lbates

Hi i have just started an aquarium and i have 3 otos, 2 mollies, 4 neons (was 5). yesterday i added a rainbow shark and a golden gourami and it seems to have killed one of my neons. Is this normal? should i take it back? will it carry on killing my other fish? Is there anything i can do to prevent this? The guy at the fish shop told me that they would be fine but now i'm not too sure.

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore!!!....im sorry for the loss of your neon....but in an 8 gal tank, thats too overstocked for a pearl....he will continue to harrass the fishies it will be fine for your ottos and neons...maybe even with the mollies with extra water changes...but the rts and the gourami should be returned or get them a bigger tank..

Lucy

Hi Welcome to Fish Lore

I'm sorry you lost your little neon.
Unfortunatly your size tank is too small for the gourami and the shark, they both can get to be about 6"
The rainbow shark should have at least 55g's.
When fish are too crowded, as you found out there can be aggression issues.
It would be a good idea to return at least those two fish. I would also consider returning
the mollies.

Even 4 neons and 2 otos is a bit much for your size tank but with good maintenance it might work.

I see you don't know about the nitrogen cycle. Here's a good article to read so you know what will be happening with your tank in the coming month:
Nitrogen Cycle
If you don't have a test kit, it would be a good idea to get once. You'll what to monitor your water readings (ammonia, nitrite and nirate) closely while it's cycling.
The API master kit is very good, avoid the strips, they tend to be less accurate.

I'm sorry I didn't have better news for you.
Good luck with your tank.

lbates

Thank you that was really helpful i will return them tomorrow. It now appears that i have also lost an oto.

Lucy

I'm sorry, that really stinks.
Otos are pretty sensitive and do better in well established tanks with algae for them to eat.