Big tank for a newbie

[DcaBen]

Hi everyone, I have just joined this forum after getting a lot of useful information here since i purchased my new tank a month ago. It is almost done with cycling, and I gradually added fish (listed below) with the danios i used for ccyling. All of them are very small (chosen so) and the barbs grow fast (they won't leave any food to the others). I am thinking of bringing back the danios and get a pleco. Also, I think my tank will be overcrowded soon after the fishes grow. How soon, I have no idea. Any suggestions? The danios are doing fine as do all the others. But the dwarf puffers are always hiding and never come out to eat with the others. Is that a problem of salinity (i did not add salt) or is that their normal behavior. I am willing to trade in barbs for other puffers if they do better in schools. Again, I need you suggestions; I don't want to make the wrong thing.
Tank you

 

[Dangerdoll]

I would return the balas too, they're going to need a much larger tank and are pretty skittish, while it might not pose a problem now, it will in no time. Also, the RTS might take to harrassing them.
If you're looking to get a pleco, don't get a common, that will get too big as well. Check out Planet Catfish to decide on a pleco that may be more appropriate size-wise. The puffers are probably just a little shy for now, don't get them any buddies, they don't do well in groups, especially if there are more than one male. They are also strictly freshwater puffers, so no salinity needed.....they don't do well with it. They can be nippy towards others fins, so something else to watch out for. However, this is an individulal characteristic, some do, while some don't, just keep an eye on them. I don't have experience with the others so can't offer any input there.

Good Luck!

 

[DcaBen]

Tanks for the reply, I don't like the common pleco from most fish stores either. I checked several websites and the gold nugget and vampire pleco are some really nice ones. I guess they are hard to find too, so i'll have to search a little more tomorrow.