L134/L66 stock level advice needed!

[NChops134]

I currently have 8 L134's and 6 longfin calico Ancistrus in my 60 gallon, 4 ft tank with Fluval 406 external filtration. I am thinking of adding some hypans (L066) to the tank. How many do you think I can safely add to this stock level? All fish are juvies atm, around 2". Thank you very much for the advice!

[nvcichlids]

I personally would not add anything else to that tank. Its just my opinion, but I think you are stocked as full as you'd want. Figuring each fish to get a 12x12" zone to defend, you wouldn't have enough space for the fish you currently have.

[Richard B]

Agreed. When mature, hyps & peckoltia need 12" square of substrate as territory, sometimes more.

[NChops134]

Thank you for your reply. I was hoping that since they are all Juvies at about 1.5 - 2 inches that I could get away with it for like 6 months until I can get a fourth tank set up :\
I could possibly put the 6 Ancistrus in my 30 gallon. It only has a candy stripe and 2 Cory's in terms of bottom dwellers. Then like 4-6 L66 in with my 8 L134? What strategy would guys employ?

Really wish I had the space for a full fish room lol

[nvcichlids]

Really wish I had the space for a full fish room lol

Me Too.. My tanks are all randomly placed around. I am waiting to find the right house before we move. My wife ok'd the fish room already. I have a ton of tanks in storage waiting for this.

[NChops134]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but only males will get territorial right?
I know Ancistrus males are often extremely territorial, and now peckoltia's,
but I have never kept Hypans before. Are they generally just as quick to violence?

Also, if I am vigilant with water changes every two-3 days that would allow me to add more stock would it not? Provided i have the territory.
Thanks!

[magdalo]

Aggression is not unique to males only. Moreover, vigilance is not an excuse to overstock a tank. Better set up a new tank for the Hypans to preempt any disaster in your 60G tank.