Stocking Help

[mbeer21]

Hey all; I'm looking for some ideas and advice about what else can go into my tank.

130L Aquaone Horizon
Aquaone Clearview 400 filter (350 LPH)
Gravel substrate
I do around a 30% waterchange and gravel vac once a week.

1x Adult Angel
1x Silver/Bala Shark (temporary resident till a new home is found, I know he shouldn't be there)
4x Guppy
1x Bristlenose

I've done research but keep finding conflicting results about what will go with these guys, and how many more fish can go in without it being overstocked. According to aqa advisor I'm already well overstocked, but I'm not entirely sure how accurate that site is... The tank seems rather empty
I quite like Clown Loaches, Black Widow Tetras (well, any tetra really), or Bronze Corys; but anything goes, really.
I'm open to getting a better filter if this one isn't up to scratch for a fully stocked tank (the one I have came with the tank).
Thanks in advance

 

[Wills]

Hi pretty nice size tank

For me my imediate plan would be to do rehome the bala asap - which I know you are doing but it is unfortunate they are sold really.

AQ is okay but not perfect IMO it will be freaking out because you have your BN in there.

Your ideas sound pretty good, few things though - firstly I would really consider if you want to keep the guppies or the angel as they often dont mix well and it can be both parties that can be the problem makers. Personally I would go for keeping the adult angel. Also with the Clown loaches they get too big for a 130 but there are a lot of smaller loaches easily available like the Zebra Loach or Dwarf Chain Loach both of which would work.

For me, based on what you have listed what I would do is

1 x Angel
2 x Bolivian Rams (not blue or gold though)
8 x Lemon Tetras (nice largeish tetra but not as nippy as the widows, a few others like flame, von rio or xray would work also)
3 x Spotted Headstanders (nice little oddball for you)
8 x Panda Cories (or any of the cory species, though avoid emerald cories as they are a totally different species that grow much bigger)
1 x Bristlenose - (maybe get one of the opposite gender if you cut down on some of the above)

Wills

 

[soybean]

Black or red phantom tetras might be good, peaceful but the males display to each other over the ladies, without getting aggressive, which can be interesting to watch. Also one of the few tetras ok in a smaller group like a trio which may suit your tank size.

 

[mbeer21]

1 x Angel
2 x Bolivian Rams (not blue or gold though)
8 x Lemon Tetras (nice largeish tetra but not as nippy as the widows, a few others like flame, von rio or xray would work also)
3 x Spotted Headstanders (nice little oddball for you)
8 x Panda Cories (or any of the cory species, though avoid emerald cories as they are a totally different species that grow much bigger)
1 x Bristlenose - (maybe get one of the opposite gender if you cut down on some of the above)

Wills

I had a google of those fish, and they look good Problem is, I don't recall seeing any of them in my local fish store. I live in a small city far from any larger cities, so choices are fairly limited to the more common species. I'll take a look in the store this week and ask what they could do; or I'll just stick to the basic cories and tetras that they have Thanks for the advice there

 

[mbeer21]

Bumping to see if anyone else has a suggestion

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I second the black or red phantom tetra suggestion. As pointed out, they are less nippy than the black skirt, and they look very similar.

Other options:
bloodfin tetras (big enough to not be snacked on by the angel, but peaceful enough not to cause problems either),
bleeding heart tetras (same as above - less active than bloodfin when full grown)

hatchets (if you are looking for a top level swimmer).