Newbie bioload question

[josiwax]

Getting toward the end of the cycle on my tank and am excited to add new fish. I bought a 5.5 gallon tank on a whim without knowing that smaller tanks are really more difficult, but think that I am starting to climb the learning curve and am maintaining it well.

I currently have a Betta and a zebra danio in the tank and would like to add a couple more fish. What else can I safely add?

I was thinking that I would add another zebra to keep the other guy company (or torment him). I originally had two, but one passed on due to Ich. I would also like to add two dwarf cories, two panda cories, or two albino cories. Any suggestions here? :huh:

Lastly, I'd like to add a snail. Can I add one with the above fish in the tank? What kind?

Thanks in advance.

 

[OrionGirl]

I'd take the danio back, and get a pair of either the dwarf or panda cories. 5.5 is pretty small for much more than that, and the danios really do best when given lots of room to swim and a small school or 5-6 fish--way more than this tank will support.

 

[Hound]

I have to agree that it would be a good idea to take the danio back. Not sure if your tank is a small hexagon tank or a small rectangular, but either way 2 or 3 panda cories should be an ok addition. I'd consider something for them to use as a hiding place also. I'm not sure I'd want a snail in such a small tank, but I can't think of a reason why you shouldn't be able to have one in there.

 

[josiwax]

How does one go about returning a fish? I've become a little attached to the guy. Tank is rectangular btw.

 

[indiginess]

i'd say 4 cories, three zebras and a betta would make a nice 5.5 as long as you keep up on your waterchanges and don't overfeed.

if you do want to take the fish back, call ahead and explain your situation. most reputable stores will be fine with store credit, and will be much more receptive than if you just show up with a fish.

if your store has ancharis (water plant), i might suggest a bunch. its usually cheap. you can tie a couple pieces together, stick it in the gravel, and it makes a nice decoration. it grows well, even in low light, small tanks. live plants help to consume nitrites, nitrates and ammonia at small, steady rates.

elodea and ancharis are the same thing, i think. i've seen it sold as both.

Tropica Good site with easy navigation.