Newbie Stocking Question

[rswell2]

Hello, I'm new here and I've been looking around and really enjoying every part of this forum.

My questions is about stocking my new 55 gallon aquarium. I'm thinking about getting a few (3-4) Blue Gourami's, some Bala Sharks (3-4), a rainbow shark, and maybe some loaches.

I keep getting different signals as far as compatability from different sites. Any ideas?

 

[-*-MicHAeL-*-]

the sharks are a dodgy idea as they are very terrortorial so i would just get one IMO some one with more experience will tell you about them

why not get some corys and a BN pleco and some shoaling fish like Danios

 

[dwarfgourami]

Bala sharks are not territorial, they need to be in shoals. Think they need a bigger tank though.

 

[rswell2]

What about:

4 Blue Gourami
1 Rainbow Shark
6 Tiger Barbs
4 Clown Loaches

Also, there is a well established Fish (only) store in the area that has something called a Bumblebee Pim (catfish). That looks pretty cool. They said I wouldn't see it very often, but my moon lights might bring it out every once in awhile. I have also seen another catfish called a Mad Tom. I think they are supposed to be well suited for an aquarium because they don't get very big.

 

[ncjharris]

Bala Sharks (aka Silver Sharks) are not terratorial, but they become big - up to (and over) a foot. They need at least 70G.

have a look here

 

[OohFeeshy]

I'd say clown loaches need a bigger tank too- they get to about a foot each too.

 

[sylvia]

And the blue gouramies are territorial so get only one male with 3 females.

Neither balas nor clown loaches are a good idea. Balas need a gorup of at least 3 in at least a 125 gallon and the loaches should idealy be in a 90 gallon, also in a small group.

Otherwise, the 4 gouramies, rainbow shark and barbs would be nice. I'd get some more tiger barbs though if I were you. You'll find they look much mroe impressive and you can miz the various color morphs as well if you like...

 

[Boxcar Muzzdogg]

For cycling the tank I would leave out the bala sharks and the clown loaches. They are the most sensetive of the bunch you mentioned. As Sylvia said, the gouramis are somewhat agressive, so if you plan on having them stick with several females to one male.

 

[@ombomb]

That's a nice size tank for a Red Tailed Black Shark, although if you're getting one, you need to think carefully if you want any other bottom dwelling fish of a similar shape (loaches etc) as they can be aggressive.