20gal long stocking help

thenewguy

so, i have this new 20 gallon long (30"L X 13"W X 12"H) and i have it all set up with a Aqueon Quietflow20 filter and a 100watt heater. so far is only has 3 bloodfin tetras in it and they seem to be doing great. i was wondering how much more fish i could put in it, keeping in mind that i want to do some combination of julii/peppered cory's and some more bloodfins and possibly a Dwarf Gourami or another nice centerpiece fish. hope you guys can come up with some good answers for me!!!

nicolaas

You need more blood fins, at least 5.

What is your PH, GH.

Did you go thru the nitrite sickle ?

Byron

Welcome to Tropical Fish Keeping forum.

As nicolaas mentioned, knowing your source water GH (general hardness) and pH will help us point you in the best direction.

I will also mention our fish and plant profiles, second tab from the left in the blue bar across the top of the page. Each profile has data on preferred water parameters, along with numbers for shoaling fish (like tetra), tank size, etc.

As you've mentioned Dwarf Gourami, this is a fish I would avoid due to health risks. You can read more in our profile. Click the shaded name. If the common or scientific name used in the profile is types in a post, it will shade as a link to the profile.

Byron.

thenewguy

Thx for the answers guys. im not sure what the hardness of my water is. i will take a sample to Petco as they have free water tests. i also did some research and found that Dwarf Gourami is indeed a fish i should avoid. i looked at Serpae Tetras. would they work with bloodfins? and yes i do plan on getting some more bloodfins in a week or so.

EDIT: yes nicolaas i am going through the cycle and i am using a product called: Seachem Stability and it works wonders

KPainter

I have Julii cories and I love them. Such fun fish!

Instead of taking your water to get tested, can I suggest getting the API master test kit? It will be so much more helpful and you won't have to go anywhere to know what's going on with your water.

thenewguy

sounds like a good idea. where to i buy this master kit?

EDIT: nevermind i see that you can buy this master test kit at Petco. Does this product have test strips for GH? The webpage doesn't say if it does or not.

KPainter

I got mine on Amazon, but most pet stores sell them. Should be in the $30 range and 100% worth it!

jennesque

It doesn't have any test strips, they are liquid testing agents.. but no, it doesn't come with a test for GH but API does make the test.
I don't even think PETCO would test your GH with their free test, but if they do and use the strips, be cautious because the strips are not very accurate.

You may be able to find the info for your tap water online or by calling your water company. But if you add substrate, driftwood, rocks or anything else that may alter your GH you will have to find a way to test your tank water yourself.
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thenewguy

Ok, here is a recap on what i still need to know: do Serpae Tetras get along with Bloodfins? Would Julii Corys do well with Bloodfins as well? And does the test kit have strips for GH? That is pretty much all that I need to know right now.

EDIT: ok jennesque, i will keep an eye out for some API GH testing agents/strips.

jennesque

The corys will be fine.. I haven't owned either of those tetras, but reading about serpae I don't know that I would suggest them because they can be so aggressive. You wouldn't be able to get something like a gourami later down the road. I'm thinking you should be OK with the two tetra species and cories, but if you're trying to add anything else later you may want to wait on the serpae tetras.

I'd also suggest waiting to see what your PH and GH are before adding anyone else, although at least the tetras are able to tolerate most moderate water parameters.

Edit: I see that you did see my post. :) btw, the test kit will test ph, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate and will get you through your cycle if you haven't already.
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