Impulse buy! - got some questions

[Galactik]

So I went down to my lfs today looking to get some fish food and I ended up going home with these two little guys.

I know... I was super weak, and was very noob of me.

Anyhow. I currently have them on an established grow out 20 long and I wanted to know about proper stocking recommendations.

I am picking up a 55 gallon from someone tomorrow and cleaning it so I can move them shortly. Got a good deal on it plus a wood stand and will be using the current 20 gallon as a sump to add water volume and ensure theres no miny cycles.

So with that said, once they are in the 55 what would you recommend for stocking? -numbers and male/female ratios. I think I'd like to keep this tank species only and as understocked as possible while still providing proper numbers

 

[AnthonyFish20]

Keep 3-4 females per male and you will be fine and get lots of babies. You can have around 12-15 peacock in a 55 with good filtration. you have 2 males and should get 3 females for each of them or just do an all male tank.

 

[james99]

If possible go with one male or three to spread the aggression. 3 would most likely end up with one dominating the other, the albino will probably lose. Then add 8-9 females and you should be good to go.

 

[Galactik]

Thank you for the advice! I think I will get another male to end up with 3, and then 8 females.

I've heard its preferable to add them in groups, but since it's that many fish at once, how would you go about doing so without getting a little ammonia spike due to the new load? Maybe 4 at a time?

Also, do I need to make sure they are all about the same size when I do or is there some leeway?

I.just picked up the 55gal this morning but this thing might need some work. Not sure if i did very good on the deal

Thank you!

 

[Galactik]

This is my project for the weekend. (Picture from seller)

Stand is in good shape, looks solid - I might still add some additional support bracing for peace of mind since it's old but I dont think it needs it.

The challenge here is the tank itself. It looks like the last owner ended up using it for a reptile and then a hamster, which is no big deal as I was planning on sterilizing this anyway and resealing it for peace of mind. However I just noticed on the way back home that there is a crack on the back glass - on the bottom right corner.

Is this something that can be safely fixed by patching it with a glass tile and silicone? Or not worth the risk? The crack seems rather small and the tank looks solid otherwise.

So far I'm $80 in the hole lol

 

[Galactik]

Well just had a chance to take a better look (tank still sitting in the car at work) and it looks like this was a chip from the outside and created a line on the very corner of the panel. When touched from inside it feels smooth.

Is this too far gone?

Could a patch secure this since it's a corner with a good amount of silicone?

 

[Zanzag]

Ouch, does the crack/damage carry around the corner? If so, maybe. best bet would be to scrape and clean the seams and go at least 2x the size of the crack on both side panels. If me, I'd go all the way to the bottom for extra assurance and would want at least 1/4 inch glass

 

[james99]

I can't help much on the tank condition, but if it's not repairable, 55 gallons aren't to expensive next. As for adding the fish, groups work better. Adding one or two fish can lead to the already established fish to single out the new guys.

I will add that even with 3 males you might end up with a hyper dominant male that won't tolerate any other males. I had an o.b. peacock that constantly harassed a dragons blood peacock in a 6ft tank.

 

[Galactik]

It does, it's pretty rough on the outside the more I look at it. I'm starting to think I might have to cut my losses with the tank

I'd be dammed if I flooded the house and lost fish due to a cheap tank

 

[AnthonyFish20]

Tbh just buy a 55 wait for a 1$ per gallon sale.