Noobie here

Jbb421

So like the title says im a complete noob although Ive done alot of reading and have had fish for four years. Recently i moved up to a 30g tank and i purchased 3 more fish 6 total the aquarium has an 11 inch Pleco Ive had for 4+ years an Albino Corydora, Three Spot Gourami, an Angel Fish, Rainbow Shark, and an African Clawed Frog Ive been wanting to upgrade to a 55g but thats really really not affordable at the current time. I was wanting to know if this is a suitable tank size for these fish and could it hold more? Also i cant seem to get the tank clean Ive tried everything i can do a 20-30% water change and it looks great until the next morning then its in the same brownish condition. (the fish also seem bored to me) The tank has 2 filters on it a tetra whisper for 20g and an aqua tech hang on filter for 30g. I would love to know how to get my tank looking as beautiful as most of the ones on here.
Thanks jbb

burnsbabe

Well, the short answer to your question is, no. The tank you have now is inordinately tiny for several of the fish you mentioned starting with the pleco and the Rainbow Shark. Both of these guys are going to want 4' of swimming space, min. That'd be the 55g you're dreaming about.

The water stays brown because your bioload is so high, though the heavy filtration is doing you some good.

The tank is pretty much the minimum size for the gourami, but it should be fine if the unsuitable inhabitants are moved. The angelfish is also awkward. How old is this angel? Generally angelfish are shoaling fish and are happiest in groups of five or more unless they are in a mated pair. If it's an older fish I'd be weary of adding new angels since they are cichlids and can be mean to new introductions. If not, I might be tempted to add two more (this tank can't hold a whole shoal of five).

You've got some issues to resolve for sure. Can you give us an idea of your water parameters and decorations? Temp, pH, Hardness, live plants or not, etc.?

Jbb421

Thanks for the reply, The PH is 7 Im not sure about the hardness water temp stays around 75. It has no live plants what so ever only a cave and a coliseum. The angel im not sure ive had him for 3months however it was rather large when i bought him. What is a cheap place to look for aquariums the cheapest ive seen is $250 for a 55g at petco i may just have to pay the price for one as i cannot see getting rid of the pelco (My first fish)

burnsbabe

Definitely check craigslist in your area. 55g are common as "kits" like you're finding at PetCo and you can usually find out for around $100 if you look long enough. I got mine for free. It's not in perfect shape (some scratches) and I still had to get a stand, hood, filter etc. But it can be done.

AaronCombs

always check craigslist first... I generally only sell 55's setup for 75-100 bucks... I find 55 tanks alone for 40 or less then add or build the rest as I get it.

Anyways you pleco will love a 55+ gallon tank. Mine is in a 110g and generally is found in one of three spots.

However your african frog might have issues in a 55 gallon tank, most people don't keep them in 55's or larger as it harder for them to eat and get air at at the surface. (longer distances)

Jbb421

Thanks again to the replies. Ive found two kits on craigslist for 100 and 150 used waiting on replies to emails atm... and for the frog im going to add a peice of driftwood for him to chill at on the top also the 55g is only two inches taller than the 30 lol

Jbb421

I was wondering if i should do a 20% water change everyday to keep the waste levels down or should i just keep it to one every week?

AaronCombs

depends, here is what i do...

keep a log book, test your water. I use API Master Test Kit. Test it every couple days and note what the levels are. When you see it start to change alot.

With my filteration on my 110 (Hob's) and all the plants, I actually don't have to do water changes but like once a month or so.

But it will depend on your tank. I hate saying doing one every X often because it really varies based on the tank. I've never looked up bioloads for w/e specific fish species. I've just keep a very detailed log. As I only add one to two things at a time I can see how there bioload effects my tank(s).

Byron

As burnsbabe sdaid, your brown water and fish behaviours are indicative of overcrowding biologically and spacially. With thopse fish in a 30g, more water changes will ease the stress on the fish and keep the water cleaner to some extent. Daily changes of 30% would be my suggestion.

Jbb421

Thanks for all the replies... today i noticed my angel being extremely aggressive towards my corydora.... this is the first time he has ever done this that ive seen... any idea what could be the cause the corydora was in the tank ages before the angel idk if that helps any but