Hi, I have a forty gallon heavily planted tank with great readings.
So far there are 2 SAP's, 10 endler guppies, 3 yoyo loaches, 1 Garra Gotyle, 1 bristle nose pleco, 1 ghost shrimp, and 4 otto cats (will add some more).
The tank peaceful (apart from the SAP's constant movement) and there are no fights or missing fins.
So I was wondering what else can I put in?
Thanks
stocking my forty gallon tank
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ThePufferFreak
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Re: stocking my forty gallon tank
You are maxed I am afraid, well and truly maxed.
It's amazing how easy maintenance is. If done regularly and thoroughly
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Re: stocking my forty gallon tank
![welcome [welcome]](./images/smilies/welcome.gif)
Not sure why this in the Giant puffer forum. Will move.
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...
"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
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FrogSplash
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Re: stocking my forty gallon tank
you may be able to fit in another 3-5 endlers and another 2-3 ottos, but no more. you have a pretty diverse tank and that alone is way better than having a tight tank =)

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sevenyearnight
Re: stocking my forty gallon tank
Stocking Question FAIL
Please consider the ideal conditions, individual needs of your fish, and their adult sizes. Doing the how many fish can I jam into this tank will leave you with dead fish. Am I being dramatic? Perhaps. But several things stand out initially.
You have several fish known to eat algae, not always of course, but often times algae blooms are caused by excess nutrient, excess light, or a newly set up aquarium will have diatoms. Whatever the reason, adding more fish and more bioload will not fix the underlying issue, and will likely make it worse.
SAP like to be in groups, and 2 isn't exactly a group.
YoYo loaches reach five inches, like to be in shoals of 6 or more.
Oto cats need to be added to an established system because they pretty much will not eat any prepared foods, and once the algae gets sparce, they start dying. The more competition they have for food, the less likely they will stay alive. You have 4 already along with 2 other algae eaters, 3 if you count the ghost shrimp.
Garra gotyla adult size is also around 5"
BN pleco also about 5"
Then 10 endler livebearers and a ghost shrimp...
You simply have too many fish for that size of tank, and a couple species that don't have the numbers required to have a school, but you are already over your limit.
You question should be, "As I care about the welfare of my fish and want to care for them correctly, which fish should I rehome before they start dying on me?"
Please consider the ideal conditions, individual needs of your fish, and their adult sizes. Doing the how many fish can I jam into this tank will leave you with dead fish. Am I being dramatic? Perhaps. But several things stand out initially.
You have several fish known to eat algae, not always of course, but often times algae blooms are caused by excess nutrient, excess light, or a newly set up aquarium will have diatoms. Whatever the reason, adding more fish and more bioload will not fix the underlying issue, and will likely make it worse.
SAP like to be in groups, and 2 isn't exactly a group.
YoYo loaches reach five inches, like to be in shoals of 6 or more.
Oto cats need to be added to an established system because they pretty much will not eat any prepared foods, and once the algae gets sparce, they start dying. The more competition they have for food, the less likely they will stay alive. You have 4 already along with 2 other algae eaters, 3 if you count the ghost shrimp.
Garra gotyla adult size is also around 5"
BN pleco also about 5"
Then 10 endler livebearers and a ghost shrimp...
You simply have too many fish for that size of tank, and a couple species that don't have the numbers required to have a school, but you are already over your limit.
You question should be, "As I care about the welfare of my fish and want to care for them correctly, which fish should I rehome before they start dying on me?"
- bertie 83
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- Posts: 5298
- Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2011 4:28 pm
- Gender: Male
- My Puffers: lineatus R.I.P, South American puffer. Valentini puffer, porcupine puffer.
Non puffer
Danios, Tetras, Redtail Rasporas,
Harlequins, CAE's, Yoyo
Loaches, Clown loaches ,Eels, various shrimp, tangs,wrasses, damsels, chromis - Location (country): Brighton, England
- Location: brighton , england
Re: stocking my forty gallon tank
A big + 1 to sevenyear. We are not trying to be harsh, just letting you know what's better for your fish in the long run
It's amazing how easy maintenance is. If done regularly and thoroughly