Will this combination of tropical fish wok?

[chris87]

Hi, I am completely changing my tropical world. I have changed my 120 litre tank for a 150 litre tank. I plan on exchanging the gravel for some fine sand. I have some bogwood and plan on acquiring more, currently my clown loach lives here all on this own. I also have a pirate ship in which the plaque and black shark live in together. All the other fish are happy to swim in the open water all day.
I currently have 1 clown loach, 1 red tailed black shark, 1 female guppy, 2 male guppies, 1 neon tetra, 1 plaque, and a silver barb.
I want to get much more bog wood and other ornaments first (as hiding places and interest) I also want to keep a community tank. My current plan for the new tank is, in total (including the fish I already have): 4 clown loaches, 3 silver sharks, 5 female guppies, 2 male guppies, 1 plaque, 1 black loach (I want more but I’m pretty sure you can only keep one?), and 5 silver barbs.
I want to get some other fish however I also need some inspiration (and also obviously knowledge about what else can mix with these fish). Please tell me if for some reason my plan won’t work or any adjustments I need to make, thank-you!

 

[brunettebaby4571]

So this is a 40 gallon am I correct? Clown loaches can get very large and I dont think one let alone 4 would be a good idea in that small of a tank...

 

[chris87]

Yes, around 40 gallons, and would they be ok for several years if I bought them young? (I don't mind swapping them in after 2+ years if I would have to).

 

[librarygirl]

I think you should research your fish a bit more I wouldn't do a shark in a 40 gal with other fish; the shark alone would do best in at least a 100 gal tank. The neons and probably the barbs need a larger school; one fish won't be happy by itself. You might be able to keep the clowns for awhile if you buy them very young but they also prefer groups of 5+ and in a 40gal that's probably all you could comfortably fit in there aside from maybe a group of neons. Just be sure you can actually upgrade tanks when the time comes; a group of adult clowns alone need a 150+ gal tank.

 

[techo]

Plecos are always a good idea, I would suggest some bristlenose plecos maybe one or 2 max. Coreys are always fun and in a 40 gal, or 150 liter you could add 5 comfortably I would say and they are very active in my tank, but they may try to gain turf in your pirate ship. I would suggest trying to add another cave area or something to prevent that shark from becoming too territorial when other fish try to go to the ship.