aquatic mouse

Hi! I've recently bought a 55 gallon aquarium. After a lot of research, I think I'm going to stock it with 3 Kuhli Loaches, 6 Julii Leopard Cory, 6 Guppies, and 6 Platies. Do these sound like good choices? If not, what would be good substitutes? Also I think I'm going to use sand (I've read Kuhli loaches like it). Will sand be good for the other fish? How many pounds of it should I use? Thanks for the help!

Blub

sirdarksol

Welcome to Fishlore!

It sounds like you've got an excellent setup. One warning regarding the guppies and platies: if you get males and females, they will breed. This could quickly overload your tank. If you don't want them to breed, just get one gender (both are pretty easy to sex, so this shouldn't be a problem).

Other than this, I can see nothing to suggest/change about your chosen stock.

A couple of suggestions:
I would cycle the tank without fish. (You know about the cycle, so I'm not going to go into detail. If you have questions, feel free to ask)
The loaches and cories should go in after the tank has been fully set up and cycled for quite awhile. I would wait at least a month. Both species are susceptible to changes in water quality, and don't do well in unestablished tanks.

As far as sand goes, I'm not sure about how much to use. I usually put enough to get an inch or two of sand in the bottom. Yes, loaches love sand, so that should be good (I use eco-complete, which is similar to potting soil). Loaches also like places to hide, so some driftwood, rocks, or resin decorations would be a good idea.

aquatic mouse

HatchetHaven, I've never had an aquarium with live plants. Are they hard to take care of?

susitna-flower

WELCOME TO FISHLORE AQUATIC MOUSE !

I agree with sirdarksol, you will want to cycle your tank fish less....it will speed the cycle process tremendously! Your fish will be healthier, and MOST important, you will not feel the stress of seeing your fish struggle with the cycle, and maybe not live through it!

Take your time, it sounds like you have chosen some interesting fish....you just need to decide ahead of time about the live bearers...are you ready for tons of fry? They are great fish, and I wouldn't want to try to change your mind, as long as you know what you are getting into....Good Luck and let us know how it is going, or if you have any questions...

PS...Java moss and java ferns are really easy, low light plants to start with, and will give cover for those livebearers fry. Both can be floated,, and other than tying to a driftwood, shouldn't be planted, so are easy to start with.

aquatic mouse

I'm thinking that I'll only have male guppies. If I buy different types of guppies, will they school together?

Blub

sirdarksol

Yes, different species of guppies should school together. Color seems to only be part of the schooling instinct. Something else (quite possibly smell or even touch) seems to be the primary trigger.

aquatic mouse

I'm going to use the fish I listed + 2 or 3 more Kuhli Loaches. I'm also going to try java moss and java ferns. I'm going to start setting up the tank tonight, so I won't be buying the fish for a while. But I'm very excited!

Blub