Stocking 55 gallon

Question
QUESTION: Someone is giving me a 55 gallon tank. I was hoping that someone could help me through the steps of stocking the tank. I already have an albino rubbernose pleco, an apple snail to go in a smaller tank with a betta. I was hoping to put all 3 in the new tank. What else would be compatible with these fish?

ANSWER: Hi Amanda;

Fish choice is very subjective so look around at different fish to see what you like and ask me about certain ones. Sites like Fishprofiles.com are good for that because they have pictures of most of them. Or just take a notepad with you to the fish store and find out what the names are of the ones you like. You will need to get your new tank through the break-in period first though. Your betta, pleco and snail will be fine in there at the beginning. The break-in takes about 6 weeks.  

You will have to feed the pleco and snail some veggies too because the tank will be too clean for them at first. Romaine lettuce, cooked green beans, cucumber slices, and cooked shredded carrots are good choices. Put two small pieces in at night because that's when they like to feed.

Here is a link to my page about new tanks to help you get your fish through the process;

http://www.xanga.com/Expert_Fish_Help

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I picked up the tank today. It came with a heater (not sure of model) & a filter (Whisper 30 - 60). Since it is a carbon filter, will this speed up the cycling? I was looking at Dwarf Gouramis - would this be a good fish to put in the tank? It will be sharing the space with a male betta, pleco & apple snail. I really don't know where to start when it comes to stocking my tank. Any suggestions would be so helpful.

Answer
Hi Amanda;

Carbon or no carbon doesn't matter in length of cycling. The Cycling or Break-in Period just takes time to grow beneficial bacteria colonies. Read my web page about it so you know what will be going on. Don't add more than your three current critters until it is over with after about 6 weeks. Then add new fish slowly, about 2 or 3 one-inch fish a week into a tank that size. It gives the beneficial bacteria time to grow more colonies to compensate for each new fish with a minimum impact on them. Too many fish at once causes ammonia and nitrite to rise to lethal levels. Gradual additions helps keep that from happening.

When it's time, look for peaceful community fish that stay small to live with your betta, pleco and snail. Tetras, danios, cory cats, platies, swordtails are a few possibilities. Avoid gouramies, paradise fish, puffers, cichlids, goldfish, guppies, as they are either incompatible with your tropical betta or are aggressive types. Look these all up on the fish profile site I gave you the link for. Never buy any fish without doing research on them first. Adult size, water temperature requirements and temperament are the main things to look for. Also look to see if the fish is a "schooling fish". This means they need to be in groups of 3 or more to feel and look their best.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins