Stocking Post #35,483

[Kombat]

I want to ask for some opinions on my tank stock and how to improve it as I am not happy with it. I currently have 3 blue paradise gouramis, 5 corys, 1 rummynose tetra, 4 diamond von rio tetras, and 3 lemon tetras.

I know my tetras aren't at good numbers for them. I don't really like the von rio tetras. I used to have 9 rummy noses, but they all died except one. Now that my tank is matured I want to try them again, but they're really hard to find. I like the Lemons. Now that they are maturing their coloring is really nice.

First, do i have room for an algae eater, such as a BN plec or some ottos?

Do I have room for two shoals of like 6-8 fish? I'd like to get the lemon's numbers back up and get rid of the von rios. Then I'd like to up the rummynose's numbers or get another schooling fish like a Harlequin Rasbora or maybe a swordtail or two. I also like tiger barbs. How would a group of 6 go in this setup? Are rainbow fish really that pretty? I think they look plain at the LFS.

I also wouldn't mind a RTBS, but I think 29 G, which is 30" long, is too small for one.

The tanked is not planted very heavily. Only 2 Anubius. I haven't upgraded the lighting yet to do serious live planting. The filter is a Penguin 200 BIOWheel.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Karl

 

[mikster]

BNs are good algae eaters but they poo ALOT, not sure what all your current fish add up to in inches but if its close to being fully stocked i wouldnt recommend a BN due to the extra mess. Ottos are probably better but need it be kept in at least 3s to live happily i believe. Another option is amano shrimp, not sure how much algae they eat in total or how much you have but its a possibility, try adding more fast growing plants or something to stave off the algae, some one off the plant forum could probably help you more with that.

hope some of that ramble was helpful, im far from an expert btw so lets hope you get more replies.

 

[Kombat]

Nodoby has any opinions or suggestions? Or are we just tired of stocking questions?

Mainly I was wondering how 2 shoals would be. I would get rid of the von rio tetras, add 3 more lemon tetras, and then get a group of 6-8 small fish like harlequins or cardinals.

Thanks,
Karl

 

[Lynden]

I think you could perhaps fit in 2 shoals, or with excellent filtration, 3 shoals.

However, paradise fish can be aggressive, and grow larger than the tetras. Keep an eye on them.

Tiger barbs can be very aggressive as well if kept as singles or pairs. However, in a group with 6 or more fish, they are a very interesting addition to a community tank. Red tailed black sharks, which are from the same family, can be even more aggressive; and schooling these is not an option.

For an algae eater, you could try one of those L-number locarids (plecs).

Now, make sure you have good filtration, as even with only two shoals, some people (you know who you are) will nag about how overstocked you are. This is a fallacy, since with 3 shoals of 1'' fish, you aren't even over the 1'' per gallon rule. But excellent filtration is vital.

-Lynden

 

[Kombat]

Thanks Lynden. My filter is a Penguin 200, which I believe is rated at 200 gph, though I can double check that. That's a little over 6 cycles per hour, so I think that's barely above bare minimum. I think I've read 5 cycles is the bare minimum. Could I add another smaller filter, perhaps one rated for a 10-15 gallon tank?

I've heard that about paradise fish. I've had them for about 2 months and so far they ignore the other fish for the most part. But between each other there is some chasing once in a while. I've read they get more aggressive when the reach adulthood too.

The RTBS I know would be just a single fish. I just don't know if a 30" tank is big enough. I've heard 36" is a minimum for them.

Tiger Barbs would be my first choice, but if size is an issue I like harlequins and cardinals too as an alternative.

Karl