Stocking Opinion-30 gal tank

[Copper]

I'm still getting a tank set up and would like some feedback please. I'm getting a 30 gal hexagonal tank. Not too wide but plenty of upper/middle/lower swimming space for small fish.

I'm cosidering small shoals of characins for most of it-as follows:

3-4 hatchet fish (marbled if I can find them locally)
6-8 Cardinal Tetras
1 SAE
possibly 1 Red tail barb

some planting and driftwood for decor.

Please shoot me any suggestions for additions, compatablitly problems, or "Hey, Copper! That's perfect!"

Thanks!

 

[OrionGirl]

You might want to add something for cleanup--shrimp are becoming more readily available, and a wider variety, and tend to add less to the bio-load than most fish. Amano's are good for general scavenging and algae cleanup, and should get along well with your other choices.

The only advice I would have--I'm not a fan of hex tanks, simply because they are hard not to overstock. The limited surface area is more limiting than any other factor, and while not a problem under normal circumstances, can be a huge issue if the power goes out. So, having some plants will be a bonus, and keep the stocking light, JIC.

Your list looks good, though. You'll have fish at the top and middle more than the bottom, but that's not a huge problem. Just monitor your feeding, since food that hits the bottom isn't likely going to be eaten by the fish.

What type of filtration will you use?

 

[andytwite]

I'd say you've got room for a few more. How about a small school of 4 cory cats (there are numerous variteies to choose from)? They would provide some motion on the floor and also act as a clean-up crew!

Probably even room for another small school of mid-water fish, perhaps different tetras? Even a few platies would provide you with some slightly bigger fishies to look and and add a dash of colour...plus they move between all layers of the tank.

Just my 2c worth.

 

[Copper]

OrionGirl,

Narrower than most traditional tanks of the same volume, I can imagine that hex-tanks can get overstocked. I'm trying to keep the fish size minimal for that reason, so everyone has room.

I've got an undergravel that will fit the tank, and powerfilter on standby if needed for extra filtration. I'll be monitoring the load to see if it's needed.

Copper

 

[Copper]

OG,
The only ingnorant question is the one not asked, so here I go...

What type of fish are you referring to as "amano"?

 

[OrionGirl]

Wups! Amanoes are not fish, but rather a FW shrimp. They are mostly clear, with a few brightly colored lines and smaller spots.

 

[Traci]

Amano's are a shrimp, for the algae clean-up.

I'd rethink the algae eater. As they get older and bigger they get agressive and can chase and fin nip, and they can get much bigger than most people think.

I'm not a fan of the algae eater.

Maybe a small school of otos instead?

 

[Copper]

Okay, I'm with ya now!

Is there a danger of sucking them up in the gravel vacuum?

 

[OrionGirl]

A little bit. You can usually see them frantically swimming in the tube--mine have never gone all the way through or been injured by the experience. I only suck them up fromone area of the tank, where I surprise them within the plants. Otherwise, they avoid the vaccum on their own. One of mine will regularly go into the filter box--not sure why, but he gets in and out on his own just fine.