Stocking Opinions For 46L Tank

[parmsuk]

Hi,

Just seeking suggestions for stocking my Fluval 46l tank based on members experience. 

Criteria for stocking
1. Height of tank...would be good to get a mix of fish that utilise the height i.e. high, medium and low

2. Low bio impact

3. Shrimps and/or snails to assist cleaning and algae.

3. colourful arrangements...black gravel.


Thanks in advance.

 

[the_lock_man]

In fairness, a 46l tank doesn't have a huge amount of height in order to get a mix.
 
However, for the bottom, 6 x Corydoras Habrosus, commonly known as Salt & Pepper Cory
 
For the middle (ish), 6 x Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio Margaritatus), or Chilli Rasbora (Bororas Brigittae), or Ginger Rasbora (Bororas Merah)
 
For the top (ish), 3 x male Endler (Poecilia Wingei)
 
Shrimps would depend on (a) your water chemistry and (b) your budget. Cheap option for most water types would be red cherry shrimp, get half-a-dozen, end up with gazillions.

 

[Essjay]

The tank in question is an Edge (http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/429846-hi-to-everyone-on-this-forum-new-to-the-hobby/) so it is very tall for it's volume - 43cm wide, 26cm front to back and 59.4cm tall. It has the same footprint as the 23 litre Edge, but a lot taller.
I personally would prefer a bigger footprint for even C. habrosus, though the other fish lock man suggest will be fine.
 

 

[fluttermoth]

If you could find out the hardness of your water that would help.
 
The Edge is a tricky tank to stock. You're looking at fish that get to less than an inch, adult size, as there isn't really enough swimming room for anything bigger.
 
Most of these small fish need fairly large shoals to feel confident so, in reality, you're looking at stocking only one, or possibly two, species of fish and relying on shrimps/snails to give you some variety.
 
Depending on your water you could look at any of these; ember tetras, chili/mosquito rasboras, celestial pearl danios, dwarf emerald danios, Endlers, lampeyes, one of the dwarf cories.
 
Threadfin rainbows or sparkling gouramis might be possible, but I'm not 100%; I'm sure someone will say yay or nay shortly!

 

[the_lock_man]

I certainly wouldn't have gouramis in an Edge, if it is going to be filled correctly, as there would be limited space for the gourami to breathe (they are a labyrinth fish, meaning that they need to breathe air as well as take oxygen through their gills).
 
Not only do Edge tanks have a small footprint relative to a "standard" 46l tank, the surface area for gas exchange is smaller again.
 
I personally feel that the habrosus would be ok in there, BUT I would only have the endlers, not the shoaling species. Alternatively, have the shoaling species but not the cories.