Trying to decide on a final stocking plan >.<

[paytertot]

Ok, so my tank is fnally almost finished cycling. Its supposed to be a 36 bowfront but when i put in the actual measurements online, its like 42 gallons. Anyways, I used aqadvisor (just as a guideline) and made up two different scenarios. ill post the pics, and you guys tell me what you think. any feedback is good feedback at this point.

Edit- well the pics arent uploading, I'll try again in a bit or just post out the stock ideas

 

[paytertot]

ok here they are

 

[tukker]

36 is right, you need to take the soil, plants and decorating from the actual number of gallons.

Why take 2 shoaling fishes(tetra) take one and double their numbers. Looks less messy

 

[paytertot]

The stocking is the real question.

 

[tukker]

I mean, it's better for the fish, it looks less chaosy, and larger shoals look more impressive

 

[paytertot]

Why is it better for the fish? I like both tetras

 

[paytertot]

I'm not concerned with the look, ive already decided that i like the way each would look. the only difference between the two stocking plans, is that one features 1 pearl gourami, and the other has 2 gbrs instead. thats the part im wondering about. im trying to decide which to choose and if theyd even work.

 

[tukker]

Id take the gerrys then. Gourami arr fish that look better when they have a female and male together, male looks way more colorfull then

 

[paytertot]

Lol, don't think about the look. The look is not the question. I was wondering if size and compatibility needs were being met, I should have been more speific I guess my bad
Originally I was gunna have like 4 dwarf gouramis but then I was told they'd be aggressive toward each other so I had to change my plan, and came up with these two ideas. I really love the gbrs so I think I may go with them, but my question is about their needs in a tank, and if anyone has actual experience with any of these fish. (besides phantom tetras and hatchets, I've had them before)

 

[tukker]

Ok, I don't know what sizes the tank has, neveemind then

 

[paytertot]

Soo.. anyone else have any opinions?

 

[bud29]

See, I don't think the tank is actually 42 gallons. There is a special formula for calculating the volume of a bowfront. If you just put in dimensions on aqadvisor, it assumes your tank is rectangular. Aquarium Volume Calculator | Aquarium Tools is great for calculating volumes.

As for the stocking, I think that you're ok on both plans, (although there is something to the 'double one tetra school' idea) I vote for the plan with the GBRs.

 

[Samzter]

I really like the second option! I think youre stocklist is great and plus you still have some wiggle room!

 

[paytertot]

Just so everyone knows, I'm not changing the tetras. Lol. I said that already. But thanks for picking an option, that's three for the gbrs

 

[Samzter]

Just so everyone knows, I'm not changing the tetras. Lol. I said that already. But thanks for picking an option, that's two for the gbrs

I agree , I think two schools will look better than one! Good luck

 

[smomus]

You do realize that your "3x Malaysian trumpet snails" will not stay at 3 right? I put 2 in my 10 about a month ago and I now have many, many more..

 

[paytertot]

You do realize that your "3x Malaysian trumpet snails" will not stay at 3 right? I put 2 in my 10 about a month ago and I now have many, many more..

Yea I know.

 

[severum mama]

You should change the tetras, at least if you plan to house them in there for life. You're essentially working with the footprint of a 29 gallon, and Congo tetras will grow too large and active for this tank IME. I recommend them for 4 foot tanks and up.