Stocking Question

[wilsonian]

Hello,

I currently have a 4ft tank which I'm in the process of upgrading it's filter. Once it's been cycled I intend to add to my current stock. At the moment I have the following

3 Pearl Gourami's
2 Golden Gourami's
1 Opaline Gourami
1 Common Plec
1 Upside down cat fish
2 T-Barbs

Fistly I'll tell you what I have planned and then what idea's I have for a shoal

At the above I have a few male gourami's there and wouldn't mind getting a few more females. I was thinking one more Golden and 2 Opaline females to balance it out (as I've heard males can get aggresive).

Now after that could I fit anything else in there? It's a 4ftx1ftx1ft tank (so around 100ltrs)

If I could fit anything else in there what would be a good shoaling fish? I was tempted by either of the following

Congo Tetra's
Glass Catfish
Cory's

Any advice wouldbe greatly appreciated.

 

[Ally555]

Don't know much about the stocking, but I would get rid of the common pleco.

 

[wilsonian]

what makes you say that?

 

[Ally555]

Common plecos get to be around 30+ cm long and they are large waste producers. You said you tank was only around 100 litres. Are you planning to upgrade in the future because you couldn't keep and adult commom pleco in your tank?

 

[wilsonian]

He's currently around 15cm long and has been for while but I have noticed the large amount waste being produced.

It'll be a shame to get rid of him though

 

[Ally555]

He's currently around 15cm long and has been for while but I have noticed the large amount waste being produced.

It'll be a shame to get rid of him though

If you have the space to upgrade and buy another tank then you can keep it, but it isn't suitable for your current tank size. I know you will probably miss him if you have to get rid of him, but it will be for the best. As he will quickly out grow his tank.

 

[arobinson1984]

Yes I agree with ally, I was aware common plecs can grow around 18" but after a quick check on google I found out they can actually reach 24" in length which would prob be half of your tanks length and it wouldnt be able to turn around.

You want to be aiming at 1" of adult fish per gallon, if you get the filtration upgraded you may possibly be able to stretch to 1.5-2" per gallon but only if the common plec has gone as they produce masses of waste.

So your tank is about 100l you said which is about 26 US gallons.

You stocking is currently at:

3 x Pearl gourami - 4" each = 12" in total
2 x Golden gourami - 3.5" each = 7" in total
1 x Opaline gourami - 5" = 5" in total
1 x Upside down catfish = 4" = 4" in total
2 x Tiger barbs - 2.5" = 5" in total

Total inches not including the common pleco = 33" of adult fish so you are currently already over the recommended stocking level without even including the 24" worth of of pleco!

I'd advice, re-home the pleco, upgrade the filtration if you are intending to then you should be able to get a few more fish in up to the maximum stocking limit of 2" per US gallon

Andy

 

[wilsonian]

Ah crap. well thanks for the replies.

The tank is a 48x12x12 so US gallons is 29 or UK is 24

I always thought I could get away with a few more but it's looking less likely.