Stocking Help

[Spanerman]

would this stocking list seem ok for a 16g tank

1 male and 1 female sword tail

1male and 2 female guppys

3 zebra danios

3 neon tetras

Sam.

 

[Truck]

no, sword tails would be too active for that tank.
female and male guppies should not be mixed in a tank that size, stick with males theyre more colourful
zebra danios would grow too active and should be kept in a minimum of 6
3 neons would not be enough 10 would be better, and then a centre piece and some bottom feeders, but do not add them to a new tank wait till the tank has matured (6 months setup with no problems)

 

[Colin_T]

Zebra Danios and neons need to be kept in bigger groups, (ie: 6 or more).
Platies would be a better choice instead of the swordtails because they are more peaceful. Swords will pick on the guppies and eat the babies. Platies won't normally do that.

 

[Spanerman]

if i had my heart set on sword tails what would go with them?

 

[Truck]

you cant have swords in a tank that size it is not big enough swordtails are VERY active fish

 

[Spanerman]

ok, what would be better then? what would grow to around 3 inches and be nice and peacefull~?

 

[Truck]

anything that is over 3 inches as doesnt bottom dwell will normally be unsuitable

 

[Spanerman]

so i would be better to go with some male guppies and some tetras or danios?

 

[Truck]

not danios, guppies and tetras would be good but avoid these three species of tetra for the first 6 months , cardinal, rummynose, neon.

and avoid tetras that get bigger than 2 inches

 

[Spanerman]

so when the tank is ready, best just to get 2 male guppys?

 

[Truck]

no when its cycled add about 6-8 hardy fish such as guppies, white cloud mountain minnows, harlequin rasboras etc

 

[Spanerman]

ok that sounds like a plan... would that be the maximum stock for my tank then?

 

[Truck]

about 12 inches of fish to start with after your fishless cycle is finished, and build up to 20 inches over a period of a few monthd

 

[Spanerman]

well i have some mature media so it shouldnt be long

 

[Truck]

your adding ammonia right?