stocking levels

[Gretchen]

Hello. I was wondering how my stocking levels are. I would like something to stay more in the middle of my tank.
29 gallon tank
Currently I have:
4 mollies
1 Platy
2 male guppies
5 danios
3 pgmy cory cats
1 algea eater (do not know what kind just sold as algea eater) I know it is
not a pleco)

I would like something bigger, but I do not want anything that might hurt the fish I already have. the tank is about 18 inches tall. Thanks in advance.
Gretchen

[Mooch28]

Hello. I was wondering how my stocking levels are. I would like something to stay more in the middle of my tank.
29 gallon tank
Currently I have:
4 mollies
1 Platy
2 male guppies
5 danios
3 pgmy cory cats
1 algea eater (do not know what kind just sold as algea eater) I know it is
not a pleco)

I would like something bigger, but I do not want anything that might hurt the fish I already have. the tank is about 18 inches tall. Thanks in advance.
Gretchen

I dont think you have much room for any "large" fish or any fish at all for that matter.

mollies = 10 inches (2.5 inch per fish)
Pality = 2 inch
Guppies = 4 inches (2 inches each)
Danios = 10 inches (2 inches each, sometimes bigger)
3 cories = 3 inches (1 inch each)
1 algae eater = lets say 2 minimum

Total = 31 inches for 29 gallons if you take the inch per gallon rule. Your fully stocked im afraid!

Perhaps its time to invest in a larger tank! :dance

[Kasakato]

The inch per gallon rule is useless. See here: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26409

[Mooch28]

The inch per gallon rule is useless. See here: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26409

I know, i was using giving a basic guide line for the fish he has. Had he said he had chicilids, i wouldnt not have gone for the inch per gallon rule.

[Gretchen]

I thought I might be fully stocked. Just wanted to ask. I was wondering because my fish don't seem to fill up the tank. What I am trying to say is the 4 mollies stay in the front corner most of the time. and the danios are zipping around the top or bottom of the tank so the middle usually looks empty.

I would love a bigger tank. but do not have the room right now. Looking into a custom tank. Saw one on ebay that was a custom build that was taller than long. Would a tall tank like that provide enough swimming space for large fish?

Thanks,
Gretchen

[Puffernewbee]

The problem with tall tanks is loss of water surface area. One of the keys to oxygenating the water in the aquarium is how much of the water surface is exposed to air. The higher the surface area the better the oxygenation. That is the problem with tall tanks. They may hold more water but they cannot sustain as many fish as a smaller tank that has a higher water to air surface area.

[Gretchen]

Would a bubble curtain help? I do not know if this would provide more oxygen or not. I am still learning (and I have a lot to learn)

Gretchen

[Kasakato]

Unless you have monster fish in your tank, there should be no problem. What kind of filter do you have?

[Gretchen]

I have a Aqua-tech 20/40. Do you think I could add a fish to my current set up? If so what kind of fish would you add? There is only one LFS in my area and their selections are not that great. I am going out of town tomorrow and would be able to get to a bigger LFS. IF I am able to add anything!
Gretchen