Is my tank too crowded for 1 more member?

[coolkidthatlike]

hi, i have a 20 gal. tropical tank with the following in it.
-6 tiger barbs (3 albino, 3 regular)
-2 swordtails
-2 clown loaches
-2 pictus cats
-1 pleco

I was wondering if i have enough room to add 1 rainbow shark. I like them a lot. any opinions would be appreciated

 

[grimlock3000]

Are you planning to get a new tank soon? If so, you might be OK. Especially with the Clown Loaches in there, you are probably past the limit of what will be comfortable in the tank. I really wanted some Clown Loaches myself, but many people said I needed at LEAST a 55g to put them in.

Getting new fish is always fun, and it is all too easy to overstock a tank (like I did). I put too many fish in my 10g and it has been a nightmare trying to keep the fish alive. I bought the 26g tank so I can move the Gouramis and Tetras out of the 10g tank.

 

[Scottw68TN]

NO. the short answer. The long explanation is: You need a minimum of 55 for what you have already (fully grown). Could probable add that shark to that.

 

[tkos]

That pleco alone will grow to 2 feet in length unless it is a dwarf variety. I know they look so small in the store but they can grow pretty fast. And clown loaches generally need 3 or more in a group and can get 8 inches in length and really big.\

That shark would not mix with the other fish and will itself get far too big for a 20 gallon tank

 

[AtodaJ]

Those Pictus Cats get rather large too (10" I think). The Clown Loaches, Pleco & Pictus Cats will all require a larger tank fairly soon. That Rainbow also gets kinda big. IMHO I'd start thinking about getting a bigger tank within the next year if you intend to keep those beauties long term.

 

[coolkidthatlike]

well thanks for the advice guys. I know i have to do what is best for the tank, instead of what i would like in there. As far as the pleco goes, i am going to trade him in for store credit at my lfs once he gets to big. Then I will stick with what I have. About the loaches needing 3 or more, is that required, because mine are doing pretty good. [/list]

 

[AtodaJ]

I wouldn't say its "required". Its a decision for you to make. They do seem to be happier in larger groups but if yours appear happy as is then I wouldn't worry about it much considering your space restrictions.