Stocking Advice Pls!!

[CosmicStar]

Hello! I am new to this groovy forum and was hoping to get some advice. I recently bought 3 diamond tetras, 3 bleeding hearts, and 3 glowlight danios for my 16 gallon tank after waiting a couple months to get my aquarium established with the help of a few goldfish. I was told my aquarium is unevenly stocked..suggestions?? Thxx!!

[TheVoldevader]

Welcome to the forum :22:

All of those fish are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six, however I don't believe you have enough room in your tank for that. Is there anyway you could get rid of one of the species of tetra (put them in another tank/bring them back to the store/give them away)?

Also, do you still have the goldfish?

[ScottishFish]

Goldfish grow pretty big, approx 10 inches, 16 gallon aint gona happen, fish kept in such instances will have stunted growth and reduced lifespan. Goldfish should if cared for properly exceed 30 years of life.

Also your tetras and danios are tropical warm water fish, so either you have cold water fish in a tropical set up, or tropicals in a cold set up. Easier of the two is tropicals, rehome the goldfish.

Fish such as tetras should only be kept in numbers of 6+ so your best bet is rehome 2 schools and put the numbers of the remaining one upto 6 or 7.

Also read up on cycling, investing in a water test kit is advisable. Other members will chip in but that's certainly a start :22:

[CosmicStar]

Welcome to the forum :22:

All of those fish are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six, however I don't believe you have enough room in your tank for that. Is there anyway you could get rid of one of the species of tetra (put them in another tank/bring them back to the store/give them away)?

Also, do you still have the goldfish?

Noo, I don't have the goldfish anymore! I started with nine and ended up with 1 after a month. I could get rid of the bleeding hearts.and just add more diamond tetras..so 6 is ideal?
What about the danios?

[CosmicStar]

Goldfish grow pretty big, approx 10 inches, 16 gallon aint gona happen, fish kept in such instances will have stunted growth and reduced lifespan. Goldfish should if cared for properly exceed 30 years of life.

Also your tetras and danios are tropical warm water fish, so either you have cold water fish in a tropical set up, or tropicals in a cold set up. Easier of the two is tropicals, rehome the goldfish.

Fish such as tetras should only be kept in numbers of 6+ so your best bet is rehome 2 schools and put the numbers of the remaining one upto 6 or 7.

Also read up on cycling, investing in a water test kit is advisable. Other members will chip in but that's certainly a start :22:
Hmm..I believe my water is between 75-79 degrees..so it's definitely tropical. What you are saying is that tetras and danios are not? I started off with goldfish to establish the tank and PH..I only added the heater before I got the tetras. I have a water tester that works really good. Wouldnt 12 fish be too many for my 16 gallon tank?

[ScottishFish]

With your restricted tank size keep to 1 species of schooling fish but with a school of 6-10 depending on what you feel is acceptable. Tetras and danios are most definately tropical fish, I was only asking as it was unclear if you were keeping goldfish in with tropical fish

[PhillipOrigami]

No, six IMO sucks. A lot. Someone just decided to make 6 the magic number. 10 is mine.
I reccomend to get all fish but the diamond tetras out and put the school up to maybe 15 or so.
What are your tank dimension?
If it's a hex, then it probably have enough lateral space...

[CosmicStar]

Hmm..okayy..I'm a little disappointed :/ I wanted a lil more of a variety..Is there any way around that?

[CosmicStar]

No, six IMO sucks. A lot. Someone just decided to make 6 the magic number. 10 is mine.
I reccomend to get all fish but the diamond tetras out and put the school up to maybe 15 or so.
What are your tank dimension?
If it's a hex, then it probably have enough lateral space...]
Not too sure of the exact dimensions but it is a bowfront..so you would recommended 10 diamond tetras?

[TheVoldevader]

Glowlight danios are pretty small, aren't they? IMO one school of tetras and one school of glowlights would be fine, as long as you had good filtering and kept up with weekly waterchanges. But maybe that's just me.

The higher the better with schooling species :) six just tends to be the magic number.

EDIT: I tried the stocking out on Aqadvisor and it said your tank would be at a 103% stocking level with six danios and six tetras. What kind of filter are you using? If you had something for 30g and did about 30% water changes per week, I believe it would be okay.

[CosmicStar]

Glowlight danios are pretty small, aren't they? IMO one school of tetras and one school of glowlights would be fine, as long as you had good filtering and kept up with weekly waterchanges. But maybe that's just me.

The higher the better with schooling species :) six just tends to be the magic number.
Interesting (: Thanks for your input
So for my tank 6 diamond tetras and 6 glowlight danios wouldnt b too much?

[CosmicStar]

yes the glowlight danios are pretty small!

[ScottishFish]

Phillip: I am not saying 6 is the best number ever, I keep a school of 18 red eyes, I really promote larger schools, cosmicstar is fairly new to fish keeping and that is why I suggested 1 school of 6-10 fish to begin with, is less of a bioload strain on the filtration and allows for her to get used to fish keeping. Loading up your stocking to the max right away is a bad idea, where as 6 at first then gradually increasing the levels to 10-12 is a better one IMO

[CrunchyLeaf]

When I was stocking my 10 gallon. I started with the 3 neons that were in it to begin with. Every couple of weeks I added 3 more until my school hit 12. They are so much more interesting in a school of 12 than they were at 6. That being said, they will be fine with only 6 and it gives you a chance to decide if you like the way they look in your tank and would be happy to just have one large school of all the same fish.

[TheVoldevader]

Interesting (: Thanks for your input
So for my tank 6 diamond tetras and 6 glowlight danios wouldnt b too much?


I guess I edited my post too late for anyone to notice :hmm3grin2orange: - I tried the stocking out on Aqadvisor and it said your tank would be at a 103% stocking level with six danios and six tetras. What kind of filter are you using? Also, doing 30% water changes per week, I believe it would be okay.

[CosmicStar]

I see what you mean..I guess I was just hoping to get more variety with my tank than just one species..I might add 3 more diamonds and 3 more danios just to add color and playfullness since the diamonds are very mellow..

[CosmicStar]

I guess I edited my post too late for anyone to notice :hmm3grin2orange: - I tried the stocking out on Aqadvisor and it said your tank would be at a 103% stocking level with six danios and six tetras. What kind of filter are you using? Also, doing 30% water changes per week, I believe it would be okay.
LoL I guess so! I'm using Aqueon medium sized filters that work really good..I was planning on 30percent water changes every 2 weeks has been working out nicely..So I would be overstocked then! Not sure what I should do..is it really unhealthy how I have my tank now?

[CrunchyLeaf]

When you say you started out with 9 goldfish and only had 1 by the end of a month, did they die? Or did you just get rid of them?

Do you know what they died from?

Do you have a test kit for water parameters? Sometimes testing how quickly the nitrates build up in your tank is a good way to tell if you're overstocked. I recently bought a second African Dwarf Frog for my 10 gallon tank. Most people would tell you it is overstocked (Aqadvisor says 103%), but it is very easy for me to maintain the appropriate levels with weekly water changes and great filtration so being slightly overstocked is okay as long as it's not affecting the fish and they still have the required amount of space.

[CosmicStar]

Yes, all of the goldfish died. I think I overstocked the tank and the ph was wayyy off so I figured that is what happened. I do have a water testing kit. I'm leaning towards possibly getting cichilds..do those have to be all one species too? Since I am looking for more of a variety aquarium..

[MLBfan]

Before you think about stocking, I would make sure your tank is cycled (it probably is since goldfish would be an ammonia source).

Anyway, your tank is too small for cichlids and schooling species. What I would do is remove the fish you have (give them to a friend or something) and start over with our help (and your own research) to find fish you love.

[CosmicStar]

Before you think about stocking, I would make sure your tank is cycled (it probably is since goldfish would be an ammonia source).

Anyway, your tank is too small for cichlids and schooling species. What I would do is remove the fish you have (give them to a friend or something) and start over with our help (and your own research) to find fish you love.
My tank is definitely cycled! and all the amnonia nitrate and ph levels are on point..I am thinking about taking your advice seriously..i did some research before getting my tetras..no other species drew my attention but maybe I was looking in the wrong places. Suggestions on new fish?

[CrunchyLeaf]

I have little experience as I only have the one tank, but my ten gallon is black sand and a black background. The neon tetras look sooo cool in a large group. I bet you could put like 20 in that tank if they were the only kind and they are really fun to watch!

Just my :02cents:

[CosmicStar]

I have little experience as I only have the one tank, but my ten gallon is black sand and a black background. The neon tetras look sooo cool in a large group. I bet you could put like 20 in that tank if they were the only kind and they are really fun to watch!

Just my :02cents:
Yeahh! The neon tetras are really cool to watch! My glowlight danios are really colorful and playful too like I have seen neons to be! I am debating on wether or not to get rid of the ones I have and just start over :/

[MLBfan]

If you like your schooling species, I'd remove two of them (the bleeding hearts and diamonds-too big/active) and keep the glowlights in there and make the shoal eventually up to about 15. You can also add some shrimp!

Or maybe you could upgrade to a 4ft tank and keep 3 large schools as well a peaceful cichlid, depending on gallonage. Just throwing that out there.

[CosmicStar]

If you like your schooling species, I'd remove two of them (the bleeding hearts and diamonds-too big/active) and keep the glowlights in there and make the shoal eventually up to about 15. You can also add some shrimp!

Or maybe you could upgrade to a 4ft tank and keep 3 large schools as well a peaceful cichlid, depending on gallonage. Just throwing that out there.
I'm actually thinking of not keeping schooling species anymore since I only have a 16 gallon tank for now. I was debating on which fish to get that are not schooling..suggestions?

[MLBfan]

Ok, I'll help you in your other thread. One question, what is holding your tank up?(it doesn't look supported in the pic)

[CosmicStar]

It has its own stand

[PhillipOrigami]

It might be me, but is it fully on the stand?

[CosmicStar]

It might be me, but is it fully on the stand?
Yes it is!

[PhillipOrigami]

Weird.
I would get all out of there(everything), buy some lighting, plants, Eco complete and driftwood, fill it with neons slowly and enjoy.
But idk if you like natural looking tanks, that's just me.

[CosmicStar]

Weird.
I would get all out of there(everything), buy some lighting, plants, Eco complete and driftwood, fill it with neons slowly and enjoy.
But idk if you like natural looking tanks, that's just me.
I have lighting and plants although they are not real plants..I also invested in a nice piece of driftwood with hiding spaces..I'm not sure about a schooling species bc I want more of a variety tank..and apparently my tank is uneven at the moment..

[PhillipOrigami]

Meh. I meant lighting adequate for live plants.
No matter...

Many many people here say they used to want a lot of different species, but they would much rather have 25 of one fish than 6 of 4 fish.
I feel like I'm pressuring you :P sorry.

[CosmicStar]

Meh. I meant lighting adequate for live plants.
No matter...

Many many people here say they used to want a lot of different species, but they would much rather have 25 of one fish than 6 of 4 fish.
I feel like I'm pressuring you :P sorry.
No not at all! I am learning a lot that I didn't know (: I'm just on the fence about my next step..I'm just concerned about the fish I have now..if there is not enough of one kind am I putting them in danger orr whats the cons?

[PhillipOrigami]

Of having a lack of a good shoplift with a schooling species?
Lets take per say, you, and drop you in a large mansion. Many people, only 2 others speak a language you know. No sign language. Or monkeys.
Now compare that to 20 other people like you that speak english. Or just humans.
You will get much more enjoyment out of your fish, they live longer, more interesting and natural, see em a lot, less stress on them........
Either way, your call.
To the other thread!!

[CosmicStar]

Of having a lack of a good shoplift with a schooling species?
Lets take per say, you, and drop you in a large mansion. Many people, only 2 others speak a language you know. No sign language. Or monkeys.
Now compare that to 20 other people like you that speak english. Or just humans.
You will get much more enjoyment out of your fish, they live longer, more interesting and natural, see em a lot, less stress on them........
Either way, your call.
To the other thread!!
Hmm well thats a spin on the situation! I see what you're saying..I want whats best for my fish..so I guess thats a school!

[PhillipOrigami]

I would return them(current fish) and start anew. :)
Non schoolers are "antisocial" people.
Your call, hope I'm not confusing you :p. You can have schoolers or non.

[CosmicStar]

Thanks!! I will see the local stock soon!

[PhillipOrigami]

Remember, you can always order online.
Take a look at:
Aquariumfish.net
Liveaquaria.com

[CosmicStar]

Thanks! I decided to give back my bleeding hearts and keep my diamond tetras. Instead I added on to my glofish equaling six. They seem to all be enjoying the transition. I was debating upping my tetras but the research I did made it seem like the diamond tetras are perfectly ok with just 3. If I had a bigger tank..I would have 6 and 6!

[PhillipOrigami]

They are fine, yet more prone to disease and everything. I say you switch to just diamonds....
They are "fine" but not thriving.

[CosmicStar]

They are fine, yet more prone to disease and everything. I say you switch to just diamonds....
They are "fine" but not thriving.
Hmm..guess I'll just have to wait and see how it goes!

[PhillipOrigami]

Yup. May MTS bite you and you get a 55g.

[CosmicStar]

Yup. May MTS bite you and you get a 55g.
MTS??? a 55 gallon tank wouldn't be functional for me..that's way too big..I don't have a very big living room and plus I'm a beginner, clearly.

[PhillipOrigami]

Make your living room a fish room.
MTS=Multiple Tank Syndrome. Its uncurable, and the best desease to have.

The bigger the tank, the easier for a beginner, you can do foolish mistakes, and it can be easily solved....
Plus more fish, and more options. So what are you waiting for?!
http://glasscages.com/?sAction=OrderForm&sProdID=ACRAQ_50Long
lololololol

[CosmicStar]

Make your living room a fish room.
MTS=Multiple Tank Syndrome. Its uncurable, and the best desease to have.

The bigger the tank, the easier for a beginner, you can do foolish mistakes, and it can be easily solved....
Plus more fish, and more options. So what are you waiting for?!
http://glasscages.com/?sAction=OrderForm&sProdID=ACRAQ_50Long
lololololol
You must be a promoter! I might look into getting a bigger tank when I move into a bigger place.
MTS .. hmm IDK if I understand..I don't want multiple tanks..mister.

[PhillipOrigami]

Why not?:hmm3grin2orange:
I have blown this thing off course... srry.

[CosmicStar]

Why not?:hmm3grin2orange:
I have blown this thing off course... srry.
Don't be sorry, I appreciate distractions to a certain extent. I would go nuts with multiple tanks right now..I'm finding myself to have anxiety over this 16 gallon!

[fireopal]

Don't be sorry, I appreciate distractions to a certain extent. I would go nuts with multiple tanks right now..I'm finding myself to have anxiety over this 16 gallon!

I've glanced over this thread and really, I wouldn't worry about it. :) Unless you are looking to become the perfect fishkeeper, just do what you want with your tank (within reason, obviously!). There's no hard-and-fast rule about how many fish you need for a school... I'm certain your tetras and danios would be fine with less than 6-10 of each. I've kept 2 serpae tetras at one time, which are supposed to be a schooling fish, and they were totally comfortable in their 20 gallon. I know some people may consider this unfair to the fish, but... they're fish! Just for the 'wow' factor, though, I would think about keeping one or two large schools. They look really cool that way. But don't let anyone make you feel guilty about your tank. So far you've done a great job in keeping your fishies warm, fed, and in good water, which a lot of people don't do!

[PhillipOrigami]

You do have a point. 42 points to coming here and not learning about cycling the hard way... *shudders*
However, you can ask every single person here and the bigger the school, the better for the fish. You may have kept serpaes in a pair, but they must have nipped like psychofreaks. Go ask Scottishfish, Lady Hobbs, Dave etc. and you will find the same.
I say you go for one or the other.
Ofc you heard me type it 899^2 times...

[CosmicStar]

I've glanced over this thread and really, I wouldn't worry about it. :) Unless you are looking to become the perfect fishkeeper, just do what you want with your tank (within reason, obviously!). There's no hard-and-fast rule about how many fish you need for a school... I'm certain your tetras and danios would be fine with less than 6-10 of each. I've kept 2 serpae tetras at one time, which are supposed to be a schooling fish, and they were totally comfortable in their 20 gallon. I know some people may consider this unfair to the fish, but... they're fish! Just for the 'wow' factor, though, I would think about keeping one or two large schools. They look really cool that way. But don't let anyone make you feel guilty about your tank. So far you've done a great job in keeping your fishies warm, fed, and in good water, which a lot of people don't do!
Thank you!! I actually got rid of my danios and upped my diamonds to 7. My research brought me the conclusion of proned diseases and unhealthiness. Hope this works out!! They are beautiful!

[PhillipOrigami]

Good choice!
Glad it came through.

[Cermet]

No one here forces anyone to keep large schools of fish and yes, you can do as you please. We, when asked about tanks, give advice that is as accurate and complete as possible. Schooling fish need to be in as large a school as possible to be as little stressed as possible. The size of the school is your choice but a minimum size is solely due to the nature of the fish, not whether you are to be made to feel guilty. To keep schooling fish in tny groups that stress them when there is room in the tank is cruel - can't change the facts. You, however, choose the fish type and if you desire a schooling fish a proper school size is no different than meeting the water temp or water conditions. If your tank is too small for a proper school, that is no different than having fish with incorrect temperature requirements and the fish should not be grouped together if you desire to provide the best environment for the fish - again, a choice.

[CosmicStar]

Good choice!
Glad it came through.
Thanks for your help thumbs2:

[CosmicStar]

No one here forces anyone to keep large schools of fish and yes, you can do as you please. We, when asked about tanks, give advice that is as accurate and complete as possible. Schooling fish need to be in as large a school as possible to be as little stressed as possible. The size of the school is your choice but a minimum size is solely due to the nature of the fish, not whether you are to be made to feel guilty. To keep schooling fish in tny groups that stress them when there is room in the tank is cruel - can't change the facts. You, however, choose the fish type and if you desire a schooling fish a proper school size is no different than meeting the water temp or water conditions. If your tank is too small for a proper school, that is no different than having fish with incorrect temperature requirements and the fish should not be grouped together if you desire to provide the best environment for the fish - again, a choice.
Makes sense..glad I came to my senses..I was having dreams about it lol

[PhillipOrigami]

Well said my friend.