FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hello all!
I'm new to the site, and have already learnt a great deal from past posts - thanks!

I have a 20-gal tank (2ft long) which was started about 1 month ago. We started it with live plants for one week, then added 3 lemon tetras and 3 harlequin rasboras. After 2 weeks with just the plants and 6 fish, we then added 3 ottos and 4 algae eating shrimp.

Everything seems to be doing very well so far. The shrimp have already moulted (or whatever that is called), the fish are active and eating well, and the plants are growing nicely.

So far so good, right? I do have a couple of quick questions:
1. Is one month long enough to have an idea of how well the tank is doing? All water quality parameters are good so far (i.e. no ammonia, nitrates, etc, and pH of 7.6 - 7.8).

2. Should I leave well enough alone, or can I get away with adding a few more fish? I would love to add maybe 3 or 4 blue tetras (or something similar), and maybe a couple more shrimp. Right now, all of my fish/shrimp are so active and (I assume) happy, I am worried about messing up a good thing.

Any thoughts and/or advice will be appreciated!

Tetras and Harlies need school of six. Id pick one species and bump up that school. Then id return the other species.

I'll do graffiti,
If you sing to me in French.

i agree, and welcome to fp

hey there and welcome to fp!!
with the lemon tetra and harlequin rasboras i would just stick to one species as has been said.. keep them in a group of 6.. and give the 3 you dont want back to the lfs.. your tank will be pretty much full with that.. but you could for for a nice center peice fish such gourami of some sort?

r0b3y

6 schoolers, 3 ottos, and some shrimp is not overstocked in my opinion especially with live plants. I think you could get away with finishing both the schools at 6 each.

It sounds like your tank is doing well. Congrats on having some patience... not always the easiest thing to have when you want your tank filled out. I agree with Azrael, finish off both of your schools you have started now with 3 more fish each, and then your tank will be at full capacity. If you have your heart set on the blue tetras, then you will have to choose one of your two started schools and get rid of them and replace them with blues instead, but the schools you have really will need to be filled out for your fish to be happy, and calm. Watching a filled out school is a beautiful sight as well. Good luck and I hope you continued success with your tank. It sounds like you are going in the right direction.

" I would love to add maybe 3 or 4 blue tetras (or something similar)"


Make sure they are naturally blue and not dyed

I'll do graffiti,
If you sing to me in French.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I think that I'll probably follow your advice and add a few more of the same fish that I already have.
I guess that if I want blue tetras (no not dyed - I saw those in the store - yuck), I'll just have to get another tank. Now I see how addictive this hobby can be

Oh yeah, this hobby can be just SLIGHTLY addictive! LOL! Welcome to FP, and welcome to your new addiction! LOL! At least this is a legal and healthy one to have. Glad to hear you are going to fill out your schools. I am certain you and the fish will both be very pleased with the effect that will have. Enjoy your tank and keep us updated if you end up with a second one.

Just a second tank? I'm already thinking about another one here at home, one for my office.....oh boy I think I'm in trouble!

yea i'm running about 4 myself now...i want more but don't currently have the room or the fortune.