Stocking: Do I have room for more?

[lsl]

And if so, what...

55 Gal, long, 2 HOB filters - Tetra Whisper 70 and Fluval 30

I have 12 Tiger Barbs - 4 regular, 4 Albino, and 4 Green - as well as 6 Cherry Barbs and 6 Gold Barbs.

6 Decorations with plenty of hidey-holes, as well as one large center decoration that is about 3/4 the height of the tank and 3/4 out from back to front (hollow inside though so fish can go in and out through side holes etc.).

I have 1 java fern - though it’s growing well and sprouting additional leaves (fronds) so hopefully it’ll spread around the tank over time.

Would like to add…something…if I can.

Corys seem a logical choice to deal with some bottom maintenance.

A single larger-ish centerpiece fish wouldn’t be bad...

Ideas?

 

[AJ356]

Welcome to the forum. My only input to this right now is to be careful with corydoras and barbs. I've experienced too much harassment of corydoras by barbs to do that again. I think there are some very docile barbs that might be okay, but I wouldn't put corydoras with your bunch. In my experience. And corydoras are not really bottom maintenance, though I get your thinking.

 

[plebian]

You currently have 24 very active fish in a 4' enclosure that includes a large centerpiece decoration. Personally, I'd remove the center piece to provide more open swimming space. I'd advise against adding any more fish regardless of size, unless you'd like to add a single species of nocturnal dwarf catfish, assuming he has a safe place to hide during the daytime.

 

[lsl]

You currently have 24 very active fish in a 4' enclosure that includes a large centerpiece decoration. Personally, I'd remove the center piece to provide more open swimming space. I'd advise against adding any more fish regardless of size, unless you'd like to add a single species of nocturnal dwarf catfish, assuming he has a safe place to hide during the daytime.

You said single species but I think you mean one single fish of that type, correct?

 

[GaryE]

A couple of things - if we look at Cory types as cleaning the bottom, we would have to look at humans as cleaning up for birds. Corys live on the bottom and look for good foods in an already clean environment. We don't fly and they (with a couple of exceptions) don't swim up into the water column to feed, but it's a myth they are cleaners. They just live on the substrate.

You do have a lot of fish already, and if you're like the rest of us, you may not be factoring in how large they'll grow. I would keep my decor, but I wouldn't add. Asian barbs like that often pick at catfish, as those barbs are active and easily bored fish.

One of my "rules" is that if I ask myself if I can add more fish, and am genuinely uncertain if I can, then I'm telling myself no. The question is the answer.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

When my daughter was little, she would sometimes ask me, "Is this a good idea?" The Badgerling being a very adventurous kid, I almost always knew the answer right away. When I ask myself, "Can I add more fish?" it's often the same situation.

Personally I love having some bottom feeders just so there's something going on at the bottom of the tank. But with that many barbs? In my experience they'll be all over the place anyway. Other than perhaps adding a few more cherry barbs (they are both smaller and less obnoxious than tigers and goldies, and small fish find strength in numbers), I'd probably leave it be.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

Also: Pictures!

 

[lsl]

Also: Pictures!

I want to get a nice backdrop. This was an older tank that I refurbished this year and the original backing had gotten waterlogged/faded. So right now the bare wall behind the tank is showing through and pretty ugly! Have a few electrical wires to manage as well. Was also kind of waiting to see what the Java Fern does and have a little more greenery around the tank.

 

[lsl]

but it's a myth they are cleaners. They just live on the substrate.

Ok this makes sense. That was good to know thanks.

 

[Fishkeeper123]

And if so, what...

55 Gal, long, 2 HOB filters - Tetra Whisper 70 and Fluval 30

I have 12 Tiger Barbs - 4 regular, 4 Albino, and 4 Green - as well as 6 Cherry Barbs and 6 Gold Barbs.

6 Decorations with plenty of hidey-holes, as well as one large center decoration that is about 3/4 the height of the tank and 3/4 out from back to front (hollow inside though so fish can go in and out through side holes etc.).

I have 1 java fern - though it’s growing well and sprouting additional leaves (fronds) so hopefully it’ll spread around the tank over time.

Would like to add…something…if I can.

Corys seem a logical choice to deal with some bottom maintenance.

A single larger-ish centerpiece fish wouldn’t be bad...

Ideas?

I think a Bristlenose pleco is a good choice. They are largish and my favourite fish in my tank and would highly recommend them.

 

[WhistlingBadger]

I want to get a nice backdrop. This was an older tank that I refurbished this year and the original backing had gotten waterlogged/faded. So right now the bare wall behind the tank is showing through and pretty ugly! Have a few electrical wires to manage as well. Was also kind of waiting to see what the Java Fern does and have a little more greenery around the tank.

Don't worry about that. All of our tanks are works in progress. Part of the fun is seeing them develop.

For backdrops, I've started using these. They're fairly easy to apply, look really nice, and last forever if you get them on right. Come in a lot of colors and patterns too.