5 or 6 zebras in a 20 long

[Taratron]

Debating on the amount to buy, pretty much. I currently have three adult zebras in a 20 tall and am looking to get either 2 or 3 more. They'd QT in a 20 long, and then I would consolidate them all into the long tank. I don't know the genders on the fish (but will post pictures once I get them, hopefully!).

The thing is, if I get 2, then I have some cash left over for a L14 or two, and if I get 3 zebras, well, that's all the money allotted for fish.

Which amount would do better in a 20 long?

[PlecoCrazy]

Since you don't know the genders of the fish I'd say you'd be best getting 3 to increase your odds of a female. 5 or 6 zebras should be fine in a 20 gallon long.

I don't think L14's would do good in a 20 long as the tank is too small.

[Taratron]

Oh, no the L14s would be in a totally separate tank. I just mentioned them for money reasons.

[Matt30]

As PlecoCrazy has said buy three as it will
increase the ratio hopefully! and also you
have to take into account losses when first
introduced to a new tank.(it happens)
As for tank size sounds good just load it
up with caves etc .
How old are the Zebs your getting

[Taratron]

Question on sizes: the seller says his zebras are about 2 inches and mine are at least 3. Would it be bad to combine those sizes, after QT, of course?

The seller is PetZoneSD on Aquabid. He won't specify where the zebras were bred at or if they are F1, F2, etc. Warning sign?

[Artem]

You can always sell on the extra zebra later on

[Matt30]

Question on sizes: the seller says his zebras are about 2 inches and mine are at least 3. Would it be bad to combine those sizes, after QT, of course?

The seller is PetZoneSD on Aquabid. He won't specify where the zebras were bred at or if they are F1, F2, etc. Warning sign?

Mate should not be a problem as long as when your new Zebs join
your existing group you move the tank caves ect about as you existing
zebs will have already established there territorys.

[zebra1]

Hi, I was wondering if you ever ordered your L46 from Petzone in S.D.? I was thinking of ordering some from them. I was't that impressed with his outdated photos. If you did get them please get back to me as to the size & quality of the fish.

[rhibear]

I bought 2 zebs from him about 2 months ago. They were at least 2" in size and very healthy. I am planning to buy more from him when I get the funds.

[Taratron]

Thanks, rhibear, that is what I needed to hear.

[Taratron]

Fish are ordered and due next week!

Now a question. I usually don't worry about acclimation with most fish, the deal is to get them out of the nasty shipping water and into the tank. In this case the fish are coming from a 7.2 to 7.5 pH water into my 8.4ish water. I do have some new driftwood out to drop in the tank for tannin leaching but what would be the best way to minimize stress for the new arrivals? Drip acclimate, or dump them right in?

[PlecoCrazy]

Drip Acclimate!

[Taratron]

How long should they drip? The last time I drip acclimated was for marine fish when I worked at the zoo.

[MatsP]

For as long as it takes to equalize the TDS (or pH or whatever you are measuring). Mine usually takes 3-5 hours.

--
Mats