How Many is too many?!

Beersnob · Post by **Beersnob** » 16 May 2004, 19:06

All,

I have a 50-gallon long tank that I am anticipating to bring on-line in about 6 to 7 months. My concern is what fish will getalong with what and how much will the water be overstressed with fish.

1 Sailfin PLECO
3 Hoplosternums (Type not determined as of yet)
2-3 Pimodellas
3 Angelfish or other cichlid that must be CATFISH Friendly and not edible!
I am thinking of 1 or 2 smaller synos and/or 2 bristle nose Plecos

Let me know what you think. My goal is to really experience a predatory cat tank with maybe other predators (cichlids) for color. Depending upon the size of my Clown Loaches they may be pressed to enter this tank too. Feeder guppies will be in there for short times (ok until eaten

).

I will be using a Fluval cannister and possibly additional Proquatics heater/filter with undergravel filter.

Thanks

Scott

Post by **Silurus** » 16 May 2004, 19:09

Feeder guppies will be in there for short times

I think you will find the feeder guppies ending up as permanent residents, since the fish you propose are not very likely to eat them.

westwood8183 · Post by **westwood8183** » 16 May 2004, 22:07

If by sailfin you mean the gibbiceps I believe it will outgrow the 50 gallon quite quickly. I had one grow from about 2" to 9" in about a year.

Beersnob · Post by **Beersnob** » 21 May 2004, 03:26

Silurus wrote:
Feeder guppies will be in there for short times
I think you will find the feeder guppies ending up as permanent residents, since the fish you propose are not very likely to eat them.

What kind of fish will they eat? My house will not allow very large tanks (It's an old 1948 house), so I don't want to send any fishes to the basement via the express elevator (ie too much weight for the floor). I have read that they will eat other fish and will get to 10" or so.

Thanks,

Scott

Post by **Silurus** » 21 May 2004, 07:42

If you really mean Pimelodella, probably only the guppy fry and small individuals would be eaten. If you're thinking Pimelodus, then it depends on species. Something like would eat the guppies.

Beersnob · Post by **Beersnob** » 25 May 2004, 03:36

I thought that ornatus and pimodella were the same size and had the same characteristics...

But, my wife is breeding Guppies so this will be a good way to control them!

Scott

Post by **Silurus** » 25 May 2004, 03:40

Not really. Pimelodella species are generally about two-thirds the size of P. ornatus or smaller.