hiddencat

I have a 30 gal tank with an 8ish inch pleco, a tiger barb and two scissor tails. I want to add 3 more scissor tails so they can school and I'd really like to get a red tailed shark again (had one for about 8 months and then stupidly made my tank recycle by changing rocks and filter and he didn't make it, later had another one for a few months and he was just dead one morning, other fish were fine).

From what I understand, my pleco will eventually need a 55 gallon tank. So does that mean my tank is currently overstocked anyway? At what point will I need to move to the bigger tank?

If I'm not overcrowded now, will adding more fish make me overcrowded? My barb was ok with the red tail once I'd put in more hiding spaces and fake plants- they staked out separate territory.

Shawnie

yes with that pleco, you are way over stocked..it doesnt matter his size..its his bioload that makes it hard... I think once you move your plec, the rts (as long as you are cycled) will be fine....you could add your shark, then 2 weeks of good readings, then your scissors ...

hiddencat

Wow- you have a lot of tanks!

If we set up a 55 gal tank, would everyone (and the potential new fish) be happy then? Or would that still be too much? I don't have space to run big two tanks in my apartment.

Shawnie

a 55 gal would be better for your plec...they do grown slow..but again, its their bioload (they poo allot!!) that you have to worry about ...usually more water changes are needed with them I understand about limited room for tanks...I barely have my couch fitting LOL...

I do have a few tanks but I blame the fishlore members for that

hiddencat

I have noticed that she poos a lot- I've started vaccuming the whole tank during weekly water changes.

If I'm going to add a red tail and more scissor tails, should I go bigger than a 55 then?

harpua2002

Go as big as you can afford and are willing to maintain. Common plecos can eventually grow from 18-24" and thus a 55 gallon would not be a suitable home for life IMO.