Stocking A New 190 Litre Tank

[jamesy100]

I have a new tank coming this weekend, and was looking for some feedback on stocking. The dimensions are 97cm*36cm*54cm, so works out at just under 190 litres.

I was thinking about getting 15 zebra danios, 8 tiger barbs, 6 corys, and possibly a red finned shark.

What do you think of this selection? Are there any alternative fish that you would suggest?

Any feedback would be most appreciated.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

I have a new tank coming this weekend, and was looking for some feedback on stocking. The dimensions are 97cm*36cm*54cm, so works out at just under 190 litres.

I was thinking about getting 15 zebra danios, 8 tiger barbs, 6 corys, and possibly a red finned shark.

What do you think of this selection? Are there any alternative fish that you would suggest?

Any feedback would be most appreciated.

One thing that stands out are the Tiger Barbs and Red Finned Shark. I'm sure a more experienced member may correct me, but that type of Barb does't normally go well with any type of shark. If true, then an alternative of Five Banded Barb,they do look similiar but without the potential 'nippiness' of a Tiger (of course, the larger the number the more relaxed they would be).
Are you thinking of a sand substrate? The Corys would especially love that, and in time i would not doubt increase these as well, i have Albino and they are simply magical to watch!
Best of luck, keep us updated.

Terry.

 

[Fish Guy]

In my experience Red Finned sharks do not seem to as aggressive as Red Tailed sharks. You could try the combination and keep an eye on the sharks aggression.

 

[KevM]

I'm not sure a Rainbow Shark would really be the best tank-mate for Corys. These Sharks tend to be quite aggressive to other bottom-dwelling species once they've reached maturity, and the Corys won't be able to hold their own with it. I would advise swapping the shark for something like a group of the smaller Botia (Zebra Loaches, for example), and changing the Tiger Barbs for something less nippy, such as Black Ruby Barbs, Odessa Barbs, Five Banded Barbs. Failing that, I think you'd be best off giving the Shark free reign at the bottom and increasing the number of Tiger Barbs.

 

[fluttermoth]

I wouldn't put tiger barbs with cories either. Even in a large shoal tigers will pick on other fish, and cories are just too good natured to cope with it.

Also, that hasn't been mentioned yet, don't forget you'll need to cycle your tank!

 

[jamesy100]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

The cories are a definite for me. I've had them before, and just loved watching them scurry around. I thought the tiger barbs might have been ok in a decent sized group, but I'll look again at some of the other barb varieties mentioned and try to find a less aggressive type that I like. If I was to get rid of the shark, what could I replace it with?

I'm going to start the cycle with a chemical kit and monitor with my test kit, then introduce the danios into the tank after a week or two. If everything goes well, I'll then start adding the other fish.

Thanks again for the info. Any other advice is very welcome.

 

[jamesy100]

In reply to Terry.

I'm going to use a gravel substrate - some light and some dark brown. I'm going to keep the stones quite small.

 

[KevM]

Corys do best on sand and I'd always recommend the use of it in any tank containing them, but you may get away with fine gravel.

Good Cory-tolerant bottom-dwellers would be:

- The more passive (usually dwarf) Cichlids (Angelfish, Keyhole, Blue Ram, Bolivian Ram, Laetacara curviceps, Anomalochromis thomasi, Nannacara anomala, et al).
- Other catfish such as the Hoplo, Bristlenose Pleco, South American Bumblebee.

My one year old son is busily trying his best to delete this post right now, so I'll leave it there. Just know that if you remove the Tiger Barbs and the Shark, you have a wealth of options to build a peaceful community around your Corys.

 

[jamesy100]

Thanks very much, newbie. I have a 2 year old boy (partly why I'm setting up the tank) and he never leaves me alone when I'm trying to type, so I understand your situation completely. I'll check out some of the cichlid species you mentioned. I'm going to get fine gravel and make sure it's as smooth as possible, as I've heard it can play havoc with the cories' barbels.

Thanks again.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

And do a little research into 'fishless cycling' your filter, it really is for the best.

Terry.

 

[fluttermoth]

I would really strongly advise you go with a sand substrate if you want cories (or anything with barbels, for that matter). It really is much nicer for them and no harder to look after than gravel, from the fishkeepers point of view.

 

[jamesy100]

I'm having real problems finding sand. I live in Korea, and sand for aquariums doesn't seem too popular here. The closest I've been able to find is a coral sand and gravel aggregate, which claims the gravel is 2-3mm. However, I was thinking if it's coral, it's going to be sharp which won't be good for the cories' barbels.

I have checked out the fishless cycle, and it looks like it might take about a month. I think I'll go for this rather than adding the danios in earlier.

Thanks again

 

[fluttermoth]

Have you had a look for childrens play sand? That's safe for fish tanks, it doesn't need to be special aquarium stuff. You certainly don't want coral sand; it raises pH and is too sharp for cories anyway.

 

[jamesy100]

After a bit of looking around, I've found a place that sells sand - a bit more expensive than other substrates, but it'll be worth it.

Thanks again for all the advice. I'll keep you all posted on how things develop.

 

[jamesy100]

Do you think a dwarf gourami would be a good addition to this community tank? At the moment, I'm thinking of:

6 bronze corys
12-15 zebra danios or harlequin rasboras
8 cherry barbs or 5 banded barbs.