Will My Tank Be Overstocked?

[Jozlyn]

I have a 65lt tank - 76.5cmL x 30.5cmD x 38cm H at the moment it contains:
1 Bumble Bee Goby
2 Neon Tetra
2 Guppies
1 Dalmation Molly
1 Neon Dwarf Gourami

Can I add:
4 more Bumble Bee Goby
2 German Blue Rams, and
1 Bristle nose catfish (to do the house work!)
and possibly a Figure 8 Puffer (if I can get one)

 

[Dagu]

You should have enogh room for them, i think!! But be careful with the puffer as they can be abit 'fussy'with the smaller fish like the neon tetras

 

[DarkEntity]

I have a 65lt tank - 76.5cmL x 30.5cmD x 38cm H at the moment it contains:
1 Bumble Bee Goby
2 Neon Tetra
2 Guppies
1 Dalmation Molly
1 Neon Dwarf Gourami

Can I add:
4 more Bumble Bee Goby
2 German Blue Rams, and
1 Bristle nose catfish (to do the house work!)
and possibly a Figure 8 Puffer (if I can get one)

Bumblebee Goby are brackish not freshwater fish, as is the Figure 8 Puffer. On top of that you DO NOT mix them with other fish, Puffers will kill most things they can get their beaks into.

You need to think about what you currently have and then keep them as they should be kept. Neon, Guppys, mollys should be kpt in groups not alone. Rams should be in pairs as males with fight. Do some research before buying your fish.

 

[Jamesham]

you need to get 4 more neons and about 3 more mollies.

they are best in shoals.


you will really see the difference in your neons

 

[Shadow~Fox]

Your tank is 90 liters.

Neon Tetras need to be kept in groups of 6.

 

[Jozlyn]

you need to get 4 more neons and about 3 more mollies.

they are best in shoals.


you will really see the difference in your neons

Thanks for the advice, but I don't want anymore Neon's as their water needs are too narrow, and I definately don't want anymore Mollies as the one I have already is pregnant and I have no idea what I am going to do with the fry as my LFS's don't want them.

 

[Jozlyn]

I have a 65lt tank - 76.5cmL x 30.5cmD x 38cm H at the moment it contains:
1 Bumble Bee Goby
2 Neon Tetra
2 Guppies
1 Dalmation Molly
1 Neon Dwarf Gourami

Can I add:
4 more Bumble Bee Goby
2 German Blue Rams, and
1 Bristle nose catfish (to do the house work!)
and possibly a Figure 8 Puffer (if I can get one)

Bumblebee Goby are brackish not freshwater fish, as is the Figure 8 Puffer. On top of that you DO NOT mix them with other fish, Puffers will kill most things they can get their beaks into.

You need to think about what you currently have and then keep them as they should be kept. Neon, Guppys, mollys should be kpt in groups not alone. Rams should be in pairs as males with fight. Do some research before buying your fish.

I have done a lot of research, that's why I know that I don't want anymore Neon's or Mollies, I have ordered a pair of Rams ie one male and one female. The Gobys can live quite well in water that is only lightly salted, which mine is, again this based on researching the fish! Based on even more research I have learned that of all the puffers the Figure 8 is the most docile and unlikely to pick on anyone else, that is if I can even get one, I live in the middle of nowhere!

 

[Jozlyn]

Your tank is 90 liters.

Neon Tetras need to be kept in groups of 6.

Nope it has 65lts in it, I very carefully measured and counted as I filled so that I would know how much water I have if I have to add anything to it. I'm guessing that gravel, ornaments, rocks, plants, the fact that you don't fill it to the brim etc may account for the difference

 

[MadCatter]

I don't want to be rude, I just don't want to see you get dissapointed or have a fish die later on. If you truly care about your fish, you'll read what everyone has to say, and take it to heart. If you don't care what other, experienced people have to say, then stop reading now. Get your fish, and let them die.

I agree that you have made a poor choice in fish tankmates. While it is true that your gobies can live in fresh water, living is not the same as living well, or thriving. The same goes for a figure eight if you decide to get one. Mine would never touch anything more than a ghost shrimp, but that doesn't mean others wont - ask other members about their puffers! There is a strong possibility that they will turn agressive toward other fish. An F8 puffer is also brackish, and will not survive long in fresh water. They can only tolerate the fresh water conditions because they were blessed with evolving in an environment where the water fluctuates regularly. Again.. they are brackish, as are bumblebee gobies, and shoule be kept as such. Bumblebee gobies can also be rather territorial. While they may be small and adorable, they are feisty, and I wouldn't suggest putting more than what you already have in there.

If you have done research enough to see that your neon's needs are too narrow, then you also should have realized that they need 6 or more for a school, as well as the puffers and bumblebees need brackish water. Rams are even more sensitive to water fluctuations than the neons, so good luck.

Volume Calculator You are at 88.66 liters, or about 22.79 US gallons. I understand this isn't exact because of rocks, ornaments, etc, but in the real world, that isn't how your tank is calculated.

 

[pica_nuttalli]

although you do seem bound and determined to do it your own way, please don't add the Figure 8 puffer. "a bit of salt" is not a brackish environment and is insufficient for the long-term care of the fish.

also, if you have hard water, then the bumblebees would be ok but in that case, you should avoid the german rams. rams really just don't do well at all except in fairly soft, acidic water. ditto for neons, but you don't seem too fussed about those anyways.

how's this sound for a final stocklist? this would be for a hardwater aquarium.

4 Bumble Bee Goby
4 Guppies
4 Dalmation Molly
1 Bristlenose catfish
1 Kribensis cichlid

if you don't put effort into saving the liverbearer babies, then most of them will get eaten.

whatever you do, don't keep more than one kribensis! in a small tank like yours, two kribs of the same gender will kill each other; two kribs of different genders would mate and kill all the other fish. but kribensis are perfectly happy living by themselves and can be quite pretty. females are generally more colorful, smaller and less aggressive, so you'll want to get one of those. but only one!

also, please note that bristlenose catfish will not each poop and need more food than just the tiny bit of algae that *might* start to grow. so if you get one, you'll need to also buy algae wafers to feed it. good news, though: all the other fish will like algae wafers too!

bumblebee gobies can be a bit difficult to keep fed, so (unless you've kept yours alive for 3 months) you might want to pass on getting any more. of course, having a bunch of livebearers in the tank would help with that since all fish love to eat fry.

 

[DarkEntity]

I have done a lot of research, that's why I know that I don't want anymore Neon's or Mollies, I have ordered a pair of Rams ie one male and one female. The Gobys can live quite well in water that is only lightly salted, which mine is, again this based on researching the fish! Based on even more research I have learned that of all the puffers the Figure 8 is the most docile and unlikely to pick on anyone else, that is if I can even get one, I live in the middle of nowhere!

You obviously havent done much research or dont understand the meaning of shoal. Neons like to be in a "shoal" which means a group of 5 or more , it makes them feel secure, you will also see them at there best when in groups. If you dont want more Neons, Mollys etc then rehome them, dont leave them in a tank that isnt to their benefit.

Bumblebee Gobies are Brackish water fish as are Figure8 Puffers, you really do not want to put them in freshwater, its like having you live in a cardboard box, yes you might survive but what kind of existance is it?

You are supposed to be RESPONSIBLE for the creatures in your care, if you intend to continue on the course stated do not come back here moaning when either: your fish are dying, ill or dead, or the Puffer has taken it upon himself to have a meaty feast at night when they are most active and your other fish are docile.

Note:

To the above person, Kribensis is not an option as he has gone and bought Rams.

 

[Jozlyn]

I have done a lot of research, that's why I know that I don't want anymore Neon's or Mollies, I have ordered a pair of Rams ie one male and one female. The Gobys can live quite well in water that is only lightly salted, which mine is, again this based on researching the fish! Based on even more research I have learned that of all the puffers the Figure 8 is the most docile and unlikely to pick on anyone else, that is if I can even get one, I live in the middle of nowhere!

You obviously havent done much research or dont understand the meaning of shoal. Neons like to be in a "shoal" which means a group of 5 or more , it makes them feel secure, you will also see them at there best when in groups. If you dont want more Neons, Mollys etc then rehome them, dont leave them in a tank that isnt to their benefit.

Bumblebee Gobies are Brackish water fish as are Figure8 Puffers, you really do not want to put them in freshwater, its like having you live in a cardboard box, yes you might survive but what kind of existance is it?

You are supposed to be RESPONSIBLE for the creatures in your care, if you intend to continue on the course stated do not come back here moaning when either: your fish are dying, ill or dead, or the Puffer has taken it upon himself to have a meaty feast at night when they are most active and your other fish are docile.

Note:

To the above person, Kribensis is not an option as he has gone and bought Rams.

Ok, I'm not a he I'm a she!

And I can't get a Puffer because they are just too ridiculously expensive, I also haven't bought the Rams I've put in an order and I still don't know if I'll be able to get them!

To date, I've never moaned about anything and do not intend to, I simply ask questions.

I use the term LFS loosely, it's over 100km's from where I live!

I have done enough research on Neon's to know that I do not want anymore, I am perfectly aware of what a "Shoal" is, however when I purchased them originaly the LFS did not tell me they needed to be in a shoal and at that time I did not know! The LFS will not take them (or the Mollie) back and I have no-one to give them to, as a last resort and to keep you happy, I will euthenaise them in some clove oil!

So, the Kribnesis is still an option!

And again as far as the Goby is concerned I have done a lot of research on this lovely little fish, both on this web site and others. And, according to this web site and others they can live perfectly happy, long lives in lightly salted water!

I'd also like to add that perhaps you might like take a bit more time on your responses, I can't see your face or hear your words to garner their intent, but I have to say that I feel the tone of your response to be pretty insulting and denegrating, particularily your "Note" at the end. I really don't think that that is the intent of this forum.

 

[t.ropical_m.istx3]

Ok, I'm not a he I'm a she!

And I can't get a Puffer because they are just too ridiculously expensive, I also haven't bought the Rams I've put in an order and I still don't know if I'll be able to get them!

To date, I've never moaned about anything and do not intend to, I simply ask questions.

I use the term LFS loosely, it's over 100km's from where I live!

I have done enough research on Neon's to know that I do not want anymore, I am perfectly aware of what a "Shoal" is, however when I purchased them originaly the LFS did not tell me they needed to be in a shoal and at that time I did not know! The LFS will not take them (or the Mollie) back and I have no-one to give them to, as a last resort and to keep you happy, I will euthenaise them in some clove oil!

So, the Kribnesis is still an option!

And again as far as the Goby is concerned I have done a lot of research on this lovely little fish, both on this web site and others. And, according to this web site and others they can live perfectly happy, long lives in lightly salted water!

I'd also like to add that perhaps you might like take a bit more time on your responses, I can't see your face or hear your words to garner their intent, but I have to say that I feel the tone of your response to be pretty insulting and denegrating, particularily your "Note" at the end. I really don't think that that is the intent of this forum.

no need to get snappy. you asked, you got replies. and as for your last paragraph, you are being snappier than anyone else on the forum. you asked and they gave you their honest opinion. and for euthanizing fish because you don't "want" them - that's terrible! absolutley terrible.

 

[Jozlyn]

I don't want to be rude, I just don't want to see you get dissapointed or have a fish die later on. If you truly care about your fish, you'll read what everyone has to say, and take it to heart. If you don't care what other, experienced people have to say, then stop reading now. Get your fish, and let them die.

I agree that you have made a poor choice in fish tankmates. While it is true that your gobies can live in fresh water, living is not the same as living well, or thriving. The same goes for a figure eight if you decide to get one. Mine would never touch anything more than a ghost shrimp, but that doesn't mean others wont - ask other members about their puffers! There is a strong possibility that they will turn agressive toward other fish. An F8 puffer is also brackish, and will not survive long in fresh water. They can only tolerate the fresh water conditions because they were blessed with evolving in an environment where the water fluctuates regularly. Again.. they are brackish, as are bumblebee gobies, and shoule be kept as such. Bumblebee gobies can also be rather territorial. While they may be small and adorable, they are feisty, and I wouldn't suggest putting more than what you already have in there.

If you have done research enough to see that your neon's needs are too narrow, then you also should have realized that they need 6 or more for a school, as well as the puffers and bumblebees need brackish water. Rams are even more sensitive to water fluctuations than the neons, so good luck.

Volume Calculator You are at 88.66 liters, or about 22.79 US gallons. I understand this isn't exact because of rocks, ornaments, etc, but in the real world, that isn't how your tank is calculated.

Thanks for the volume calculator link, I had just assumed that when people talked about how much water thier tanks hold, they actually meant how much water was in it, not how much water the tank held when empty and filled to the brim, I shall change my profile to say 88lt.

As it turns out I can't get a puffer anway, probably wont be able to get the Rams either, which is probably a good thing as my water is quite hard, I've had another look at the list of stat's I've made and I'd actually forgotten to write in that parameter on the Rams! I have a table in Word that I use to fill in the stat's on the fish I like. Wont make that mistake again, I'm sick of people having a go at me!

I will be euthenaising the Neon's in clove oil rather than have them suffer, as I do not want anymore the LFS wont take them back and I have noone to give them to (see other post).

Yes I made a poor choice of tank mates, but I'd like to defend myself, by saying at that time I just didn't know, like a lot of people I thought, tank + water + fish = aquarium! The LFS simply sold me the tank, the fish I pointed at and some food and that was it! Needless to say I haven't been back there, I now go somewhere else. When I got home with everyone I decided I wanted to know a little more about the fish I'd bought and started searching the web, I was horrified when I found out what I'd done, but I managed to keep everyone alive while the tank cycled by doing lots of tests and water changes to keep the amonia and nitrite levels at zero. Luckily enough the tank came with water conditioner, and I heated some of the water prior to putting it in the tank too bring it up to temperature.

I am doing all I can to keep the mis-matched fish I already have happy and I'm trying to make informed choices with stocking it, but I'm finding that most of the responses I get tend to be quite negative which I'm finding disappointing.

As for making sure that my Bee gets enough to eat, I put flakes in the top of the tank, which everyone else goes for straight away, while their busy with the flakes I drop the bloodworms infront of the Bee's cave, that way he gets plenty to eat before the Molly scoffs the lot!

Given the flack I'm getting about the Bee's I wont get anymore. I'll look into the Kribensis. I'm not too sure about the catfish now either.

Nobody's said anything about the Gourami, should I get another one of them maybe?

 

[t.ropical_m.istx3]

I will be euthenaising the Neon's in clove oil rather than have them suffer, as I do not want anymore the LFS wont take them back and I have noone to give them to (see other post).

i think that's crueler than keeping them. killing them for no reason? it would be better to take them back to that LFS.