rainbow fish

Question
Hi lynda,thank you for your help in the past.I was thinking about rainbow fish in my new 75 gallon tank after it is cycled,a school of about five. what do you think. I know that you should only add two or three fish at a time. where i live no one has rainbow fish so i would need to order them online. If i only order two at a time i would need to pay shipping twice. Do you think i could add four to a 75 gallon tank, they will be the only fish in the tank. they are 1-2 inches when you buy them. Thank you very much.I am willing to pay the exter shipping if you think that is best.

Answer
Hi Don,
Rainbow fish are beautiful fish, and this is a nice choice for a 75 gallon tank.  You could buy 6 small rainbows when your tank is well cycled.  Make sure you have no ammonia, nitrites, and that your nitrates are low.  After you have received, and acclimated your fish, keep checking your ammonia, and nitrite levels.  I don't think you will have a problem.  Do your weekly water changes of 25%, and everything should be fine.  Buy 2 males, and four females.  If there are more males than females, the females will always be harassed, and as you know, stressed fish get sick.  You do not have to buy the same family of rainbows as they all get along, and school together.  Since they are quite small, you should have no problems.
Best of luck with your new tank!
Lynda