[talontsiawd]

I have a 29 gallon tank. I plan to stock with mostly tetra's

Right now i have:
4 Red Eye Tetras
3 Flame Tetras
8 Neon Tetras
1 Amano Shrip


I plan to get a few more algae eaters, probably a shrimp or two, and an otto (or two). That would bring me up to 18-20 fish/shrimp.

I want some more neon tetra's for sure. I've been told 24-26 fish would be about good for the fish i have. However, others have told me i can go more with the neon tetras.

How does a Algae eating shrimp shrimp/catfish contribute to the bioload compared to a "normal" fish around the same size?

So, i know this is general but i'm looking more for an estimate as I'll be about done with my next stocking according to some people, with others, i have more room.

 

[ZooTycoonMaster]

I have a 29 gallon tank. I plan to stock with mostly tetra's

Right now i have:
4 Red Eye Tetras
3 Flame Tetras
8 Neon Tetras
1 Amano Shrip


I plan to get a few more algae eaters, probably a shrimp or two, and an otto (or two). That would bring me up to 18-20 fish/shrimp.

How about an Olive Nerite Snail? IME, they're much better algae eaters than Otos. But you can still get the Otos if you want.

If you're having hair algae and BBA problems, a SAE will eat that and will fit in your tank.

I want some more neon tetra's for sure. I've been told 24-26 fish would be about good for the fish i have. However, others have told me i can go more with the neon tetras.

8 is good enough for a school, but you can get more if you want to.

How does a Algae eating shrimp shrimp/catfish contribute to the bioload compared to a "normal" fish around the same size?

Amano Shrimp have very low bioload, and Otos I'd say are about the same as a Neon Tetra.

so, i know this is general but i'm looking more for an estimate as I'll be about done with my next stocking according to some people, with others, i have more room.

 

[talontsiawd]

Thanks, i actually have no algae problems at all, I just have read more than a few times to get the clean up crew going before you have problems, not when you start to so i'm going off that advice.

Snails kind of scare me right now with reproduction. I'll research that particular type though.

I just like ottos, they just seem to give some good, constant activity to the tank at the bottom. So i want one or two for more than just algae, kill two birds with one stone.

I may give away my red eye tetras as well. They are very boring and just chill 80% of the time. The other 20%, they are really aggressive (for my tastes). I love my flame tetra's, even though they aren't the prettiest fish IMO, but play most of the time.

 

[Cheez]

I would have to disagree with adding an SAE; they can grow to be 4-5 inches and like alot of swimming space. I would definately say 2 or 3 ottos would be better for you. Also, a medium sized fish to stand out among the small tetras would be nice. A pair of dwarf gouramis or bolivian rams might work.

 

[fishboy87]

Snails kind of scare me right now with reproduction. I'll research that particular type though.

Here's the benefit of nerites. From what I've heard, they can only reproduce in saltwater and are -as ZTM said- great algae eaters! I have 3 in my 29 gallon myself and have -soon to be "had"- major algae issues that is being taken care of by the zebra nerites I have. Highly recommended!

 

[fishscale]

Nerites still lay eggs in freshwater, they just don't hatch. Algae eaters should be used as minor cleanup - they will not fix bit messes.

Otos like to be kept in groups. Go with at least 3, although you may find their behavior changes as you add more. When I had 13 in the tank, they schooled and swam around a lot more like tetras, going from place to place grazing.

Sounds like a good plan so far.

 

[talontsiawd]

Good to know, all around, thanks everyone. I'll get my water tested sometime next week and get an idea of where i'm at.