What Fish Should I Add Next?

[Mr Melt]

Hi guys. I currently have a 50ltr Fishbox (Interpet)

In it I have:

x2 Harlequin Rasboras
x2 Platy/Swordtail Fish (one red wagtail one blue/black swordtail)
x1 Siamese Fighting Fish (Crowntail)

My question is: what fish could I add to the tank? And how many more could I add before it would be considered "fully stocked"?

Note - as of this morning the tank was planted along the back with a new bunch of live plants, so naturally I will give it a week or so before adding any new tankmates =)

 

[twodoctors]

You need at least 6 rasbora. Not sure about max number but adding another 4 won't cause problem. If you haven't added any fish in the last week and water still pristine then add the 4 ASAP.

Adrian

 

[coldcazzie]

agree, more harlequins. I had 6, now I have 14 and the larger numbers are worth it, trust me! They are much happier.

 

[ez_101]

Some tetras always look nice i think

 

[Mr Melt]

Thanks for the replies. I asked my LFS about the Harlequins and the store manager was quite frank: He said that schooling fish wont feel truly comfortable unless theyre in groups of 30 or more, therefore there isn't much point in buying anymore Harlequins. His words. I don't know what to make of it, but I've had those 2 in there for a couple of weeks with no problems. They love to dart in and out among the bigger fish and they're often playing together, which makes a great source of enjoyment!

Also, I noticed that certain species WILL school together in different tanks. Would mine do the same if I were to, say buy a group of ember tetras/endlers livebearers?

 

[eaglesaquarium]

As I understand it, the behavior begins to more closely match natural the larger the group you have, so while 30 may not be a possibility, they would probably still benefit from a larger group.

 

[Mr Melt]

As I understand it, the behavior begins to more closely match natural the larger the group you have, so while 30 may not be a possibility, they would probably still benefit from a larger group.

Ah get you now =)

 

[minnnt]

As I understand it, the behavior begins to more closely match natural the larger the group you have, so while 30 may not be a possibility, they would probably still benefit from a larger group.

I totally agree.

Also, is your Swordtail a female? If so then she will get to a fair size, 3-4" potential, and pretty quick given the correct conditions. I had a couple of pineapple females and they were huge! My male stayed smaller though. Something to bare in mind with it being a 50ltr tank. I think a group of 6 neons/cardinals would look impressive also.

 

[Mr Melt]

As I understand it, the behavior begins to more closely match natural the larger the group you have, so while 30 may not be a possibility, they would probably still benefit from a larger group.

I totally agree.

Also, is your Swordtail a female? If so then she will get to a fair size, 3-4" potential, and pretty quick given the correct conditions. I had a couple of pineapple females and they were huge! My male stayed smaller though. Something to bare in mind with it being a 50ltr tank. I think a group of 6 neons/cardinals would look impressive also.

Nah the swordtails a male; I actually made sure I got a male instore before I brought it home for that very reason =P

How many more fish can I then add to the tank (regardless of species)?

 

[minnnt]

Good on ya!!

 

[Mr Melt]

Hmm.... I'm sorely tempted to do a hybrid method; how does 4 endlers livebearers and an extra 2 harlequins sound?

 

[Mr Melt]

Anyone?

 

[AmazonFTW]

Hmm.... I'm sorely tempted to do a hybrid method; how does 4 endlers livebearers and an extra 2 harlequins sound?

Ignore Endlers and add more than 2 Harlequins IMO, you'll in enjoy the fish better in a large group. Also if you were thinking Endlers shoal then you're wrong i'm afraid. You could add 6 more Harlequins and 1male 2female endlers if your heart is set on them but I would personally add 8 Harlequins and ignore Endlers.

Good Luck,
AmazonFTW