Stocking Question

[Ree C]

So I have researched a bunch, but want feedback about my stocking plans for my 55 gallon planted freshwater tank. I am coming to the end of my fishless cycle, and hope to add 8 skirt tetras, 6 rasaboras and 6 cory cats. I believe all can be happy at about 75 degrees, which is god for the cats who like it cooler. Anyone see issues or concerns? I think this will allow me to add to the tetras if I find a larger group needed to limit nipping....thoughts?

 

[J J Carter]

Seems fine to me, I'd add each group over a period to weeks to allow the beneficial bacteria to increase to match the growing bio load

 

[trainandfishguy]

sounds like a very good plan. You can probably add another group of schooling fish as well.

 

[Ree C]

sounds like a very good plan. You can probably add another group of schooling fish as well.

anything you would recommend?

 

[J J Carter]

Zebra danios would add movement close to the water surface, tetras mid-water and the cory at the bottom

 

[Ree C]

sounds like a very good plan. You can probably add another group of schooling fish as well.

That is how I have added fish in the past to my other tank, however, with this as my first fishless cycle, since I am dosing ammonia up to between 1 and 2PPM and it is dropping to 0 in 24 hours, with 0 nitrates, I have read that I can stock the fish almost all at once, as the cycle has loaded on developing the beneficial bacteria.... Any experience with this?

 

[Smalltownfishfriend]

I would up the Cory cats to 8 or 10.. the more there is the happier they are!!

 

[Fashooga]

Seems fine to me, I'd add each group over a period to weeks to allow the beneficial bacteria to increase to match the growing bio load

I think she can buy all the fish at one time but just don't put them all in at one time. I had started my 55g tank and I purchased all 20 lemon tetras, 2 blue acaras and an angel fish. I floated them and added them in a span of 2-3 hours to avoid any crashes. I think this is the best way of doing it cause it reduces the risk of another fish being added in that has a disease and destroys the original inhabitants.

 

[Hunter1]

If you are converting 2ppm ammonia in 24 hours, I think you are good to add everything.

But i’m cautious and paranoid so if it was me, I would add all three schools, at the numbers you suggested. But would increase the Cory school to 8-10 in a couple of weeks and the rasporas to 10_12 in aa week or so.

Instead of another school, I would add to what you are planning. I believe it’s a good plan.