper to get the hang of water changes and maintenance while they have more room for error with the lighter bio-load of lower stocking. It's all part of the learning curve

Thanks for the clarification!

 

[Glod]

do you think that I should add all six of either the tetras or rasboras, or start with just a few and add more gradually?

Adding 6 at a time shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure you give the tank a week or two between batches to catch up again.

 

[fishinessex]

Thanks for the advice, Glod. I appreciate it. Hopefully sometime next month I can start posting pictures of the tank and it's first occupants.