hasben79

Greetings,

First off, I'd like to thank all the contributors to this site and forum, it's all been extremely informative!

I'm a fish newbie. I bought a 35 gallon tank off Craigslist, and successfully cycled it fish-free. I then decided to rescue some free fish (again off Craigslist) that were otherwise going to be flushed. They seem to be doing great, I guess my question is similar to many others here....Am I overstocked? Can I add more?

Thanks again to everyone here!

4 Black neon tetra
3 Scissor Tail Rasbora
2 Black Skirt Tetra
1 Neon Tetra
1 Serpae Tetra
1 Chinese Algae Eater

jdhef

The Neon Tetra's, Rasbora's, Black Skirt tetra's and Serpae Tetra all prefer to be in groups of 6 or more. From what I've read on this forum, you may have trouble with the Chinese Algae Eater at some point. They apparently get pretty aggressive, and if I recall correctly, will start to eat the slime coat off the other fish.

A general stocking rule is 1" of adult size fish per gallon of water. So in your case you would be over stocked if you went over 35" of fish

Lucy

Welcome to Fish Lore
Glad you've found the forum helpful. Congrats on cycling fish less!
I'm really happy to hear you've rescued these fish from being flushed.
Unfortunately, the CAE takes you over the top as far as being over stocked. I also read about them sucking slim coat, but it's more apt to happen to flat sided larger fish such as angels or goldfish.

The black neons and neon tetra could hang together. Same with the serpea and black skirts. Fish that are the same size and shape have been known to school together.

Keep in mind that all the fish (except the cae) are schooling fish as John pointed out and may do better with fish of their own kind.
I wouldn't add any more and see about re-homing the cae or you can always get another tank.

Good luck with your tank.

agabr123

hi and welcome to fishlore

i'd say for your tank, i'd return the CAE for reasons mentioned above, return the serpae tetra (they can be pretty aggressive), get 3 more rasboras, 4 more black skirt, return your neon, and get two more black neons and you'd be pretty fully stocked.