What fish to add next.....

[SMurray]

I currently have a 55 gallon freshwater tank that is fully cycle, has been running for 2 months, and has had 10 cherry barbs in it for about a little over a week now. Everything is going well. I think I am going to add again in another week or two. I eventually want rainbows as my larger fish. I am considering adding a school of tetras or similar and some cory's.

My dilemma: do I go ahead and add the rainbows next since I want them to be the standouts in the tank or add one of the other groups first?

 

[SamMe]

Are you sure your tank has enough room for 3 schools of fish plus the cories to be comfortable in it? The cories should be fine because they will mostly stay on bottom, but the Barbs, Rainbows, and Tetras will be overlapping and competing for space. Since you're set on Rainbows, I would stop after you add the cories and them. Just my opinion of course. As always, would love to see pics of whatever you decide.

 

[SMurray]

I debated on the tetras. What do you think about platies or guppies? I had also considered those.

 

[ProudPapa]

I debated on the tetras. What do you think about platies or guppies? I had also considered those.

I wouldn't add livebearers, but if you do I'd suggest all males unless you have a plan in place for dealing with fry, but all males also has potential drawbacks. It's not uncommon for males to be aggressive with each other if there aren't females present.

I really like the suggestion from SamMe to go with just the cherry barbs, rainbows, and corys. If you want more of a centerpiece maybe add a pair of Bolivian rams.

 

[SMurray]

I wouldn't add livebearers, but if you do I'd suggest all males unless you have a plan in place for dealing with fry, but all males also has potential drawbacks. It's not uncommon for males to be aggressive with each other if there aren't females present.

I really like the suggestion from SamMe to go with just the cherry barbs, rainbows, and corys. If you want more of a centerpiece maybe add a pair of Bolivian rams.

I was unsure about live bearers too. I don't plan to breed and don't want that hassle. I haven't thought much about something like the bolivian rams. The only places to buy fish from that are near me (well about an hour away) are PetSmart and Petco. I haven't seen those there.
I've also looked at gourami's, but I really like the rainbows. I considered an Angel Fish, but I don't know how it would do with the cherry barbs and rainbows or if that would overcrowd my tank.

 

[ProudPapa]

I've also looked at gourami's, but I really like the rainbows. I considered an Angel Fish, but I don't know how it would do with the cherry barbs and rainbows or if that would overcrowd my tank.

An angelfish would probably be okay. If you go with gouramis I'd recommend pearl gouramis, or maybe honey gouramis.

I'd stay away from dwarf gouramis. See My thoughts on Dwarf Gourami/Trichogaster Lalius - Aquarium Article if you wonder why.

 

[Alrightmax]

+1 on gourami - that tank is big enough that you get also a moonlight. They are big, but docile. Shy, but with personality.

Or you could go with the gold/opaline/3-spot t trichopterus - although they they can be a bit more aggressive. (Less than the dwarfs though, in my experience.)

 

[SMurray]

An angelfish would probably be okay. If you go with gouramis I'd recommend pearl gouramis, or maybe honey gouramis.

I'd stay away from dwarf gouramis. See My thoughts on Dwarf Gourami/Trichogaster Lalius - Aquarium Article if you wonder why.

I've read several articles about Dwarf Gourami including yours because that's what I was first interested in. I decided quickly I didn't want the risk.
Since I already have the cherry barbs, if I add like 6 rainbows, 1 angel, and 5 Cory's, do you think that would be overcrowded?

 

[ProudPapa]

I've read several articles about Dwarf Gourami including yours because that's what I was first interested in. I decided quickly I didn't want the risk.
Since I already have the cherry barbs, if I add like 6 rainbows, 1 angel, and 5 Cory's, do you think that would be overcrowded?

I think that would be fine. What kind of rainbow are you thinking about? I have some turquoise rainbows and really like them, but there are many nice species.

 

[SMurray]

I think that would be fine. What kind of rainbow are you thinking about? I have some turquoise rainbows and really like them, but there are many nice species.

I like those and the boesemen rainbows. I've debated on mixing them. I've read that they would shoal together. But not sure how many I need to get off each.

 

[Noroomforshoe]

It would be best to get 6 of each species of the rainbow fish, most similar sized, similarly shaped species or rainbow fish will likly interact with the other species, but it should not be assumed that adding 3 turqouse and 3 boesmani will create one school of 6.

 

[SMurray]

It would be best to get 6 of each species of the rainbow fish, most similar sized, similarly shaped species or rainbow fish will likly interact with the other species, but it should not be assumed that adding 3 turqouse and 3 boesmani will create one school of 6.

Well I've been reading about them, and most sources say they will shoal together. But I've never had any so ‍♀️. I'm afraid 6 of each with my cherry barbs and 4 or 5 Cory's may be to much for my 55 gallon tank.

 

[SMurray]

I think that would be fine. What kind of rainbow are you thinking about? I have some turquoise rainbows and really like them, but there are many nice species.

Do you think the 10 cherry barbs, 3 Boeseman Rainbows, 3 Turquoise Rainbows, 4 Cory's, and an Angelfish would overcrowd my 55 gallon?

 

[ProudPapa]

Do you think the 10 cherry barbs, 3 Boeseman Rainbows, 3 Turquoise Rainbows, 4 Cory's, and an Angelfish would overcrowd my 55 gallon?

No, I don't think that will be over stocked. I would recommend picking one species of rainbow and getting six instead of three of each, but that's mostly personal preference. The longer I keep fish the more I enjoy fewer kinds of fish in a tank, with more of each kind.

 

[SMurray]

No, I don't think that will be over stocked. I would recommend picking one species of rainbow and getting six instead of three of each, but that's mostly personal preference. The longer I keep fish the more I enjoy fewer kinds of fish in a tank, with more of each kind.

That's the hard part Lol....I am having major trouble choosing between the Boeseman and the Turquoise. That's why I've been considering getting some of each.

 

[SMurray]

No, I don't think that will be over stocked. I would recommend picking one species of rainbow and getting six instead of three of each, but that's mostly personal preference. The longer I keep fish the more I enjoy fewer kinds of fish in a tank, with more of each kind.

No, I don't think that will be over stocked. I would recommend picking one species of rainbow and getting six instead of three of each, but that's mostly personal preference. The longer I keep fish the more I enjoy fewer kinds of fish in a tank, with more of each kind.

No, I don't think that will be over stocked. I would recommend picking one species of rainbow and getting six instead of three of each, but that's mostly personal preference. The longer I keep fish the more I enjoy fewer kinds of fish in a tank, with more of each kind.

Good morning. Question: I have the cherry barbs in my tank. What order should I add the angel, rainbows, and cory's?
Sorry -- don't know why that quoted 3 times??? My bad

 

[ProudPapa]

Good morning. Question: I have the cherry barbs in my tank. What order should I add the angel, rainbows, and cory's?

• The rainbows next just because.
• Then the corys, to give the tank more time to stabilize. Since they spend so much time at the bottom of the tank they can be more affected by water quality issues than other fish.
• The angel last so it doesn't see incoming fish as invaders in its territory.

 

[SMurray]

• The rainbows next just because.
• Then the corys, to give the tank more time to stabilize. Since they spend so much time at the bottom of the tank they can be more affected by water quality issues than other fish.
• The angel last so it doesn't see incoming fish as invaders in its territory.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[SMurray]

• The rainbows next just because.
• Then the corys, to give the tank more time to stabilize. Since they spend so much time at the bottom of the tank they can be more affected by water quality issues than other fish.
• The angel last so it doesn't see incoming fish as invaders in its territory.

When you added new fish to your main tank without quarantine first, did you treat with any type of preventative meds?

 

[ProudPapa]

When you added new fish to your main tank without quarantine first, did you treat with any type of preventative meds?

No, but it's been a long time since I added fish to an established tank that didn't come from an individual that I trust or an LFS that quarantines.

 

[SMurray]

No, but it's been a long time since I added fish to an established tank that didn't come from an individual that I trust or an LFS that quarantines.

My 55g has 10 cherry barbs in it that I never treated, but they have been in there for 3 weeks. I put a sponge filter in there to seed for a 10g that I thought I'd quarantine my rainbows in, but the sponge filter has only been in there 2 weeks this Sunday. I'm afraid that's not seeded enough to instantly cycle the 10g.

So, I'm thinking I am going to just put my rainbows in the 55g since the cherry barbs have shown no signs of anything and let my sponge continue seeding, maybe start a 10 gallon HOB filter in my 55g also, and then probably just set up my 10g with the HOB and sponge filter and other fish later.

I just don't know whether to use something like Seachem Paraguard or Aquarium salt and preventative treat the whole 55g or just watch the rainbows for any issues. I buy my fish from PetSmart. I've read different opinions on this, so I was just curious what you did.

 

[ProudPapa]

My 55g has 10 cherry barbs in it that I never treated, but they have been in there for 3 weeks. I put a sponge filter in there to seed for a 10g that I thought I'd quarantine my rainbows in, but the sponge filter has only been in there 2 weeks this Sunday. I'm afraid that's not seeded enough to instantly cycle the 10g.

So, I'm thinking I am going to just put my rainbows in the 55g since the cherry barbs have shown no signs of anything and let my sponge continue seeding, maybe start a 10 gallon HOB filter in my 55g also, and then probably just set up my 10g with the HOB and sponge filter and other fish later.

I just don't know whether to use something like Seachem Paraguard or Aquarium salt and preventative treat the whole 55g or just watch the rainbows for any issues. I buy my fish from PetSmart. I've read different opinions on this, so I was just curious what you did.

Of course the safest practice would be to wait another two weeks to give the sponge filter time to get properly seeded, and then set up a quarantine tank and get the rainbows. If they don't show any symptoms after an appropriate time move them to the display tank and get the next batch.

However, if you don't want to wait then it's up to you to weigh the risks. I can't do that for you, but maybe that's not what you're asking?

I will say I'm reluctant to throw medications at fish that don't have any symptoms.

 

[SMurray]

Of course the safest practice would be to wait another two weeks to give the sponge filter time to get properly seeded, and then set up a quarantine tank and get the rainbows. If they don't show any symptoms after an appropriate time move them to the display tank and get the next batch.

However, if you don't want to wait then it's up to you to weigh the risks. I can't do that for you, but maybe that's not what you're asking?

I will say I'm reluctant to throw medications at fish that don't have any symptoms.

Yeah I kind of feel that way about medicating too. I will probably wait a couple more weeks, let my filters seed good, and then set up the QT tank and get the rainbows rather than risk harm to the fish. Thanks for the advice!

 

[GenF211]

I have 7 dwarf neon rainbows. I just wanted you to know they responded very well to the Paraguard I had to use when I later added some Tetras I didnt Quarentine that brought in ick. I medicated for a month with it and it cleared up all issues. I would monitor closely before starting meds,but it Is a very safe med, and all my plants, snails and fish did great with it! Just follow the instructions.

 

[SMurray]

I have 7 dwarf neon rainbows. I just wanted you to know they responded very well to the Paraguard I had to use when I later added some Tetras I didnt Quarentine that brought in ick. I medicated for a month with it and it cleared up all issues. I would monitor closely before starting meds,but it Is a very safe med, and all my plants, snails and fish did great with it! Just follow the instructions.

Thanks for the info. I do have a bottle on hand, so if at any point I see a problem, I am ready to treat asap.

 

[GenF211]

I like it so much I ordered 4 more bottles to keep on hand!! Maybe an over reaction but all my tank inhabitants did really well with it! Good luck !

 

[SMurray]

Of course the safest practice would be to wait another two weeks to give the sponge filter time to get properly seeded, and then set up a quarantine tank and get the rainbows. If they don't show any symptoms after an appropriate time move them to the display tank and get the next batch.

However, if you don't want to wait then it's up to you to weigh the risks. I can't do that for you, but maybe that's not what you're asking?

I will say I'm reluctant to throw medications at fish that don't have any symptoms.

Hello again! I have now let my sponge filter seed for 4 weeks in my 55 g main tank. I also put a 10g Aqueon HOB filter running in my main tank about a week ago. I am planning to set up a 10g tank using the sponge filter and the 10g Aqueon HOB filter and a little bit of the gravel from my main tank to quarantine my rainbows in. I plan to get those Saturday.

My question is if I go ahead and set up the 10g tank tonight so it can run for 24-36 hours before getting the fish, will the bacteria in the filters and gravel keep the tank stable to add the rainbows on Saturday?

 

[GpixL]

I would say yes. That is how I started one of my tanks.

 

[SMurray]

I would say yes. That is how I started one of my tanks

I probably over-worry Lol...I'm very excited about getting my rainbows because they are such pretty fish. I just want to be sure I'm doing the very best I can for them before I put them in there.

 

[GpixL]

Yeah im glad you care! I still would test the tank parameters before adding the fish just to make sure that it is safe. Then watch over the ammonia and such after adding the fish to make sure there is no lethal spike.

 

[SMurray]

Yeah im glad you care! I still would test the tank parameters before adding the fish just to make sure that it is safe. Then watch over the ammonia and such after adding the fish to make sure there is no lethal spike.

When I first put fish in my main tank, I checked the parameters daily the 1st week, then every other day the 2nd week, and now a couple times per week. I'll probably do the same with new fish in quarantine.

 

[Rgtx]

I would suggest Cardinal tetras if you like schooling fish that pop. They basically hangout in the center of the water column and occasionally at the bottom to look for food. Also dwarf gourami are little aggressive even with cories, mine DG pushes them out of the way when feeding at the bottom sometimes. Plenty of more docile gouramis out there.

 

[ProudPapa]

. . . My question is if I go ahead and set up the 10g tank tonight so it can run for 24-36 hours before getting the fish, will the bacteria in the filters and gravel keep the tank stable to add the rainbows on Saturday?

I think that will be fine.

 

[GpixL]

When I first put fish in my main tank, I checked the parameters daily the 1st week, then every other day the 2nd week, and now a couple times per week. I'll probably do the same with new fish in quarantine.

Yeah thats a good system!

 

[SMurray]

Well I put the 6 Rainbowfish and 2 Nerite snails in my 10g quarantine tank Saturday afternoon. I check my parameters daily. I'm not sure if the bio-load is higher or the sponge filter and power filter weren't seeded enough to cycle the tank, but by Monday evening my ammonia had gone up to around .25 - .50, nitrite was 0, and nitrates 0-5ish. So, I changed half the water.

Yesterday evening, the ammonia and nitrates were both back up again to around the same levels as Monday. So, I changed half the water again. I'm guessing this tank is going through a cycle or something based on this happening every couple days so far.

Will my fish be ok while it levels out?

 

[ProudPapa]

. . . Will my fish be ok while it levels out?

As long as you keep monitoring the conditions and changing water when needed, like you've been doing, the fish should be fine.

 

[SMurray]

As long as you keep monitoring the conditions and changing water when needed, like you've been doing, the fish should be fine.

Ok thanks! I check every evening. I had hoped to quarantine them a few weeks to a month before putting them in the main tank, so I'll just keep doing water changes as needed until I'm sure they have no health issues.

 

[ProudPapa]

Ok thanks! I check every evening. I had hoped to quarantine them a few weeks to a month before putting them in the main tank, so I'll just keep doing water changes as needed until I'm sure they have no health issues.

Sounds good. By the way, you probably already know this, but I wouldn't worry about nitrates unless it gets up to at least 40 ppm. Ammonia and nitrites are the ones you need to keep a close eye on.

 

[SMurray]

Sounds good. By the way, you probably already know this, but I wouldn't worry about nitrates unless it gets up to at least 40 ppm. Ammonia and nitrites are the ones you need to keep a close eye on

Gotcha! So far, my nitrites are ok.

 

[SMurray]

Quarantine Rainbows in 10g are doing well! I went with 3 Turquoise and 3 Boesmani. They are such active fish! Especially when I walk up to the tank to feed them! I love to watch them. I have been changing half the water every other day because the ammonia was rising. Yesterday it didn't seem to rise as much, so I'm hoping that little spike is about over. They've been in quarantine a week and a half, and I want to quarantine them a couple more weeks I think just to be safe. I can't wait to put them in the main 55g with the cherry barbs. I think it will be a nice looking tank.

I still intend to add some cory's to the 55g. I've been considering adding an angelfish ever since I saw a beautiful black one at PetSmart the last time I was there. I'm not sure though. Just kinda waiting it out and seeing how everything goes for a little bit.
The rainbows in the 10g quarantine.... and the 55g they're going into with the cherry barbs

 

[SMurray]

I think that would be fine. What kind of rainbow are you thinking about? I have some turquoise rainbows and really like them, but there are many nice species.

Hey. I have a question and wanted to ask you since you have rainbows. Do your rainbows chase each other? I seem to have one that chases the others. I'm not sure if it's playing or if it's because their isn't alot of room in the 10 gallon QT tank. If it's aggression due to small tank, should I cut my quarantine period and move them to the 55g?

 

[ProudPapa]

Hey. I have a question and wanted to ask you since you have rainbows. Do your rainbows chase each other?

There is some chasing, but it's minor.

If it's aggression due to small tank, should I cut my quarantine period and move them to the 55g?

Refresh my memory please. Are the cherry barbs the only thing in the 55? And the rainbows have been in quarantine for about 10 days?

If the answer to both questions is yes, and the rainbows aren't showing any indication of illness or parasites then it might be best, but I can't give you a definite yes or no answer and I doubt if anyone else can. You will need to balance the risks and make that decision yourself.

 

[SMurray]

There is some chasing, but it's minor.



Refresh my memory please. Are the cherry barbs the only thing in the 55? And the rainbows have been in quarantine for about 10 days?

If the answer to both questions is yes, and the rainbows aren't showing any indication of illness or parasites then it might be best, but I can't give you a definite yes or no answer and I doubt if anyone else can. You will need to balance the risks and make that decision yourself.

Yes the cherry barbs are the only thing in the 55g at this time. The rainbows have been in quarantine since April 9th -- so today makes 11days. Saturday will be two weeks. I may at least wait until then.
I can see that the rainbows do play, but there is that one that seems to deliberately chase the others to the opposite side of the aquarium. He doesn't seem to hit them or make contact when he chases them-- just runs them in a different direction. And sometimes he'll just hang right there with them. Just depends on what he wants to do I guess Lol.... I just wondered if it was due to small space (even though they were in small aquariums at PetSmart) or if they are just adjusting.

 

[ProudPapa]

Yes the cherry barbs are the only thing in the 55g at this time. The rainbows have been in quarantine since April 9th -- so today makes 11days. Saturday will be two weeks. I may at least wait until then.
I can see that the rainbows do play, but there is that one that seems to deliberately chase the others to the opposite side of the aquarium. He doesn't seem to hit them or make contact when he chases them-- just runs them in a different direction. And sometimes he'll just hang right there with them. Just depends on what he wants to do I guess Lol.... I just wondered if it was due to small space (even though they were in small aquariums at PetSmart) or if they are just adjusting.

Do you have something you can put in the quarantine tank for a sight break (if there isn't already)? That may help.

 

[SMurray]

Do you have something you can put in the quarantine tank for a sight break (if there isn't already)? That may help.

If you mean like a divider, no I don't. I added 5 small artificial plants, but they are not very tall. I do have a bigger artificial plant that I could put in there that is taller and wider than the small ones that are in there now. Would that help?

 

[ProudPapa]

I do have a bigger artificial plant that I could put in there that is taller and wider than the small ones that are in there now. Would that help?

It might. It's worth a shot.

 

[SMurray]

It might. It's worth a shot.

Ok. I'll try that.

I plan to add a few cory cats also. That will be 10 cherry barbs, 6 rainbows, and 4 or 5 corys. I thought about an angelfish, but I'm a little concerned about aggression. So, I'm still debating on that one.

 

[ProudPapa]

Ok. I'll try that.

I plan to add a few cory cats also. That will be 10 cherry barbs, 6 rainbows, and 4 or 5 corys. I thought about an angelfish, but I'm a little concerned about aggression. So, I'm still debating on that one.

What species of cory are you considering? Unless it's one of the larger ones 8 - 10 probably wouldn't be too many.

 

[SMurray]

What species of cory are you considering? Unless it's one of the larger ones 8 - 10 probably wouldn't be too many.

I thought about panda corys or albino corys. Between those 2, I like the panda the best I think. I like the pygmy corys, but I haven't seen those (or they weren't labeled) at PetSmart.

 

[ProudPapa]

I thought about panda corys or albino corys. Between those 2, I like the panda the best I think. I like the pygmy corys, but I haven't seen those (or they weren't labeled) at PetSmart.

Pandas would be a good choice, and I think you'd have room for at least 10 (if you want that many).