Is my 55 overstocked

calfishguy

On a totally different note would you think that adding two gbrs to a 29 gallon tank that has two angels and an albino bn pleco an option. Do you think adding them to my 55 or my 29 a better option.
Posted via Mobile Device

jaysee

If your angels are a pair, then I don't think it's a good idea to put any other cichlids in a 29 with them. If they are not a pair, then it will work for as long as the angels want it to.

calfishguy

They are a pair. However they have not laid eggs in over 2 months. I think I may try and if it doesn't work put them in my 55. Does anyone else have input on this? I'm stubborn and like multiple opinions.

jentralala

I think you have enough fish in the 55 as it is, especially with the gourami. I wouldn't combine cichlids and gourami unless it's a much larger tank, as they have a bad habit of suddenly turning on each other.

Byron

My apology for not seeing this and responding sooner, but better late than never when it comes to information.

The difference between 78 and 80 F is very significant for a fish. We humans cannot assess temperature based upon our experiences because being mammals our body internally controls our temperature so that our physiological functions continue. Fish do not have this option. Another factor is constancy; an artificially heated aquarium is far removed from the environment that fish are designed for with respect to their physiology. If you are interested, you can read a bit more about how these external factors affect fish in my article on stress:
http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/f...um-fish-98852/

I`ll comment on the source for the profile data momentarily; but the given temperature range for each species is the range in which the species will generally manage with respect to the internal physiological processes. As a permanent temperature, mid-range is where it should be; this is the temperature at which the internal processes will function without the fish having to expend additional energy. The upper and lower limits of each range are temporary situations only, meaning that the fish will manage at these extremes but should not be maintained at them continually. When the fish is forced into using additional energy just to carry out the homeostasis, the fish is literally wearing itself out faster. This can weaken the fish, lessen its immune system response, and almost inevitably lead to a shorter-than-normal lifespan. The linked article explains this.

To the profiles: I authored most of the freshwater profiles. I use an extensive range of reliable data sources, the sources of which are ichthyologists, biologists and acknowledged authorities. When it comes to differing data, I indicate this; but otherwise, you can assume that the data is that held by all.

This does not mean that you will not find differing views on the internet. While the internet is an incredible resource tool, the fact remains that anyone with the money can set up a website and promote this or that, with no scientific scrutiny. The reliability of the source is critical. Taking the temperature for the common ram, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, this should never fall below 80F, and 82F is the preferred temperature. This species has a lifespan of 4 years, but it will rarely if ever reach that at lower temperatures.

Hope this has answered your questions, but feel free to ask further.

Byron.

calfishguy

Thanks for your concern but I'm not too worried too much about temperature. First I did a quick Google and discovered that rams live in rivers with am average temp of 70-88. So since you say they can't live at the extremes shoulnt that be 79 not 82-84. Also my friend who has a 220 with many rams keeps it at 78 and has had the same rams for many years. I also recently read this article
Whaddaya mean, too hot? — Seriously Fish

I also want to add what do you think would be better to out them in my 55 or my 29 or neither and why?

calfishguy

I think I may have come up with a better combination. I will move one angel from my 29 to my 55. I will move the lemon tetras from the 55 to my 29. I will add two gbr to my 29.

Does this sound like a better combination?

Byron

Your mind is obviously made up, so it might be wasting my time, but there will be others reading this thread who may appreciate learning, so I will make a few comments.

I have read that article, and there is a thread on it elsewhere in which I think I commented, but no matter. The writer is careful to point out that there is no absolute, and various factors have to be taken into account. And Rudiger also notes, as I have frequently done, that so-called temperatures of watercourses in the tropical areas are not constant but vary quite a lot, more than many might assume. This variance is dujring each 24 hour period, and during seasons. Which is where the "preferred range" comes in which I mentioned previously. Keeping the fish in a static temperature has consequences, so that temperature has to be carefully considered.

Byron.