Should I get more fish?

Question

I have a 50 gallon tank, with 1 plecostomus, 2 glass catfish, and 2 ghost shrimp. The cats are about 2 inches each, the pleco is about 5 inches.

My filter is tiny, it was made for 15-20 gallon tanks, and it has worked fine (the tank is spotless).

Will getting more glass cats be a burden to the filter? I want them to be in a larger school, since they think they're in a school of only 4 right now (they hang out with their reflections).

Answer 1

Yes you probably should get more catfish, they like numbers. Although if you do you might need to upgrade filter because more fish means more p**p.

You are also completely understocked since you have 20"/50" of fish. So throw some mollies (6") dwarf gouramis (2") or maybe some tetras(you'll need about 6 for a school and that'll be about 12")

And trust me, you're not overstocked, the chick below me is completely nuts. I've done so much research.

Answer 2

people will say no due to the filter size and the fact that the pleco will get huge.

but if you upgrade the filter or just simply keep up with the water changes you should be fine.  2-4 more catfish wont make to much of a difference in such a big tank.  You can even get more ghost shrimps they are scavengers and will  help with you cleaning as well as the pleco with algee.

Answer 3

You should look for a new filter. Your filter should be able to completely cycle the water in your tank 5-7 times per hour. that's what i do. if you have a 50g. look for something that has a 250-350gph. if you want a brand name for recommendation, i have used Emperor hang-on filters and i have also used Aquaclear. Go to bigalsonline.com and they should have aquarium supplies for really cheap there.

Answer 4

Get 4 more glass cats, and a bigger filter. You may not be able to see the stuff in the water, but the carbon in the filter filters out impurities that could hurt the fish so get 4 more glass cats. A bigger filter is a must b/c of how sensitive glass cats are to water quality.

Edit:If that is a common pleco then you are already stocked fully, no more fish!!

Answer 5

You could try it, but if you notice anything like algae or growth on the bottom or sides you should get a bigger filter.

I use one of these in my 49 gallon tank, its a great filter:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pr...

I think mine is a # 70 which is for 50-70 gallon tanks, and where I bought it, at Petland, it costs 50 bucks.

Answer 6

You should get like 2 more Glass Cat Fish and if you don't have a good filter you should get one of those too!!!! I really hope you have a good time with your fish!!!

Answer 7

Your filter is fine and if you want to add a few more glass catfish I see no reason not to.  I would recommend a small power head as your next equipment purchase.  They are not that expensive and in your 50 gallon, it would increase water circulation and surface tension which will increase the oxygen level.  Choosing fish is a matter of personal taste but I think you might enjoy some of the more exotic catfishes.  I have a pair of featherfin synodontis and I am trying to breed them.   There are several different species of synodontis ranging from the tiny upside down catfish to true giants so you should do some research before buying one.  I also got a Senegal bichur a few months ago and it is one of the most interesting and unusual fish I have ever had.  Lastly, I would recommend a shoal of maybe 5 or 6 Neolamprologus brichardi which is an African cichlid.  I have a breeding pair in a 10 gallon tank and they are raising two hatches of about 30 babies.  They are excellent parents and extremely graceful swimmers.  Good luck with your tank.  It sounds to me like you are off to a great start!

Answer 8

I say that you should definately get more catfish because when they are in small groups they tend to be skittish and really need larger groups to be more confident. So add at least 4 more and you could add more fish.

Your pleco is going to get huge if it is a common type so just be prepared to watch for signs of aggression at full grown size he will easily be able to swallow your other fish. So in time you might either have to upgrade or give this fish back to the pet store.

I also suggest that you get a filter rated for your size tank if you since glass catfish are so sensitive to water quality.  And especially if you are interested in adding more fish. If you do not want to get a new filter than just add the catfish and make sure you keep up with regular water changes and monitor your water parameters regularly.

Answer 9

Filter is fine. good thing you don't have goldfish, they p**p a lot! Don't overfeed fish better for filter. Maybe more glass cats.

Answer 10

You have room for more fish...but you will need to upgrade to a better filtration system before you get them, your tank will not stay clean, and your buddies will get sick and possibly die. You don't want that. I'm surprised that it has stayed clean so far!