Bio-Load for 29 gal Tall

[tackful]

Hello All,
My heavily planted tank currently contains 6 rummynose tetra, 8 pencilfish, and two other 1" long inhabitants
(a cloudfish and a harlequin rasbora). I would like to add 6 ember tetras, hopefully enough so that they would school together, but I'm not sure if this might be too great a bioload. At present the water is crystal clear with no algae problems. I recently installed a Penn-Plax Cascade cannister filter and it is doing a terrific job.
Thanks.

 

[fishorama]

Do you mean a whitecloud mountain minnow (Tanichthys albonubes)? You may want to donate it & the harly to you lfs, unless they're very old. I don't see a problem with adding embers...but I have to ask...what, no bottom feeders?!? OK, that's my "thing".

How often & how much water do you change? What are your nitrate etc, levels. That is a good way to tell if your "bioload" is ok, not "clear water" (you know that, you've been here a long time, lol). As for swimming room & compatibility, I'd probably add more that 6 embers, they quite small...maybe 8 or 10 & call your tank stocked.

Of course we'd like to see pics if you can...

 

[tackful]

Yes, it's a whitecloud mountain minnow, about two years old. The harly is six or more. Water levels are: P=2, N=10; I change out 50% every two weeks and do a filter rinse. Actually, I had thought that clear water was a good indicator of a healthy tank.
I take it you recommend bottom feeders?

 

[fishorama]

Yes, it's a whitecloud mountain minnow, about two years old. The harly is six or more. Water levels are: P=2, N=10; I change out 50% every two weeks and do a filter rinse. Actually, I had thought that clear water was a good indicator of a healthy tank.
I take it you recommend bottom feeders?

Of course, being a bottom feeder lover, I think you need them, lol...sigh, but you might not...& that's ok...it's your tank, but shrimp, dwarf corys, kulhi loaches, ya know, cool fish! But you can add embers if you want...but not much more in a 29g...it's all about the surface area...to fish ratio...how can you not want bottom critters?...OK, that's my rant, sorry...get some embers, a bunch is good!

 

[myswtsins]

Does fishorama recommend bottom dwellers!? Always! Loaches in particular. Bottom dwellers are nice cause they give activity to that area and they help keep stuff stirred up. I am always a fan of bottom dwellers also. But to each their own! They certainly aren't required and you should do what you like to look at.

I think adding 10 ember tetras still gives you a little stocking room even, since it is heavily planted. And I definitely suggest 10 or more embers. They are small with an equally small bio-load and really like being in a decent size group. And they will look better the happier they are.

BTW rummynoses and embers are my favorite schooling fish!

 

[tackful]

Yes, the rummynoses are a great fish. I have had six for several years now and they are just great to watch, back and forth and back and forth in a group right up in front.
Well, I've made up my mind. It will be 8 to 10 embers once I can find some. Thanks for the replies.

 

[myswtsins]

If you do mail order.... I always like MsJinkzd, she is a member here and a long time seller. Stocklist She has 8 in stock atm. Bobs tropical Plants is in CA though and he has good stuff too, also a member here. Bobs Good luck! (*whispers* go for 10+, you won't regret it )

 

[fishorama]

Yeah, go for more embers! I was thinking a 20g long (same footprint as a 29g) when I said 8-10, get more...12-15!. & still, give a thought to bottom fish, Jen is right, I ALWAYS suggest them! She knows me, lol. Rosy loaches might be awesome! Cherry shrimp...live food as babies! Fun for all!...but later, get a bunch of embers, that's what you want.

Do you make it into SF, Albany, or SJ? It might be worth a day trip to Aqua Forest or Ocean (SF), Albany Aquarium or Neptunes (SJ). You can call ahead & see if they have embers in stock (Albany QTs!) & how many they may have.

On a side note, I belong to SFBAAPS, an awesome aquatic plant club...You're pretty close, think about joining (but you have to use your real name!). Just a thought...we meet at various Bay area venues on a rotating basis, including members homes (hence the real names), AFA & Neptunes. parks etc.

 

[tackful]

I've been to all those except Neptunes. My favorite would have to be Justin and Ocean Aquarium. I did call Aquaforest today and they should have embers next week. Will also check out myswtsins suggestions.

 

[AbbeysDad]

I think stock level is very subjective and is based on many variables. If you're shooting for a nearly natural habitat, you want to try and match the bio-load to the plant mass so the organic nutrients feed the plants that purify the water (with little or no chemical ferts). Then the frequency/volume of water changes is adjusted for balance. You're currently doing a 50% water change every other week. If you add fish, you might want to do 25-50% every week (or much less).... Let nitrates and your plants show you the way.