Fluval chi 19L. Stocking

[terri]

Hi i bought a second hand fluval chi 19L already up and running for 3 months. It looks stunning and has 6 neon tetra and one other tiny fish. It might be a guppy but not sure. I would like to add one betta fish and 2 or 3 cherry shrimp to complete the tank. Is this too much for a 19 litre tank? The existing fish are happy so i don't want to do anything that would stress them. Appreciate your thoughts please.

[Graeme]

Hello Terry

As a rough guide the maximum is a gallon per inch of fish so you are about on your max. You can add shrimp because they don't really add to the bio-load but another fish would take you over. If your filter is of a good capacity you could put a betta in and keep measuring the ammonia and nitrite levels to make sure the filter is coping.

Or you could start looking for a bigger tank!

Regards

Graeme

[terri]

Thanks for this. I had some tiny bubbles at the top of the tank to one side then lost my guppy, so only have the neons now. I won't add anything else until i have got to grips with proper maintenance. i take it when i feel more confident i could add a betta, given i have lost this one. the tetras all seem happy and i cleaned the tank 20% so the bubbles have now gone. I will keep a very close eye. Also, the filter needs changed so won't think about adding anything until the new one is established.

[malakye]

Hi terri and welcome.
I hate to disagree with Graeme but as your tank is only 19litres you are technically at your limit with the 6 neon. Adding a betta would over stock you and ideally a betta shouldnt be in less than 20 litres by themselves, yes people keep them in smaller tanks than that but they dont have a decent life. You could add cherry shrimp without any worries as like Graeme said they dont add to the bio-load. Shrimp and Betta arent the best mix. The betta would pick off the cherry shrimp, we tried with several different bettas when we had a collection of them.

[terri]

Hi thanks for response. So far so good with the neons and i think i will just keep them with some shrimp in view of your comments. I don't want to stress my fish or lose any more.
Thanks

[malakye]

Because you did have a death just do a couple of extra water changes this week and they should be fine.

[Graeme]