Freshwater Stocking Advice

Hi there,

I posted here a couple of weeks ago for some advice regarding fishless cycling. Now that my second tank's set up (ammonia 0, nitrites 0, nitrates under 10), I'm trying to make some final stocking decisions. I already have the following:

I have one established 30L tank (it's been running for a few months) with three fancy guppies and three harlequin rasboras (was planning on getting another three so they can school). I was hoping to add something like a honey gourami, but I'm not certain there's space. I also have a bit of an algae problem, so an algae-eater would be good--but don't most of them grow too big? And aren't the little kinds delicate and hard to keep? What can you recommend?

In my new 34L tank I have my male betta (Delirium), six glowlight tetras, and two neons. I'd like some bottom dwellers--but what's (again) both small enough and hardy?

Note: You'll see tetras in the old tank in the old pictures below. I've been moving them slowly from the established to new tank.

One other thing is that I've been trying to lessen the current in the Aqua One AR380 (34L). I've wrapped a clean stocking around the intake and secured it with a rubber band, but it only makes a little difference and I worry it'll interfere with the filter's effectiveness at sucking up bits and pieces. It'd be tricky to fit a home-made plastic baffle over the streams of water (you can see the output at the top of the photo in the second post).

Thank you,

Fizz

As with most tanks under 50L stocking is always an issue.

I started out with a 30L (which i still have) but got bitten by the bug and upgraded to a 120L.

I can't really answer your questions about algae, as fortunately i haven't suffered with that problem..but your stocking is something quite relative and recognisable with me and my fish-keeping.

Good choice with the Betta, i'm still trying to talk myself into having one in my 30L, forget any type of Gourami in either your 30 and 34L tanks, too small for them.
I currently house 3 Harlequin Rasbora also, but am busting to see them in a school of 6 or more..so until i finally decide what to do with my 30L (bambino en route!) they will have to stay there.
Glowlight Tetra, as with all Tetra and most other community fish, also prefer to live in a school.. possibly, again, 6 or more... i re-housed 2 Cardinal Tetra from the small tank into the 120L with 8 others, their behaviour changed immensly!

What about shrimp? You can find regular shrimp in your local pet chain store, possibly look at the likes of Crystal Red Shrimp, or Cherry Red Shrimp at a more authentic, reliable aquatic store ?!?! Both types in both tanks of mine clear up alot of uneaten food (but my Albino Corys are the boys in the bigger or the two!).

Hope this helps,
Terry.

You dont have any room for more fish. Shrimp are about the only things you could look at. I would also rehome the harlequins to something bigger or take them to the fish shop, they get quite large and need more space and as you mentioned need a decent size number to live happily. have a look at the "micro" fish as good alternatives. It is possible to make these small tanks look nice and to create happy homes for the fish, but you cant do it with fish of that size.

Thanks for your replies.

The Taffy Apple said:

What about shrimp? You can find regular shrimp in your local pet chain store, possibly look at the likes of Crystal Red Shrimp, or Cherry Red Shrimp at a more authentic, reliable aquatic store ?!?! Both types in both tanks of mine clear up alot of uneaten food (but my Albino Corys are the boys in the bigger or the two!).

Hope this helps,
Terry.

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I worry about whether they'd get on! I've heard that the betta might attack the shrimp (though he's been good with tankmates so far), but also that shrimp can be fin nippers!

Tizer said:

You dont have any room for more fish. Shrimp are about the only things you could look at. I would also rehome the harlequins to something bigger or take them to the fish shop, they get quite large and need more space and as you mentioned need a decent size number to live happily. have a look at the "micro" fish as good alternatives. It is possible to make these small tanks look nice and to create happy homes for the fish, but you cant do it with fish of that size.

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Really? I thought I'd found an LFS I could trust on things like that. Sigh! Three harlequins and three guppies are too many for a 30L?

Further on from Tizers' 'micro-fish' comment..what about 'Chilli Rasbora'..if this LFS you have found is reputable, they should be able to get some in for you, my local Maidenhead Aquatics get them in once or twice a month, my last lot of a dozen went in 3 weeks ago and they are great to watch, also a great addition to smaller tanks..
The only time you should really worry about your fish is when they are in a tank as babies with other adult shrimps. My Amano shrimp devoured my little RCS overnight!

Terry.

I personally wouldnt keep harlequins in a small tank like that, i would say you need a minimum of 60 litres and a minimum fish count of 6. Micro rasbora would suit it nicely though. The guppies im sure you could get away with, not something i have owned before so have to reserve my opinion on them really!

Tizer said:

I personally wouldnt keep harlequins in a small tank like that, i would say you need a minimum of 60 litres and a minimum fish count of 6. Micro rasbora would suit it nicely though. The guppies im sure you could get away with, not something i have owned before so have to reserve my opinion on them really!

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It's so funny: it looked like such a HUGE tank when I bought it a few months ago. Now it looks tiny! I'm afraid I'll keep upgrading--but of course I can't afford to.

Thanks for your advice, both of you.

Any suggestions regarding lessening the current? Will the stocking over the intake interfere with filtration too much?

fizzlesticks said:

Any suggestions regarding lessening the current? Will the stocking over the intake interfere with filtration too much?

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Point the outlet nozzel at the glass to lessem the current. I am not to sure what your are asking in the second bit.


Tom

Aqua Tom said:

Point the outlet nozzel at the glass to lessem the current.

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Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately I can't change the position of the outlet--it's the kind of filter that's built into the lid.

I am not to sure what your are asking in the second bit.

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From the first post (to clarify):

One other thing is that I've been trying to lessen the current in the Aqua One AR380 (34L). I've wrapped a clean stocking around the intake and secured it with a rubber band, but it only makes a little difference and I worry it'll interfere with the filter's effectiveness at sucking up bits and pieces. It'd be tricky to fit a home-made plastic baffle over the streams of water (you can see the output at the top of the photo in the second post).

Click to expand...

Can anyone else help me with the questions in the first post, particularly the filter baffle query?