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walt8880
10-25-2009, 02:58 AM
My fishless cycle should soon be complete and I have a couple questions about the initial stocking level.

Tank is 30 gal, planted with internal wet/dry filter.

My current plan is to end up with the following:

Pearl Gourami - 1
Honey Gourami - 1(maybe)
Dwarf Neon Rainbow - 8
Amano Shrimp - 3
Nerite Snails - 3

Two questions -

1. Is total stocking level and compatability OK?
2. How many and which fish would you add at first stocking point? Purchased size of all of the fish is small ( 1-1 1/2 inches).

thanks
rich311k
10-25-2009, 03:05 AM
That stocking looks fine to me. I would add the rainbows first.
Lab_Rat
10-25-2009, 03:07 AM
I would go with either of the gouramis, but not both.

As far as adding them to the tank, I'd go with the rainbows, then the gourami, then once enough algae is there, the amano shrimp and snails.
jaysee
10-25-2009, 03:23 AM
Your stock list looks good. I've kept pearls with a honey before - if you were going to do a pearl and a DG, the honey is the way to go.
CincyGida
10-25-2009, 03:53 AM
Quick newb question - got a saltwater tank and now researching freshwater tanks... I noticed that Walt wants snails while my LFS and books said that snails are bad in a FW tank. Would someone please enlighten me a little on this please?

Thanks!
Lab_Rat
10-25-2009, 04:13 AM
Quick newb question - got a saltwater tank and now researching freshwater tanks... I noticed that Walt wants snails while my LFS and books said that snails are bad in a FW tank. Would someone please enlighten me a little on this please?

Thanks!

Nerite snails won't overtake a tank as they reproduce in brackish water. They provide good algae control too. Some people do like snails in their fw tanks, it's personal choice.
jaysee
10-25-2009, 04:28 AM
Quick newb question - got a saltwater tank and now researching freshwater tanks... I noticed that Walt wants snails while my LFS and books said that snails are bad in a FW tank. Would someone please enlighten me a little on this please?

Thanks!

Welcome to the site! I think you'll get more answers starting your own thread in the saltwater section.
CincyGida
10-25-2009, 04:49 AM
Nerite snails won't overtake a tank as they reproduce in brackish water. They provide good algae control too. Some people do like snails in their fw tanks, it's personal choice.

Thanks. I didn't realize that snails were different in regular freshwater as opposed to brackish water... but I'm still still reading and learning. My LFS said that they tore down their freshwater plant tanks because they were overrun with snails... Now they just sell plants in tubes with gel at the bottom. Much to learn. Thanks!
walt8880
10-25-2009, 07:29 AM
Thanks. I didn't realize that snails were different in regular freshwater as opposed to brackish water... but I'm still still reading and learning. My LFS said that they tore down their freshwater plant tanks because they were overrun with snails... Now they just sell plants in tubes with gel at the bottom. Much to learn. Thanks!

I'm still learning too but from what I read and have been told, the Nerite family of snails that I am looking at cannot reproduce in fresh water and do not attack live plants but a great algae consumers.

I don't want reproducing snails either.