How does this sound?

T

Tom15

AC Members
Jun 24, 2003
19
0
0
USA
Visit site
I have a 55 gallon tank with:
17 neons
5 cories
6 serpae tetras
3 small clown loaches
10 danios
Could I add any more fish? The tank has an AC 500 for filtration. I was thinking of adding hatchet fish and more serpaes.
 
I think you have a nice, full, diverse group of fish, already! I would not add any more to go overboard. Also, that filtration is fairly minimal for such a long tank (4'). I wouldn't be surprised if there were some "dead spots" without much water movement. Do you have live plants?
 
One thing you need to keep in mind is that "can" and "should" are two separate issues. Yes, you CAN add more fish, even with your current filter. In my opinion, no you SHOULD NOT add any more even with another filter. Your filtration is mainly to get particles out of the water, and maybe some MINOR biological filtering. In a planted tank, the plants themselves do quite a bit of natural filtering of the water. You just need to keep the water clear of debris. Another filter, or maybe even a nice canister (superior filtration, IMO) would make the tank even clearer and give the tank extra water circulation.

By adding more fish to a planted tank, you run the risk of changing the balance of things and possibly adding problems to an already stable environment. If you can't handle the idea of getting no more fish for the tank, then I guess you will have to make that decision yourself and live with any possible consequenses. Remember that both fish and plants need oxygen at night. The plants only produce oxygen during light hours, and only if doing well.

If you have the disease known as "more-fish-itis", then I suggest another tank!;) Not that this will cure it, though!:D
 
Yes, I would add another filter, but it is not strictly necessary. You have a pretty good turnover rate with a AquaClear 500 on a 55 gallon tank. However, I subscribe to the practise of redundancy in filtration, so another AC (maybe an AC 200) would be a welcomed addition.

Even with the addition of another filter, I wouldn't add any more fish. Your fish population is already pushing the maximum capacity of your tank, if it hasn't already exceeded it. This is a problem almost every aquarist has run into at one point or another. We've all wanted more fish...most of us end up getting more tanks. :D
 
Originally posted by Rometiklan
Yes, I would add another filter, but it is not strictly necessary. You have a pretty good turnover rate with a AquaClear 500 on a 55 gallon tank. However, I subscribe to the practise of redundancy in filtration, so another AC (maybe an AC 200) would be a welcomed addition.

Even with the addition of another filter, I wouldn't add any more fish. Your fish population is already pushing the maximum capacity of your tank, if it hasn't already exceeded it. This is a problem almost every aquarist has run into at one point or another. We've all wanted more fish...most of us end up getting more tanks. :D
Click to expand...

My god, it's a disease. I got into the hobby a year ago with my girlfriend, and I've gotten 7 more tanks since then. a 135g, a 46g, a 15g long,2 10g, 2 betta bowls and an eco-system in a box.
If you want more fish for that tank, my advice. Get another tank =)
 
I have had so many tanks and killed or gave away so many fish. :( After you get a few tanks going you will realize its like having a second job, except you pay the fish they dont pay you. Lots of work, lots of money, lots of energy, yet lots of fun. After about 12 years of fish I'm back to one big tank with 3 big stingrays, they are the most beautiful and intresting fish I've ever had but still very high maintenance. So remember think before you tank.
 
I know what you mean. Right now I have 2 other fish tanks besides the 55 gallon with fish in them. I wish I could get more tanks but I dont have the room in my house :)
As for the 55 gallon I decided to move the danios to another tank. Which fish should I move out of the tank to get it to the right stocking level?

Thanks for the replies
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom