3 replies to this topic

[juhason]

I have a 29 gallon tank with what I think might be too many fish long-term but I would like to know what you guys think. I have a spare 20L I just need to get it cycled but I do not want to do it unless necessary. (space issues) 

 

Stocking is:

 

5 blackbanded sunfish (between 2-3")

1 bluespotted sunfish (between 1-1.5")

1 redfaced topminnow (about 1.5")

2 blackstripe topminnows (about 2")

9 rainbow shiners (between 0.75-1.5")

 

I know theoretically this works strictly in terms of size and temperament but I really can't seem to find anything about how messy these fish are. Like how a fancy goldfish doesn't get gigantic but their bio-load is so huge they need a bigger tank than you'd think. I don't know if the eventual bio-load of these fish full grown will be too much to handle. Tank is heavily planted with tons of nutrient suckers (anacharis, foxtail, crypt wendtii, dwarf hairgrass, dwarf chain sword, mermaid weed, dwarf water lettuce, duckweed) and I have a sponge filter/air pump combo rated for up to 60 gallons. I change the water at least once a week (I change out about 10 gallons of water) and sometimes I will do 2 water changes a week. 

 

Let me know what your thoughts are, thank you!

Edited by juhason, 24 February 2020 - 11:18 AM.

[Michael Wolfe]

Looks like way too much to me... about double. All those Enneacanthus and maybe a couple of Fundulus would be OK... or all those rainbows and those Fundulus would also be a nice tank.

[JasonL]

Established live plants will help the bioload significantly in my opinion.  It might work if you keep an eye on your parameters.

[juhason]

Ok, appreicate the feedback. I know adding the 9 rainbows is a bit of an overkill but I came across them and it's really hard for me to find them for sale. They are one of my favorite fish so I couldn't pass it up. I was hoping they could work long term because I like the look of the tank stocking right now. They are small right now, only 2 are over and inch the rest are still under. But I will keep an eye on things while my fish grow and if all else fails I have the spare tank to move some fish into. Eventually when I have more space I'll probably get a bigger tank for all of them (like a 40 breeder)