This is my first post and any advice is appreciated.
Background:
I recently started my first planted tank a couple months ago in a 40 gallon breeder, Finnex planted+, 3-5 inches of eco complete substrait, Eheim canister filter rated higher than my volume, and plants.
I originally bought 7 male cherry barbs. Then, upon realizing I have all males (google image research), I went back to the store and purchased 6 females. Due to the ratio, the males were very nippy and harassed the girls a good bit. However, after two days they seem to have adjusted and the males only chase the females during a certain part of the day and the females don’t seem to be stressed. However, to be on the safe side, I am considering acquiring two more females. I estimate I have roughly ~35 gallons of free space when plants and substrate are taken into account. Using the inch/gallon rule, based on what I understand, the addition of two females would give 30 / 35 total inches.
My questions are:
1) Are these reasonable estimates about the total number of fish I can add without being overstocked?
2) I have considered adding 1 or 2 centerpiece fish (or just some other non-cherry barb fish) in addition to the barbs. Are there any suggestions on this based on cherry barb compatibility? I am also completely okay with doing a single species tank if it isn’t a good idea.
Background:
I recently started my first planted tank a couple months ago in a 40 gallon breeder, Finnex planted+, 3-5 inches of eco complete substrait, Eheim canister filter rated higher than my volume, and plants.
I originally bought 7 male cherry barbs. Then, upon realizing I have all males (google image research), I went back to the store and purchased 6 females. Due to the ratio, the males were very nippy and harassed the girls a good bit. However, after two days they seem to have adjusted and the males only chase the females during a certain part of the day and the females don’t seem to be stressed. However, to be on the safe side, I am considering acquiring two more females. I estimate I have roughly ~35 gallons of free space when plants and substrate are taken into account. Using the inch/gallon rule, based on what I understand, the addition of two females would give 30 / 35 total inches.
My questions are:
1) Are these reasonable estimates about the total number of fish I can add without being overstocked?
2) I have considered adding 1 or 2 centerpiece fish (or just some other non-cherry barb fish) in addition to the barbs. Are there any suggestions on this based on cherry barb compatibility? I am also completely okay with doing a single species tank if it isn’t a good idea.
