Stocking A 80 Or 96 Litre Tank

[Bluejay]

Hey, I was wondering about what you guys thought about my ideas for my soon-to-be 80 or 96 litre tank. At the moment I'm leaning towards the 80 because it would work out a lot better for me price wise. Anyway I was hoping to keep a trio of Pearls in one of these tank, probably with another trio of Cherry Barbs. Does this sound ok? Or is it overstocked/a bad combination? I really like the look/sound of the pearls but I'd be willing to go for honeys or croakers/sparklers instead if Pearls would be a problem.

Thanks for any advice

 

[Biulu]

It is suggested to keep 1 pearl/10 gallon, which makes around 35 litres. So, if you want a trio of pearls, I'd suggest you'd go for the 96 litre. A trio of honeys in the 80 litre would be ok. The overstocking is not so much in terms of bioload in this case, but more of territory, as gouramis are territorial fish. Oh, and don't forget to plant your tank heavily, and put hiding places in, so they really can establish territories.

 

[Bluejay]

Cool thanks

Sorry another quick question

I had thought that the territory thing wasn't so important if you had a trio (1 male 2 females) as they'd end up grouping together? So do they need their own territorys even if they group together?

 

[Biulu]

Cool thanks

Sorry another quick question

I had thought that the territory thing wasn't so important if you had a trio (1 male 2 females) as they'd end up grouping together? So do they need their own territorys even if they group together?

The 1 male : 2 female ratio is meant to ensure that the females don't get hassled too much by the male. He then has to divide his attention between the 2 females, so each of the females gets a break.

 

[Bluejay]

Thanks very much for the advice Biulu, I think I'll go for the Honeys then just to give them as much room as possible. Does anyone know whether the Cherry Barbs will be nippy towards the honeys? Most of what I've seen suggests they probably wouldn't but I'd like to know.

 

[Snape]

Thanks very much for the advice Biulu, I think I'll go for the Honeys then just to give them as much room as possible. Does anyone know whether the Cherry Barbs will be nippy towards the honeys? Most of what I've seen suggests they probably wouldn't but I'd like to know.

I've keep Gourami with cherry barbs in a 96 litre tank coincidentally. I have had no problems with three male / three female. I'd suggest at least equal numbers of females to males but otherwise they are delightful, hardy and attractive little fish. Good choice.

Snape