This is my set up atm and wanted to know what do you guys think? Any fish I should add? Anythoughts good or bad? Do I need to add anything?

55gal
Emperor 280
Penguin 200
power head-forgot the brand

8 x Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
15 x Zebra Danio (Danio rerio)
6 x Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
2 x Sailfin Molly (Poecilia latipinna)
2 x Balloon Molly (Poecilia latipinna hybrid)
3 x Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)
2 x Dwarf Gourami (Colisa lalia)
1x Java Loach
1x Red tail botia

This tank has been commented on sevral times in other threads but for a recap.

Stop adding fish to that tank until you do a bit more research prior to buying. Both types of loaches are better off being kept in groups of 4-5 minimum (but I wouldn't add more to your 55).

As others have pointed out there is a large mix of fish that all like to inhabit the same portions of a tank (mid/upper).

I would say take back the mollys and RTB and get yourself a nice group of the Kuhlis (Javas) maybe 4 or so more.

I also think you will like the tank more if you concentrate on 1 or 2 schooling fish rather than a mix of several different types...but that is up to you.


Good luck and have fun!!

I would agree with dawg....also I have seen a similar post in three different places....we are glad to have you asking questions but lets try and condense a bit. Now as far as filtration, I think you are good but you can never have too much. Also some great advise in your RTB thread.

http://www.freshwatermadness.com/bottom-dwellers-f7/red-tail-botia-t2003.htm

I also agree with dawg.

Well did my reaserch and just want to say thanks for all the help. But ya when I remove the rtb can I possibly add more fish?

Also what theme would you guys like to see. Asian Garden,Ancient Greek/Rome, Piirates, or Medevil era?

Quote :

Also what theme would you guys like to see. Asian Garden,Ancient Greek/Rome, Piirates, or Medevil era?

None of them.

I wouldn't add any new fish to that tank for awhile even if the RTB was removed.

Celticwraith wrote:

Quote :

Also what theme would you guys like to see. Asian Garden,Ancient Greek/Rome, Piirates, or Medevil era?

None of them.

I wouldn't add any new fish to that tank for awhile even if the RTB was removed.

Why none? And how long is a while

Never


AqAdvisor.com Intelligent Freshwater Aquarium Stocking Calculator

Warning: You should add more aquarium filtration capacity.

Your aquarium filtration capacity for above selected species is 75%.Help on Filtration capacity
Recommended water change schedule: 51% per week. (You might want to split this water change schedule to two separate 30% per week)
Your aquarium stocking level is 151%.


With out Redtail Botia

Your aquarium filtration capacity for above selected species is 80%.Help on Filtration capacity
Recommended water change schedule: 48% per week. (You might want to split this water change schedule to two separate 27% per week)
Your aquarium stocking level is 143%

Rick

I agree with Dawg!!

Well its been a 4-5 days since the water is perfect and the fish are doing fine and I also have a powerhead with a filter on it. Would that help? Also if I added another filter lets say another penguin 200 would that help and if I do that can I possible add just only bottom feeds and some pleco?

I know you don't want to hear it but as I said before and others have urged you...you should think about taking fish back to the LFS not getting more. I know how it is, getting a tank and wanting to put every kind of fish in there but our advice is only meant to help you have more success as a fishkeeper. We're not trying to spoil your fun believe it or not. I'm hoping you will take advice from people who have several more years of experience with fish. I would assume that is why you came here in the first place. We have all made mistakes and learned from them and part of our goal here is to help educate people and pass on our stories so others don't make the same mistakes some of us have already made. You have plenty of years ahead of you to keep all kinds of fish and you will likely stay in the hobby longer if your experiences now are successful.

More filtration is always good....I would also consider what you already have. Let your tank become more established and stable. I only can trust your water is "perfect" but without numbers it's hard to say. If you had cloudy water I would assume the tank is slightly unstable. Adding any more fish at this point is really not a good idea for many reasons already pointed out.

I would just sit back and enjoy what you have....observe your current stock for potential problems, study eating habits, and watch their behavior. As dog has pointed out most new hobbyists fail because of impulse inexperience. We want to help you and here at FWM you have the tools to learn from many experienced hobbyists.

So I guess its a no for now that is right? But ya its been about a week and a half since they been in the tank and their doing well, all are swimming lively, eatting well and interacting with each other.

ninjastar wrote:

So I guess its a no for now that is right? But ya its been about a week and a half since they been in the tank and their doing well, all are swimming lively, eatting well and interacting with each other.

lol...........So whens a good time to start adding fish?(bottom dwellers that is?

never as already stated. Every fish u add is adding 2 your massive amount of maitainence on the tank. At a certain point your fish will develop problems.

with the fish you already have adding more will only lead to problems in the future.

I found this out myself just after i started fish keeping myself years ago. I had great friends and since i was enjoying the tank whenever they came to visit they brought more fish for me. I had a 20 gallon but after 3 months ended up with 15 fish of various types. Woke up one morning to them all dead.

Do not add more fish unless you find new homes for some of the ones you already have.

I have a 55 gal myself and a 10 gal. my 55 has 2 ropefish, 4 jewel cichlids, 1 black ghostknife, 1 chinese algae eater, and 2 rainbow loaches and i do not dare to add more fish which is why i set up the 10 gal for a few more fish. The general rule is 1 inch of fish per gallon but i do not go by that rule myself. After personal experience you need to check out temperaments of fish because in my opinion alot of fish need more room than that in the tank to survive and do well. My mix of fish isn't so good temperament wise but i have been lucky and it took me 1 and a half to 2 yrs to get this mix of fish.

With the mix you have i wouldn't dare to add more fish. If you want to keep them add another tank to the house and split your stock between, only then would i consider adding a bottom feeder.