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A 50-gallon tiger barb tank, 36 inches long

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2024 7:12 pm
by sKiEo
i currently have a 50gal tank with 12 tiger barbs and 2 panda corys. i'm planning to add maybe 4-5 zebra danios, is this possible or would it be overstocked? thanks

Re: A 50-gallon tiger barb tank, 36 inches long

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2024 7:50 pm
by coltin
To better understand your tank's conditions, I'd like to know your maintenance routine. How often do you perform water changes and what percentage of the water do you replace? Additionally, what's your feeding schedule like, and what type of food do you provide for your fish?

If you're doing regular water changes and your filter is well-established, you might be able to accommodate a few more fish. I think adding some zebra danios could work, but it's crucial to monitor your tank's parameters.

I'd recommend adding a thin layer of sand to the bottom of your tank and incorporating some floating plants, such as Water Sprite. These additions can help create a more natural environment for your fish.

Also, have you considered adding a background to your tank? If not, you can use aquarium backings or even just tape some newspaper or a coloured card to the outside of the back panel. This can help reduce stress in your fish by providing them with a sense of security.

Since corydoras thrive in larger groups, you might want to consider getting a few more after you add the sand. A group of at least six would be ideal for them.

As for the danios, they're schooling fish and do best in groups of ten or more. If you decide to add them, I'd suggest going with short-fin danios instead of long-fin danios.

Re: A 50-gallon tiger barb tank, 36 inches long

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2024 9:33 pm
by boomer
Following up from coltin's post, I'd say it's essential to prioritize the Corydoras first. They really need to be in a group, and I'd recommend a minimum of 12-15 in a tank of this size to ensure they thrive. A soft sand substrate is also crucial for them.

The 12 Tiger Barbs you have seem fine, but the danios do need to be in a larger group of 10-12. However, I think it's best to address the Corydoras' situation first, as they're currently impacted by both the low numbers and the lack of suitable substrate.

Re: A 50-gallon tiger barb tank, 36 inches long

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2024 10:05 pm
by sKiEo
coltin wrote: Wed Apr 10, 2024 7:50 pm To better understand your tank's conditions, I'd like to know your maintenance routine. How often do you perform water changes and what percentage of the water do you replace? Additionally, what's your feeding schedule like, and what type of food do you provide for your fish?

If you're doing regular water changes and your filter is well-established, you might be able to accommodate a few more fish. I think adding some zebra danios could work, but it's crucial to monitor your tank's parameters.

I'd recommend adding a thin layer of sand to the bottom of your tank and incorporating some floating plants, such as Water Sprite. These additions can help create a more natural environment for your fish.

Also, have you considered adding a background to your tank? If not, you can use aquarium backings or even just tape some newspaper or a coloured card to the outside of the back panel. This can help reduce stress in your fish by providing them with a sense of security.

Since corydoras thrive in larger groups, you might want to consider getting a few more after you add the sand. A group of at least six would be ideal for them.

As for the danios, they're schooling fish and do best in groups of ten or more. If you decide to add them, I'd suggest going with short-fin danios instead of long-fin danios.
Good day thanks po for the reply. I'm planning to trade my corydoras for a bristlenose pleco. Sir, if I don't add substrate, will it be a problem later on? I'm really new to this, so maybe this setup will work: 12 tigerbarb, 10 zeb danio and 1 bristlenose pleco. I do water changes 1x a week, 30-40%. I have an overhead filter with a 2200lph pump.

Re: A 50-gallon tiger barb tank, 36 inches long

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2024 12:41 am
by sKiEo
boomer wrote: Wed Apr 10, 2024 9:33 pm Following up from coltin's post, I'd say it's essential to prioritize the Corydoras first. They really need to be in a group, and I'd recommend a minimum of 12-15 in a tank of this size to ensure they thrive. A soft sand substrate is also crucial for them.

The 12 Tiger Barbs you have seem fine, but the danios do need to be in a larger group of 10-12. However, I think it's best to address the Corydoras' situation first, as they're currently impacted by both the low numbers and the lack of suitable substrate.
Tank dimension is 36x19x18inch, added another picture, not really into substrate, planning to trade corydoras for a bristlenose, add 10 zebra danios, is it ok?

Re: A 50-gallon tiger barb tank, 36 inches long

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2024 2:28 am
by coltin
All fish need something on the bottom so they don't see their reflection. I think you should have something for the fish to dig in and feel comfortable. You can keep the Corydoras and add a bristlenose pleco, but you'll need to add a substrate for both of them, and also for the tiger barbs and danios.

Re: A 50-gallon tiger barb tank, 36 inches long

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2024 4:25 am
by Nutty
That's a simple but lovely tank you've got there.

Re: A 50-gallon tiger barb tank, 36 inches long

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2024 6:43 am
by boomer
boomer wrote: Wed Apr 10, 2024 9:33 pm Following up from coltin's post, I'd say it's essential to prioritize the Corydoras first. They really need to be in a group, and I'd recommend a minimum of 12-15 in a tank of this size to ensure they thrive. A soft sand substrate is also crucial for them.

The 12 Tiger Barbs you have seem fine, but the danios do need to be in a larger group of 10-12. However, I think it's best to address the Corydoras' situation first, as they're currently impacted by both the low numbers and the lack of suitable substrate.
Substrate is vital for a healthy tank. It's the biological bed where various bacteria species live, some of which aren't even in the filter. You need it to maintain the tank and deal with bacterial issues. Every tank requires a substrate. Some fish, like cories and loaches, need soft sand, so it's the most useful option as all fish can handle it. Stick to a normal buff tone, avoid pure white or black.

Re: A 50-gallon tiger barb tank, 36 inches long

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2024 8:19 am
by Nutty
soft sand means like play sand or pool filter sand sir its not the gravel one

Re: A 50-gallon tiger barb tank, 36 inches long

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2024 8:56 am
by sSjey
Soft sand's basically tiny particles that are smooth, not sharp.