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So I went to the pet store and looked around at the fish and decided on this stocking list...

4 albino tiger barbs to add to my 3 I have now =7=17.5 inches (assuming 2.5 inches adult)
4 green tiger barbs to add to my 3 I have now=7=17.5 inches (assuming 2.5 inches adult)
2 paradise fish=2=6 inches (assuming 3 inches adult)
1 rainbow shark I already have=1=5-6 inches
17 fish=46-47 inches

I do realize for a 45 gallon tank it is over the inch per gallon rule but I tried to stock each level as best I could.

The paradise fish would be at the top of the tank, the tigers in the middle top and the shark at the low middle bottom.

Does this sound okay or will I total be cramming my fish in there.

It is a 45 gallon tank that is planted and will be over filtered. I have a Whisper 40 and a Aqua Clear 20 on it now(seeding). Once the fish are out my 20 there will be the Whisper 40 and a Aqua clear 70 on it.

Any suggestions on changing the stock would be A okay with me I am all ears

Thanks,

tigermom

Its not really overstocked, especially when you consider the barbs wont be fully grown for years,the youngsters at sale size are usually a third of the mass of adults, and knowing tigerbarbs as I do, i'll be surprised if you still have all of them a couple of years from now, a few of the smaller males in a shoal often get "weeded out" by the more competetive females. But when that rainbow shark grows up he might tear some of the other fish a new orifice. Not the biggest shark I know, but still e to violence and likely to stop the other fish getting a lot of sleep when it bombs about at night. Night kills are not uncommon for this species.

The fish per inch rule is a load of crap, don't worry about it. A 45 will be ok as long as the filter is a good one. Id still get rid of the shark though, he will have a high personal bioload. Without him, no probs.

Your Red Fin shark or rainbow shark is already grown up: this fish tops at 6 inches (Baensch as well as other reputable sources) and it is reported to be teritorial and very aggressive towards its own species with a tendency to bully other tankmates as well (bully as opposed to kill). However, provided with a hiding place of its own this fish is still recommended for a community tank (again ,reputable printed sources incl Boruchowitz' very cautious simple guide).

I'd say you have of the authorities

I thought paradise fish needed to be kept singly like bettas do...am I wrong?

Thanks everyone this is great, I was sure I would be overstocked and have to change everything around. I know know what fish I can plan for and reserch. As for the paradise fish, the impression I got from what I've read is that males are aggressive toward one another but males and females usually tolerate one another if there is enough space.

Thank everyone,

tigermom

Depends on tank size and sex Randy, I kept 3F & 1M for several years in a 30G. I wouldn't worry at all if they are both females

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

For some reason I automatically thought you were talking about 2 males, silly me. Otherwise it sounds like a nice plan, I've been wanting to do something with tiger barbs and a rainbow/RTBS myself. Get some pictures up when you get it all setup.

Sounds Good tigermom, i agree on the shark. Good Plan

Thanks for your input as always, Shane
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