is my tank overstocked?

[jennymit21]

i am a relatively new aquarium owner and every time i ask advice at the lfs it just seems like they are trying to make a sale. i was thinking of getting a german blue ram just to add a little color and maybe a couple of hatchets too, but i am not sure if i have too many in there already and if i am pushing the compatibility factor, so here is what i have.....

55 gal FW

1 blue whale catfish (approx 4")
5 red eye tetras
4 black skirts
4 zebra danios
8 neons
3 clown loaches
3 zebra corys
3 panda corys
3 bronze?/green? corys
3 marbled? corys
1 common pleco (approx 4")

btw..i have an undergravel and a regular filter.

Also if anyone can recommend any LFS in the orlando area (just moved here) it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[madasafish]

At the moment, no. Those clown loaches don't grow extremely fast, but they will eventually grow up to a foot, in which case you will be a bit overstocked.

 

[MANSTER]

I'd say your ok to add a couple rams and some hatchets. Then your tank should be about set. You think?

 

[MANSTER]

I'd say your ok to add a couple rams and some hatchets. Then your tank should be about set. You think?

 

[jennymit21]

any suggestions as to what i should add to the tank or the number of type of fish (ie: have 3 clown loaches..should there be 4-5 to make them happy ) If i go with the ram someone else told me that they fight with each other......should i only get 1? or are they solitary. I know that hatchets like to school.

 

[Menagerie]

Clown loaches like to be in groups of three or more, for your tank, I keep it at 3. The common pleco can easily reach a foot in length, so be prepared.
I have two male Bolivian rams in with my community fish and they ignore each other. There is lots of cover in my tank, which probably helps. From what I have read, German Rams are more demanding on their water quality. Double check their needs to your current water parameters.
I have never owned hatchets, but if they like to school, get at least three. Keep up with regular water changes and all should be fine. Good luck