Newbie Tank Stocking?

[Bristley]

Hello all,

I was wondering about how to properly stock my tank. I've been going with the advice from my LFS about the thumbrule of 1" of fish per gallon. I was wondering how hard and fast this rule is.

I don't want to overstock my tank because I really want a healthy happy environment for my fish and plants so that I can enjoy them for years to come. However, I don't want to short-change myself as to the numbers I can have either.

I am a newbie to this so I know I will probably (have already probably) make novice mistakes.

Right now I have a 37g Eclipse tank. In it I have 2 Cabomba plants, 1 Anubia, a whole bunch of plastic/artificial plants a couple artificial rocks providing additional hiding spots. For fish I have a Dwarf gourami, 3 serpae tetras, 3 gold platinus tetras, 3 neon tetras, and a red-tail shark.

So far everyone seems healthy and happy. I would definitely like to add a BN pleco, and I'm thinking of adding another Dwarf gourami and 3 more neon tetras.

Any advice/constructive criticism is welcomed.

Thanks.

[Kazenouta]

I wouldn't go with another Dwarf Gourami as they can be downright mean to each other. However, I would definitely expand your school of Neons as three seems a bit to many to keep them happy. Beyond this a larger school of Neons is just nicer to look at. Hope this helps.

[aspects]

Because you're new, I would suggest sticking to the old " inch per gallon rule". while this is more guideline than law, it will save you from trouble down tthe line.

With this said, let me explain a little further about this "rule".
This is exercised when dealing with smaller fish (under 6") and does not apply to large fish. Also, it it actually "one square inch @ ADULT size per gallon". So, if your fish will potentially grow to be 3", that fish will account for 3gal even though it might only be 1" right now.
With this said, you can not keep a 12" pike Cichlid in a 12g tank.

Though this "rule" can be responsibly bent with proper equipment and extra maintenence, it is a good guideline to follow. It might seem like you could fit a lot more fish in uhe tank when you go by this "rule", but that's to provide more room and stable water parameters for the fish you have.

[Bristley]

Thanks for the advice so far. I think I will definitely be sticking to the "rule" for now. At least until I get a LOT more experience.

[aspects]

Thanks for the advice so far. I think I will definitely be sticking to the "rule" for now. At least until I get a LOT more experience.

Good call :)
Your fish will thank you for it.

[lowlight]

The Red-tail shark can be territorial and aggressive so you want to make sure he has a place to hide and claim as his. I don't know about the Dwarf gourami or the Gold platinus tetra. I believe you could have 6 Neons and 6 Serpae tetras with no problems. Also depends on what filter you are running. Do some research on the fish you have and go from there. Remember to have fun as well.

[Garrett]

You could actually have a sizeable shoal of neons, they have a very low footprint in terms of bioload. Watch out for serapes, they can be nippy.

[rich311k]

I would pick one or two tetra species and up the number to 6-8 fish. I would not add another gourami. I would not add a BN because of the shark. They can be tough on conspefics.

[gadget228]

Have you checked this site out yet, it will give you a good idea on what you can stock, I use it daily just switching things around to see what tanks I could come up with.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Bristley]

gadget: I tried that link and I do like that site. Thanks for the hook up.thumbs2:

[annageckos]

I never follow the 'inch per gallon rule'. There are factors to take into consiteration when stocking a tank that the 'rule' can't add in. Type of fish, meaning is the fish aggressive, skittish, long and skinny, rounder boby shape... Also filtration is a big factor in stocking, as is your water change schedule. Now your fish. I wouldn't add another gourami. One per tank unless you have a sizeable tank. Most gouramis are territorial. I would look into rehoming your red tail shark, they can be aggressive and do best in a larger tank. IMO 4ft minimum. Tetras are schooling fish and should be kept in at least 6 fish per species. You should fix your schools before looking into any more fish. And if you rehome your RTS it will open up more options to you.

[Bristley]

Thanks for the advice. I think I'm going to go and talk to the manager at this new (new to me) mom & pop place that I found (stopped into) 2 days ago. Both the employees are very knowledgeable as far as I can tell and I think they will be able to help me set my tank up nicely.

[annageckos]

They may be knowledgeable or they may just act it. I would be catious of what they say and what they try to sell you. Remember, they are there to make money.

[Bristley]

Very true statement. The only reason I believe them to be knowledgeable is because thus far I have asked for a decent amount of advice on this forum, as well as doing as much reading as I have time for. When I spoke with the employee & manager at this store their responses to my questions and their advice seemed to echo everything I've read so far and the advice I've received from this site.

So, thus far, I think I may have found a good local source of knowledge.

[annageckos]

That good, it is very hard to find a knowledgeable store or emplyee.

[lowlight]

I like my mom & pop fish store. Maybe yours would be willing to trade your RTS for something else. I got 7 Neons for one 5" Bala shark. The store has also helped with equipment repair as in having a spare piece in the back and letting me have it at no cost. I have also heard him talk to other customers that want to buy fish and he ask what you have before you buy and won't sell a fish just to make a few bucks. I have actually seen him not sell a fish (a $35. fish) and help the customer get what they needed to get there tank established, that way when they get that $35. fish it will be happy and thrive. Helping a customer start and maintain a healthy tank will be a returning customer which does mean more money in the long run. He might be a little pricey but to me it is money well spent.

[Bristley]

I like that idea lowlight. I'm actually heading over to the LFS I've mentioned later today with my family. My wife is starting to get more involved/interested in our tank and wants to learn more, so I'm taking her and the kids to this place.

I will definitely ask the owner about our tank and see if he might be willing to trade our RTS for something else.

I really would like to get a BN pleco or two. I absolutely love the way they look, and think it would be a good addition to our tank. BTW, heres a pic of our tank for any interested in critiquing (sp?) for me.

I now it needs work (I would like to add more plants/hiding spots).

Anyway, let me know what you think.
][Only Registered Users Can See Links.] ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

[lowlight]

Thats a nice looking tank. If you get a BN I think a piece of drift wood would also be a good idea. I am not positive but I think BN need DW, Might want to research it. I like BN to, they are cool looking, peaceful and they don't get to big.

[xximanoobxx]

I would get rid all of the plastic plants, and get all real plants. Heavily planted tanks ftw.

[Bristley]

I'm working on that actually. In fact just yesterday when I took my family to the LFS that I like, I started to look into a couple different plants that I want to replace my plastic ones with.