Stocking suggestions 25g

[kidlet]

Here's what we have in our 25g tank. I'm pretty sure we're overstocked (stupidly let the fish salesman convince me to purchase a few more fish than I had originally intended) but wanted confirmation as well as suggestions on where to cut back:

8 zebra danios (we cycled with these)
4 platys
2 dwarf gouramis (they're the shiny blue/red ones so I'm assuming they're both male but they seem to be getting along fine)
1 chocolate brown pleco (my husband bought this one and I know it's going to be too big for our tank)

My ammonia and nitrites are nil, nitrates are around 5. Lots of poop in the tank though - yuck - so requires a couple water changes a week. I think the pleco poops more than he eats.

I thought about returning 1 platy and 3 danios and the pleco (need to get something smaller than the pleco - otos?). Would that still be too many fish? Ideas? Sure, they all seem to have room now, but I know they're just going to get bigger.

Also - when returning fish, what do you put them in? My Ziplock bags smell really plastic-y and I don't want to hurt the fish...

Thanks in advance!

[Pallen81]

lets see. the zebra danios will stay relatively small. I dont see a problem with 8 myself. plecos do tend to poop alot... I don't really know anything about platys. The dwarf gouramis will never get that big either. I actually tend to think you are quite fine with those fish. As long as you keep to a strict water change routine and maintain healthy water, I don't see any problems.

[jm1212]

the gouramis may start to fight. once they get settled into their new home they will most likely start to scuffle.

if you return the pleco and 2 danios, you will have some room for a school of 6 tetras such as neons, cardinals, or lemons

[musho3210]

pleco will have to go sooner or later, they are big waste producers

[Flying_Diamond]

I would take the pleco back, and maybe one Dwarf Gourami, and get appr. 5 panda cories.

[muddskipper26]

take the pleco back and some danios, get 6 Rummynose Tetras, IMO they are much more colourful and interesting than cardinals or neons.

[jjanoch]

if you take back the danios that you cycled with...please tell me you don't shop at my local store. I surely don't want to buy your damaged fish by mistake!

Sorry I would never return fish that went through a tank cycle....that is unfair to them or the unsuspecting next buyer.