Mkup

I have been hearing mixed reviews regarding putting a red tail shark in a 20 gallon freshwater tank. What do you all think?

Also, would my tank end up being overstocked, and would they get along if I use the following fish?

1 redtail shark (4.5 inches)
1-3 kuhli loaches (1.5-4.5 inches , i was told the bio load is only 1.5 for each is this true?)
2 dwarf gaurami (4 inches)
1-2 cori catfish (2.5-5 inches)
3-6 tetra ( 6 inches what is the bio load for them)

Also, by the time I finish this tank I would upgrade the filter, which I am told would help add to the maximum bio load? Is this true?

I currently have 3 bloodfin tetra, and 3 silver tip tetra in my tank, after a week of cycling plus bio-spira.

Thanks for all your help in advance.

tkfury

I can't say anything about the shark I'm afraid.

If I understand correctly the kuhli loaches should be kept in groups of 3-6 at the very least. I've been under the impression only a fouth of the loaches length count towards the 1in/g rule but we could be wrong about that. The cories, you're going to need at least three to six (becareful on which ones you get, they do range in size from 1-3 inches). Tetras are pretty much the same deal save six is really the minimum. If you're going with both the bloodfin and silver tips, thats six each.

I wouldn't leave it to a filter to increase the number of fish you're able to have, I believe it just means you'll ahve an easier time with the frequent water changes. A good many people around here have two filters for their tanks, each powerful enough to filter the entire tank on its own but they still follow the general 1inch per gallon rule.

But please take what I say with a grain of salt. I'm still taking in what everyone has to say myself.

miker

I don't think that you can keep the Red Tail Shark along with Corys or Kuhlis. The Shark might harass them all the time since they are all bottom feeders.

Allie

We had a red tail shark in an 80g with african cichlids. He was too aggressive for them...so I think he'd be too aggressive for a 20g with anything else in it. I'd forget him until you get a bigger tank.

joshthefisherman

about the rt shark if you get on only gey one it will bully the smaller one they are good with cory cats and shouldnt bother them nor the gouramis idk about loaches should be ok ? the tetras may get harassed if you get a red tail just watch for aggression