I have a cycled 55 gal (4 ft) with 12 bloodfin tetra and some nerites. Currently have 2 red rainbow fish and would like to get 3 boesemani and 2 turquoise. Does this seem like a good amount of rainbows or too many for the 55? I have several love plants and some artificial. Aqua clear 70 hob filter. Pic of tank attached. Thanks in advance!
Rainbow fish stocking question
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ZxC
Aquarium Advice Addict
I would do 4 x boesmani, 4 x turquoise and 4 reds, keep in mind these are likely poorly bread if you are getting them from a store, so except to cull / a few deaths. Make sure to get a female or two of each to ensure the males have someone to "show off" to.
ZxC
Aquarium Advice Addict
I only say 4 of each because of the short life expectancy of poorly bread rainbows. We chase the perfect stocking species + numbers but don't take into consideration losing a few here and there is inevitable. I always buy slightly more than I want anticipating a few culls or weaklings that are not bred fit enough to survive in aguaria.
I was agreeing with Z×C' s suggestion.
It's good that you are concerned about overcrowding. Rainbows in general aren't big waste producers. They thrive in groups. As long as you keep up with water maintenence, there shouldn't be a problem.
It's good that you are concerned about overcrowding. Rainbows in general aren't big waste producers. They thrive in groups. As long as you keep up with water maintenence, there shouldn't be a problem.
Another great option would be one big school of Praecox (dwarf neon rainbow fish) - they look fantastic when they school and the colours they give off are amazing. Not sure where you’re located but I am a (very) lazy fish keeper and have never had issues keeping Rainbows alive. Mine have died of old age.
Just remember they do get quite big and love fast moving water to swim in.
Here’s a photo of one of my Praecox
Just remember they do get quite big and love fast moving water to swim in.
Here’s a photo of one of my Praecox
ZxC
Aquarium Advice Addict
Watch where you buy the dwarf neon's. Lots of poor bred stock out there, a bunch wither away with no real cause. High quality sourcing for rainbows is key to long term success with them....
ZxC
Aquarium Advice Addict
ZxC
Aquarium Advice Addict
Ahh, I figured you had seen my location and thought it was London England. No, I'm in North America.
Same over here, low quality stock of most rainbows unless you do some homework and find breeders.
Sometimes I get lucky fining nice ones, but looks are one thing, poor genetics sometimes aren't visible.
Ahh no! I thought this was an American group as lots of people talk about Walmart and Petmart [emoji23]
It’s a shame that you don’t get better quality stock there. Their such a good fish to keep. We can get decent specimens from most pet shops.
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