Narcicius

I saw a setup recommended by a respected poster that goes a little like this
2 female pearl gouramis
1 Bristlenose pleco
5 female cherry barbs
1male cherry barb

These fish require the water parameters to be
pH 6-7
Temp 77-80
Water hardness 5-15 dH

That seems a little tight and I don't know how flexible this is at all

The other option is to change in the cherry barbs for 6 neon tetras setting the water parameters to
pH 6-7.5
Temp 77-79
Water harndess 5-10 dH

tighter in some areas looser in another.
Also I have a rather large decoration in my 29g tank and I don't know if the pearls will be happy with a slightly restricted swimming area. Please help me in any way you can. Sorry for this incredibly long post.

angelfish220

the pearls will like to stay near the surface. If the decoration isnt in the way there then they should be good. I would go with neons instead of the barbs it is always better to understock.

Narcicius

thanks any help is really appreciated

MasterShake2003

As far as pH and hardness go, I have a great book written by a guy who has been in the hobby for over 50 years.

He says that pH and hardness, alkalinity, etc. are important to fish, but not as important as a consistent water chemistry. If acclimated properly, nearly all fish will adapt to the water conditions you have straight from the tap. To alter pH and alkalinity, you set yourself up for a huge headache down the line in that you will never be able to stop altering pH, hardness and alkalinity. Every water change or evaporation top off will have to be altered to specifically match what is in your tank.

The most important thing is to simply make sure your pH doesn't spike one way or the other. If you use the pH of your water out of the tap as the ideal constant, then high or low pH can be easily corrected through a water change. Alkalinity is important because it acts as a buffer for your pH. With a high alkalinity, your pH will not be subject to extreme swings toward base or acidic, which will stress your fish.

If you take your time and acclimate your fish slowly and properly over the span of about an hour, they will adapt to your tanks water conditions. My advice is this...unless you have a degree in chemistry or are a chemical engineer, don't mess with these values. It requires extreme precision and can easily be messed up.

I have 4 discus fish in my 55 gal. with a pH of 7.6 and a hardness level well over 180GH. Anyone here can tell you those are not the conditions they prefer. But, they are healthy and thriving. If you are really concerned about hardness, I would suggest using RO/DI water you can purchase from most LFS. This is the easiest and safest way to get naturally soft water.

Also, if your using test strips, get an API Master Kit. They are much more accurate. Hopefully, I didn't just tell you a bunch of stuff you already know!!!!

Narcicius

not really you really helped, and thanks for the trouble I mean you wrote an essay on what I asked pretty much, less on the pH though how flexible are temperature parameters

susitna-flower

WELL said, and never worry about repeating good information, someone always benefits!

MasterShake2003

Hey, I'm not an English writing major for nothing Anyway, temperature is the one parameter you want to be careful with. If it is too cold, your fish will have stunted growth and possibly die. If too warm, your fish will grow very quickly, live a shorter time and die sooner.

I've looked up the fish your thinking of on www.liveaquaria.com and here's the values I've found:

Pearl Gourami 75-86*
Bristlenose Pleco 74-79*
Cherry Barbs 74-79*
Neon Tetras 68-74*

I have 6 neons in my 55 gal and they have all lived but my temp is at 82* F. All these things your asking are issues that will eventually become second nature to you. I would say if you went with the barb instead of the tetras, about 78* F would be healthy. If you go neons instead of barbs, again, 76*-78* F will in all likelihood be just fine, thought the tetras will not live as long as they would if they were kept at a lower temp. Like I said, mine seem happy at 82* F, and I have to keep that temp for my discus.

Go with the tetras so your tank will be understocked and this will allow you to have a healthier system.

Narcicius

Wow you really went the extra mile for a total stranger I respect that, I can't believe you researched it I feel lazy now. and yet you were so nice about it thanks, Thats why I love fishlore so much the people here are like quakers kind and generous to no end, sorry if you're a quaker and I offended you.

MasterShake2003

I just treat others on here as I was treated when I was completely lost and needing help from those more experienced.

BTW, that website is a great source of information on almost any tropical freshwater fish. There are a lot of people here that are very friendly and helpful. Just ask if you have any more ??'s



P.S. I'm not a quaker...I didn't even know there still were quakers!!!

Narcicius

thank you sooooooo much. I really appreciate it.

Blub

Narcicius

Good to hear and yes HatchetHaven it was your idea and you are the respected poster, I have learned a ton of things from your posts alone and thanks for your input. I know it'll help b/c you seem to own most or all of the fish in the stocking option.

BoSox Fan7

Go with the Cherry Barbs they are awesome!!!!!!!

Narcicius

I really like the tetras why do you prefer the barbs BoSox?

BoSox Fan7

Because the are colorful, very hardy, and they are decently active.

Narcicius

tetras are just a little sensitive to nitrites, other than that you'll need something a little better that colorful to beat me out of tetras, but persist I want the most successful tank possible and if you can convince me otherwise then I'll gladly get some cherries.

Blub

Narcicius

I've been told getting six cherries will stack the bioload as compared to six tetras, any comment on that, and take note BoSox fan that is how you convince someone to pick another fish. Hatchet you need to be a salesman of some sort, only thing is the bioload question help me out with that and my tank may be a little redder in a few weeks.