Stocking Question

[missPenguin]

Hi guys,

Sorry to ask yet more questions! I am just very determined to make sure I do this right

I have just set up a 27 gallon [UK] tank [126 Litres] which is currently starting to cycle with 4 platys in it [3 red wagtails and 1 blue mickey mouse] added approx four days ago. I just wanted to check my long term plans were feasible.

This is my over-all long term plan for the tank [adding fish gradually, max 3 at a time]

3 Red Wagtail Platy- all female [existing]
1 Blue Micky Mouse Platy- male [existing]

I plan to add:

another 2 in number Mickey Mouse Platies [will have to be female]
5 Penguins Tetras
1 another as yet undetermined fish

Total fish stock = 12

My questions are:

1. Is this a suitable amount of fish for the tank size?
2. Can I get more fish than 12 [if so how many, bare minimum]
3. What other fish would you recommend putting in the tank [bearing in mind it may need to be a species that can survive by itself]

That all, any answers are greatly appreciated!

Mant Thanks

 

[bogwood]

12 should be fine... you could get 4 Corydoras for the bottom areas of the tank (ideally you want a sand substrate for Corys)... do a 'fishless cycle' though...

 

[Dubby]

If you go by the 1inch of fish per gallon thumb rule you most certainly can!!!

I would go for some bottom feeders or tank cleaner type of fish

 

[missPenguin]

If you go by the 1inch of fish per gallon thumb rule you most certainly can!!!

I would go for some bottom feeders or tank cleaner type of fish

Brilliant!

Someone told me that the Platy's eat algae. They certainly seem to nibble at my plastic plants lots!

One thing I'd like to ensure is plenty of colourful fish in the tank to balance out the the penguins.

 

[Dubby]

If you go by the 1inch of fish per gallon thumb rule you most certainly can!!!

I would go for some bottom feeders or tank cleaner type of fish

Brilliant!

Someone told me that the Platy's eat algae. They certainly seem to nibble at my plastic plants lots!

One thing I'd like to ensure is plenty of colourful fish in the tank to balance out the the penguins.

Platys definitely eat algae and they like lots of veg in their diet, but they are not voracious eaters of algae like Otos, SAEs etc. And like most other algae eaters they are partial towards certain types of algae.

Another reason for getting bottom feeders is to clean up the uneaten stuff. Plecos, CAEs, Shrimp do a good job of this.

 

[missPenguin]

Brilliant, thanks!

I will keep all this in mind