stocking levels - 60cm, 20l

so MTS struck and I bought a 60cmx45cmx55cm 120l tank. THANX Discusguy! Filter is a fluval 104, substrate is seachem fluorite and it's currently sitting at 25degC.

fauna is +- 13 glowlight tetras and a small CAE (the CAE I think needs to go soonish).
How do I determine stocking levels for this size tank? can I add more fish??
I'd really like something small and bottom dwelling, but will they do ok with the fluorite?

 

The old rule is one inch of fish per gallon of water.... I've always stuck to that and never come acropper - Just use the average length of the adult fish though...

Most bottom dwellers will not be affected - just dont include burrowing species like horseface loaches or spiny eels

 

Hi Anine

There is this so-called 'general' rule that states you should allow 2.5 centimeters of adult fish length per every 4 litres of water. In this way, it allows for you to have a total of 75cm of fish length.

This rule doesn't really work well in practice, however, because you need to consider actual dimensions of the tank relative to the fish's living requirements.

Also remember that, once you've added sand and ornaments, your tank won't be 120 litres, not to mention that nobody will fill their tank to the brim!

At the moment, I'd say that the the tank is relatively well stocked but with space available for a few extras. Small fish, such as corys, other tetras or danios may well also make a good addition, and perhaps certain fair-sized, decent-mannered cichlids as well.

I'd recommend going to your LFS, taking a look about and deciding on what fish you like, and then coming back to us so we can advise you from there.

Regards

 

I've been eyeballing panda corys for a while and I think if I drop the tank temp to 24 the tetras and corys should both be ok? so say about 6 little panda corys. the fluorite is quite large and angular though, wont that damage the small corys' barbels?

 

Panda cories will appreciate the lower temperature, and Glowlights are pretty tolerant as far as temperature goes, so I don't see why not. The gravel is some cause for concern, though... can you perhaps post of pic of the gravel before you go ahead with this?

 

gravel is seachem flourite (http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/Flourite.html). it is quite coarse and angular :\

 

I've seen corys with Seachem before, and while I don't agree with the idea, the fish didn't seem to be affected by the coarse substrate. It's really up to you, but personally I wouldn't go for it.

 

I had pandas with flourite and it did damage there barbells badly.

I would guess that your tank also still need to cycle?

 

Thanx Gerhard and Tim, thats what I figured. can one top the fluorite with softer sand or will that create other problems?

Tank is cycled and established. I bought it 2nd-hand and was disassembled at the seller's house and assembled within an hour at mine. filter contains mature media.

 

That is a solution to this problem, although I recommend the capping of the finer substrate on top of the old substrate to be done over a decent period of time, to be safe just over a week.

My reasoning behind this is because of the beneficial bacteria within the substrate - right now, this bacteria will be an aerobic kind, which is in contact with fresh, oxygenated water. If you suddenly dump the new substrate on, you'll deny these bacteria oxygen and kill them off, leaving you with effectively ineffective substrate. This could lead to nitrate spikes, if not among other things.

Take things slowly and let us know how it goes.

 

Hi Anine

If you want bottom dwelling get some of those mini moth catfish from Pet Stop @azurekoi
They are small and would fit easy in your tank.

 

no offense meant but those moth catfish freak my out. LOL. not a huge fan of anything with that bodyshape. give me a loach or a cory rather

 

OK

What about some kuhlis then?

 

they're also an option. I love them. but wont they have the same problem with the coarse gravel?

 

Funny enough my kuhlis were fine. Maybe they are more carefull.