tank capacity and pura-pad

Question
have recently set up 75.gal. (cycled approx 12weeks ago.) I used filter media and gravel from established 55 gal. It is filtered with emperor 400 and emperor 280. current residents are one dwarf panda cichlid five dwarf keyhole cichlids, six serpae tetras, three nanus corydoras, one raphael catfish one clown pleco, and one common pleco  and two lyretailed black mollys temporarily.(mollys) I would like to purchase possiblt three or four more dwarf cichlids but do not wish to overload tank. All of the current residents have been in tank for almost two months. I perform 20 to 30 percent water changes every five to six days along with 55 gal discus tank (two discus). Iwould appreciate your thoughts. 75 gal. is decorated withslate, flagstone, driftwood. with wisteria, amazon sword, crypt, and money wort.  My other question is concerning product pura-pad .I want to try it but am not sure of effect it will have on plant growth. I do not use CO2 but have managed with lighting upgrade to sustain growth. Considering water change routine do you think it would be worthwhile to try this particular product? THANKS! in advance for your thoughts.

Answer
Hi Leland.

Congratulations on your new tank.  Looking at how it is stocked now, your filtration and water change regiment I see no reason you couldn't add 4 more dwarf cichlids to the tank.

I'm not personally familiar with the pura-pad product but if you have live plants in the tank I wouldn't use a product that reduces phosphates as this is a key nutrient for plants.

I would also ask this question here:  http://www.aquaria.info/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewforum&f=6


Sean
Owner - FishGeeks.com