new 15+ gallon stocking

[canmorefishgirl]

I just got a new 15.5 gallon tank for my birthday that has a HOB filter that I think is a dual cartridge style.

I've been doing some research and the biggest thing I've learned is that my LFS is fairly useless - except one guy.

I set it up, added Aqua + (like Prime) and Cycle (bacteria to help cycle the tank). Then I left it for a few days - from Thursday until Tuesday when I added 4 zebra danios because I've heard they are hardy and can help establish a cycle. The fish seem fine and happy - they play chase, use the whole tank and feed voraciously. I'm being careful not to feed them too much until the tank has a proper cycle.

ammonia - 0
nitrite - .3 - it's been that way for awhile now, i test is daily/every other day

Once the nitrite disappears, I'd like to add more fish. I've read about bio load and the junk 1" per gallon rule. I'm more in favor of the seemingly more sensible 1" square per gallon rule. I'm thinking of adding, not sure in what order:

2 red gouramis - dwarf
2 more danios to make a school
6-8 neon tetras

and I'd like a/some bottom feeder(s). 4 pygmie cories have been suggested.

Thoughts or opinions on this?

IF this is okay, or IF this will require extra water changes or whatever I'd like to know..... I'm okay to do more water changes as required - whatever will make the fish happy.

[HorrorShowRot]

Pgym corries would be great. Love the little guys I would maybe get 6 they are alot more active in schools of 6+

[HorrorShowRot]

I would also not have danios because In my experience they get to large for a tank that size. Also I find they are good in groups of 10 And the 1" per gallon rule is garbage. Just research some fish need more swimming room then others. My danios grew to about 3 inches xD But again it was a 40gallon long tankxD

[canmorefishgirl]

ok but I'm stuck with the danios! Can I leave just 4 of them then?

[HorrorShowRot]

I would assume so. Most schools are about 4+ fish. Also it would be great if theres some hiding places. A couple of mine were bullies to some of my other fish. But I think it was the size difference

[Lab_Rat]

First of all, congrats on the new tank! With the nitrites being at 0.3, have you checked your tap water to see if that's the cause? Nitrites are very toxic to fish so having any is a cause for concern in regards to their health.

Did you read the stickies on cycling? If not, the best place to start is to read the sticky on "fish" cycling since you already have danios in the tank. If you can possibly take the fish back you could then do the "fishless" cycling which is far better for the fish.

For your stocking concerns, the danios are ok. Yes, they are fast little fish that like a lot of room but they should be fine. I would add 2 more since schooling fish should typically be in a group of 6+. If you are able to take the danios back and do a fishless cycle then a school of neons instead would be nice.

A single dwarf gourami is an excellent centerpiece fish for your aquarium. Two are likely to fight so the lone one would be preferred.

Then 6 pygmy cories would round out the tank nicely. They do prefer some soft sand to play in so if you already have gravel you can just make them a little sandbox to rummage through.

You sound like you're well on your way to becoming a good fishkeeper!

[robflanker]

Good advice by Lab_Rat

You should probably stick to one school in a 15g. And two gouramis are a bad idea for territorial reasons.
I would do the following;
4 more Zebra Danios (for a total of 8)
8 Pygmy Corys (tank is prob too small for the other species)
1 Dwarf Gourarmi

As mentioned by Lab_Rat - have you read the cycling stuff? Also, what is your filter? Often the filters people start with are a bit on the low powered-side

Welcome to the AC and good luck with your tank!

[KingFisher]

I agree with Labrat and Rob. If you add two dwarf gouramis, one will likely end up dead. The tank is only large enough for one school of either danios or tetras and a school of a small cory species.

[canmorefishgirl]

You guys are awesome; thanks for the great advice. :19:

I'd prefer neons over danios because I like how small and colorful they are but I'll have to find out if my LFS will take them back. I think it depends who is working!

I thought dwarf gouramis were peaceful and would work better in a pair but the last thing I want is a dead one!

Another question - what order should I stock them in?

[Lady Hobbs]

Bacteria boosters should be added at the same time as the fish.

Little tank=Little fish. Don't try to add too many species of too many fish and you're have less problems. That's a good tank for a Betta or meteor minnows, neons, cories, shrimp, glofish, etc. Good luck and enjoy.

[robflanker]

I would finish the school of danios or start your school of neons whichever you can. Add like 4 at a time, a week apart (some ppl do it in bigger numbers and quicker - i just go slow and safe).

Then add your corys.

Then finish with the gourami.

This is all after you finish cycling

*edit - back down on your stocking actual; 6 neons/6 danios, 8 pygmy corys, and a DG*