View Full Version : Some questions about my tank stocking
PumaWard
12-31-2003, 10:43 AM
What I really need to know is if you think I am overstocked... All levels are good (ammonia and nitrite 0... weekly 20% w/c)
38g Planted
5 Neons
3 Angels, I think one's going to go back since I have a pair (I think)
1 Dwarf Gourami
1 Honey gourami
1 Clown pleco
2 otos (I'm thinking I should get at least 1 more)
2 kribs
1 Apisto. steacki
4 cories
1 male betta
So, I guess my other question is if I should get more neons... or similiar tetras like Glowlights, January tetras, or cardinals... or if I should just leave things as is.
The plants allow for many of the fish hide, which keeps my tank from being busy and most of the fish are very calm/don't move fast or much.
Thanks for any advice in advance.
aquariumfishguy
12-31-2003, 10:48 AM
Well I definately wouldn't add any more fish. The load you have now will keep you very busy! I would take one of those angels back because they do like to be in pairs. It is said that one pair should have about 30 gallons. And watch out for some of those smaller fish. Angels can get agressive with some...its not unheard of at least. ;)
just bump up the filtration and you can add double that!
LMOUTHBASS
12-31-2003, 1:08 PM
can get away with 5-6 more small tetras no problem
Sensei_the_dojo
12-31-2003, 1:20 PM
I'd add a few more neons. They like the larger groups. Plus, if the angels grow into a threat the neons will probably shoal better for you.
aquariumfishguy
12-31-2003, 1:21 PM
Well if you look at the angels alone, they take up 30 gallons...then your left with 8 gallons for extra stocking. I would think this poster is maxed out. Some might even say slightly overstocked depending on who you ask.
PumaWard
12-31-2003, 1:32 PM
The other angel isn't going to stay long, maybe a month. He was more in there to help develope the pair bond between the other two (The one I think is the female was constantly rejecting the one I think is the male)... Since the introduction the male has begun choosing areas with the female, testing them and cleaning them, etc.
Also, according to the profile on the GCCA website, they can easily be spawned in a 20 high...
However, I do think my tank is on the greater end of the stocking scale... as aquariumfishguy mentioned.
I moved the pleco to my Tang. Rift tank and the betta to another tank as well. The dwarf gourami will be removed in the near future because he doesn't quite fit in... to say the least.
~*LuvMyKribs*~
12-31-2003, 2:23 PM
Well a pair of angels need 30 gallons but that doesn't mean all to themselves. Having neons in that 30 gallons with them isn't going to be any trouble (other than aggressivness from breeding).
The kribs and angels are terretorial when mating. They might have conflicts (i only have one angel with 2 kribs so the terretory claim isn't that bad).
If all your fish work out together and there are no dangerous water levels and you don't notice that anyone is stressed out then why not? Maybe do what hans said... add another filter if you are worried.
If you've had all these fish together for a long time and everything works then maybe you could try adding a few more neons. If you go with another kind of tetra the tank might look too 'busy'. As I'm sure it does already! :)
PumaWard
12-31-2003, 2:47 PM
Hmm...
Well.. can't say too busy... I actually have to look for the cories before I can find them :), same goes for the otos.
The only fish that I see all the time are the angels and... my dwarf gourami. The rest go in and out of the plants and behind the driftwood...
But, I am glad for all your opinions so far (I'm using you guys to point out the pros and cons that I can't think of... and it seems to be working).
The only thing I can say that I am not worried about is water quality. I have about a 3 inch sandbed in front and a 4 inch bed in the back, which should provide a lot of cubic inches for the bacteria colony.
Here's a picture of the tank, sorry it's such poor quality... Maybe it will help get an idea of things.
aquariumfishguy
12-31-2003, 7:19 PM
Puma, I think you pretty much know what you want and expect out of the tank in question. I am glad to see you are on target. In no way was I ruling out extra add-ons in the future but if it was my tank, I wouldn't try to max out the preferred room. This way, it allows room for error in the long run.
PumaWard
12-31-2003, 9:14 PM
I think I'm going to hold off, and focus more on the planting side of things. I'm afraid of messing up the "look" of things by too much activity.
Thanks again guys, you've helped me make up my mind :D.