How many zebras fit in a 29 gal tank?

[khblock]

Ok, so it sounds like a joke. But how many L46â??s can I safely put in my tank. I have 9 (4 adults and 5 young ones). My 29 gal has lots of water movement, o2 ,a canister filter and two bio wheels. I have 4 pvc caves and lots of rock ledges. So far everyone is getting on just fine.

See pictures at website below.

http://www.blockstyle.com/zebra.htm

Thanks in advance.

K

[khblock]

Hello Everyone,

My question is real. I see several people viewed the topic but no replys. I've been told everything from two to ten zebra's. I've seen pictures of breeding tanks with several pairs. My main concern is their health. Yes, I would like to breed them some day but until I can clearly sex them, should I set up more tanks? How many pairs can be kept together and how many breeding caves should I supply?

Respectfully,

k

[INXS]

I'm no expert but as far as water holding fish - 9 in a 29 should be fine. The problem you may run into though is that the 29 is a high tank so the bottom terratory may be short on space.

I have personally found that high tanks with extra water have been good for my plecos however when it came to terratorial disputes the limited bottom area has led to fights - even with zebras.

A 55 would probably be more ideal for 9 , even a 40 and a 30 would give them more bottom area.

You have to keep an eye on water parameters more carefully in a smaller more populated tank also as the food that zebras prefere can pollute the water if left to rot.

[khblock]

Thank you.

I'm keeping a good eye on everyone making sure there are no disputes. I have another tank cycling just in case.

As a discus keeper I'm used to watching water parameters. I have discus in my planted 72 gal bow front. I have a total of 7 tanks and can dedicate two to zebras (29 gal and 36 gal). I do water changes twice weekly in all my tanks. I'm in the process of installing a customflo water system to the primary 29 gal and will probably do the same for the 36. I have to wait for the zebras to grow out so I can sex and separate them.

I can't put the zebras in with the discus as they are not out of QT. I've only had them three weeks now. I probably will never put them in with the discus. Should they ever breed I don't want the discus eating zebra babies . Anything that will fit in a discus mouth will probably end up there.

Again, thank you for the reply.
Take care,
k

[Shane]

K,
Sounds like you are on the right track. I expect Discus people to have lots of success with catfishes as they cross over as no other group of hobbyists (except perhaps Apisto junkies) understands water quality so well and are as dedicated to maintenance. The 29 will be fine pretty much indefinately given your maintenance schedule. You may want to move towardes a tank with more surface area (i.e. territory) in time to lighten up on the competition between fish.
-Shane

[khblock]

Thank you Shane,

I'm glad you feel that I'm on the right track. Yes, I take maintenance very seriously not only in my discus tank but in all my tanks. I really enjoy watching my aquariums (discus, rainbows, guppies and zebras) its better than watching television.

I've learned a lot from forums such as this one. It pleases me to see other people as dedicated as I am. It's more than a hobby, it's a way of life around here. Keep up the good work.

k