Stocking Of My 40 Gallon

[davisef]

Okay, here's the stats:

Aquarium
40 Gallon high tank. 24"x12"x30"
Marineland Penguin 350 HOB Filter - Two Bio Wheels 350gph
Undergravel Filter
75 Gallon Air Pump hooked to undergravel
25% Weekly water changes
Lots of hiding places in plastic plants or under "shelves"
pH 6.8
NO3 - 0
NO2 - 0
Alkalinity - 80
Hardness - 300+ppm

Fish
9 Lemon Tetras
1 Siamese Fighting Fish (Male)
3 Dwarf Fire Gourami
3 Dalmation Mollies
1 Silver Lyretail Mollie
3 Ghost Shrimp
3 Silver Hatchetfish
1 Fantail Goldfish

I'm concerned about my mix of fish. I know the mollies would like some salt, but my water is SUPER hard, so maybe it's okay. I'm concerned about the hardness. It's off the chart or more than 300KH.

The Goldfish shouldn't be in the mix, but no one chews on him and he's very active and appears very happy, and I really don't want to give him up. No room for another tank (wife says no), but possible adoption.

Questions
1. Concerns of fish mix?
2. Concerns with water parameters? Should I/How do I make it more soft?
3. Adequate filtration?

Thanks in advance. I'm new to this and I'm wondering how far over my head I am.

 

[wendywc]

I would have the obvious concerns for the goldfish (being coldwater) and the betta (depending on individual's aggression). Also the ghost shimp will probably be eaten by the mollies.

Also, if you are really concerned about the hardness of your water. Then I would personally get a water softener installed. I helped my brother install one for his house. What a difference! Made showering there much nicer and they say softeners lessen build-up in your pipes. If you install it yourself, be sure to install it before the water reaches the water heater.

 

[davisef]

No access to a water softener since I rent, and who knows where the water hookup is...

The betta is mellow and the goldfish appears happy. There's absolutely no aggression or fin nipping present.

 

[wendywc]

Oh, sorry I assumed you owned the house. Goldfish grow big. Check out the FAQ here: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=43980

 

[davisef]

I have a friend with a large goldfish pond. All of theirs are quite large, I'd say 10 inches plus. Do you think mine of an inch and a half would survive if put in the mix with them?

 

[waldo]

I have a friend with a large goldfish pond. All of theirs are quite large, I'd say 10 inches plus. Do you think mine of an inch and a half would survive if put in the mix with them?

You could always get a plastic tub, around 20-25 gallon to put the goldfish in for awhile. I have a 20 gallon tub with water lillies and various other pond plants and 2 goldfish on my deck. Once the fish get too big for the tub (this fall) they will go back to the LFS.