Stocking my 56G

[Aoibhell]

Dimensions: 30" W x 18" D x 24" H

After many hours of studying and editing my list, I think I've finally decided on what my main fish will be:

1 Bolivian Ram
1 (?) Keyhole
1 Cockatoo (If I could ever find one)
6-8 gold barbs (for dither fish)
4-5 Marbled Loaches

I think these guys will all get along, for the most part, and will leave live plants alone (haven't decided on them, yet).

I would also like to add a few other fish, maybe some that will hang out towards the top, but not decided on what, yet (suggestions?)

Any advice?

 

[MdngtRain]

I am not too versed on cichlids, but you can try plugging it into AqAdvisor - Intelligent Freshwater Tropical Fish Aquarium Stocking Calculator and Aquarium Tank/Filter Advisor and see what it says...

 

[Aoibhell]

Thank you- that's a very useful site. According to that, I'm ok, except I will have to opt for smaller loaches... I'm going with zebras.

 

[KcMopar]

IMO they go overboard on the stocking levels.

 

[Aoibhell]

IMO they go overboard on the stocking levels.

How so? Are you saying that they consider a moderate amount of stocking to be fully stocked?

 

[lauraf]

I agree, the site is very conservative, which is great for newbies, but more experienced fishkeepers can often get away with denser stock.

 

[KcMopar]

I meant that they might be a little generous on the stocking levels. Also bear in mind I am talking about large cichlids as this is all I have ever looked at their site as this is my forte. Its just my opinion as I have used their calculator and selected different large cichlids and considered their stocking level a bit high but, I have never used it to calculate community fish so those might be closer.

 

[lauraf]

Oh, okay...never used it for the larger cichlids...for community tanks I found it on the conservative side...