Community Tank Question...

16 years ago

I have a 55 gal tank that I got for Christmas. The tank is now gonna be a community tank. The tank came with two Pleco's. One is 4 inches and the other 2 inches. I wanted to find them homes so I could have the fish I wanted... maybe some Parrot Mouth Cichlid's, or Oscars, or Ornanda's and a Black Moor. But I am stuck and decided to do a community tank with common live bearers like Neon's, Guppies, Mollies and now I would like some Platy's (I finally found a pet store with them)..oh, and I want a couple Cory Cats too.

So, how many fish can live in a 55 gal? I am planning to let nature run it's course with the fry. Guess this would help.. currently I have 5 neons, 4 black mollies, a pair of guppies and the 2 plecos. I would like to get another guppy or two, a couple cory cat's and platy's. Really impressed with the different variations of Platy's I saw today.

Thanks, Cliff

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Comments (8)

cityworm
16 years ago
If you mean neon tetras they are not a live bearer. They do better in groups of 10 or more.
You can add more.
tropicalfreak
Original Author
16 years ago
well, they must be Cardinal's then...
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cityworm
16 years ago
Neon tetra or cardinal tetra neither one is a live bearer but need same water conditions and in groups of 10 or more.
tropicalfreak
Original Author
16 years ago
good to know. I was told at a few pet stores that both are live bearer. Just a line to make a sale I suppose. lol

K... so on to the real issue at hand...how many Platy's can I put in the tank?
cityworm
16 years ago
I would have at least 30 platies.
garyfla_gw
16 years ago
Hi
Would suggest you get two pair of platies /swords in a cultivar you find attractive. You will have several hundred in a couple of months anyway.
Have you been able to locate Cardinal tetras in Lauderdale??. Got some names of shops?? Recently converted my paludaium back into an aquarium and thoise are my favorite fish lol.
The recent cold wiped out my entire population of platies /swords in the outdoor ponds but will wait for spring to restock.. Thanks gary
tropicalfreak
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi Gary..
Do you raise Platys and Swords to sale? Sorry to hear Jack Frost was so cruel... With a pond don;t you have to worry about neighborhood cats fishing? lol

No, I haven't located any Cardinal Tetras..nor do I care to seek them out..lol I think I am gonna stick with Platys...

Cliff
garyfla_gw
16 years ago
Hi
Not so much cats but Egrets, Herons, and an occasional raccoon lol Platys and swords are a good choice,hardy ,colorful adapt to all kinds of water. They do multiply in incredible numbers.
Interesting that I've kept them in the pools since 1982
. I usually gathered up a few and brought them into the house during winter"Just in case" This year I didn't as my indoor tanks were being redone. Have had die offs before but never a complete wipeout!! My main heating system for the shadehouse broke down in Nov. so even those in the pool there were killed off.
Saved most of the plants though!!
Good luch with your new tank gary