What Fish And How Many

[AMcGregor]

Hi all,

We are new to the tropical fish scene and only into the 4th week of our tank, the tank is 150 litre in size and currently the water is good and stable on the dip strips, and to double check we also took some water into the shop for a more accurate test which was also fine. Ph was stable at 7 and the tank is sitting at 25 degrees.

We followed the advise for set up etc and left for 2 weeks prior to adding fish.

We were however, I think given some bad advise when choosing our first fish?

We currently have 5 tiger barbs (3 green and 2 tiger) 2 rosy barbs and 2 koi angel fish. Currently all is well in the tank but I have read conflicting info that the angel fish may not be the best companions for the nippy tiger barbs??

We would also like more fish, but would like advise on, how many fish the tank we have will support, would more be recommended etc and also what fish to mix with the barbs so the get along. I would like a shark of some kind if possible but obviously depends on compatibility.

As much info as possible would be fantastic.

Thanks

 

[JohnDyer]

It's debatable. My tigers don't bother my angel at all, especially when they have a good school to bother instead. Other members have had completely different experiences. You should give it a shot, and if the angelfish shows signs of stress, get rid of one or the other.

 

[AMcGregor]

It's debatable. My tigers don't bother my angel at all, especially when they have a good school to bother instead. Other members have had completely different experiences. You should give it a shot, and if the angelfish shows signs of stress, get rid of one or the other.

Ok I will watch for this. What other fish would Be suitable to be added? I have also heard that there should be 7 or 8 tigers barbs as a suitable shoal size, is this correct.

 

[JohnDyer]

They should be fine with anything more than 6, but the more the merrier. Rosy barbs like to have a school too, so you should look into getting 4-6 more.
As for other fish, you could go with a big school of tetras or another species of barbs, and a bottomfeeder like a Bristlenose Pleco. Rainbowfish would be good too, or Apistogrammas, Rams, a Rainbow Shark, Swordtails or Platies. It really depends on what you like.

 

[Teacher Martyn]

I don't have much to add to your request for advice(n) but can advise(v) on the following...

Silver-tip tetras are beautiful and can look after themselves in the face of some bigger fish. Males colour-up beautifully when they're flirting with the females. Make sure the ratio is about one to three.

I have a red-tailed black shark in a tank with a couple of platies and some zebra danios. I didn't plan is this way but the decorators unplugged the heater and all the fish except the shark died and then the others came as donations from people who felt sorry for me.

The only time there's any argy-bargy from the shark is when they're fed and he chases the others away like mad. They never come to any harm though.

Angels are cool if you start them small alongside small fish. They grow up to tolerate them then.

 

[AMcGregor]

Thanks both for the advise. Currently all the fish are small, the tigers are approx 3/4 inch and the angel 1.5 inch.

My tank is actually 42 us gallon, if I was to add another 3 rosy barbs, 3 more tiger and a red tailed black shark as i really like these, would this overstock the tank or be ok?

 

[JohnDyer]

You'll be fine. You could probably even add a bit more, but take it slow so the filter can adjust.