Overstocked? or just right?

[M3AN ONE]

Currently building what I plan on being my last tank system and I am curious on opinions on future stocking. Tank is 7x3x3 (470 gallon) with 72x24x19 (142 gallon) sump and the system will have a 36x24x13 (43 gallon) grow out connected. So system will be about 650 gallons in total. My filtration is composed of four 7 inch filter socks 6 cubic feet of k1 and 1 Ultima 2 2000. I plan on setting up a 5 percent 35 gallon daily water change system with a supplemental weekly 200-300 gallon water change .
Future plans for stocking are as follows

1 Leichardi/Saratoga Arowana (max size in home aquarium approx 30 inches.
1 Baramundi (No clue may get too big!!! 30-36 inches???)
1 Golden Chines Perch (max out at 28 inches)
1--2 Short body albino alligator gars (max out at 18-24 inches)
1 Fly river turtle (max out 28 inches)
1 NGT Datnoid ( max out 24 inches)
3 Stingrays (multiple captive bred generations dont expect them to exceed 20 inches)

My plan was until these guys get big (planning on getting them all as small as possible 3-5 inches) I will fill the tank with 20-30 clown loaches and 50 tiger barbs. Loaches I plan on buying around 5-6 inches in size. I know they are slow growers. I assume the barbs will get eaten as time passes since they max out at 3.5 inches but hoping by the time the predatory fish get bigger the barbs will be big enough to not be viewed as prey especially if predators are always well fed. Option 2 I can always take loaches put them in the grow out and eventually sell if it turns into a slaughter house. Am I being overly optimistic or is this achievable? Every thing but the Baramundi I expect to stay well under 3 feet in length.

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

I think it is overstocked. I would take out the fish that are not as desirable to you. If you put these fish in and when they are fully grown, you think that the tank could hold more, then maybe add some of those fish you took out of the list above. But I would lightly stock first, then put in more later if you think you can have more. Also, you could put that 43-gallon to good use by putting in later stock that is too small to be put in with adult stock.

I think the tiger barbs will be an expensive meal, and also, eventually, the loaches. Instead, maybe decorate it how you want it (maybe put money into a 3D background?). It would be better in the long run than filling the tank with some uneaten, potentially expensive snacks.

Of course, the loaches and barbs could be in their own setup; it would be an interesting combo of two beautiful fish. Maybe put those in a 125-gallon or more. I could see a beautiful aquascape for the combo, but I wouldn't pair them with monster fish that are 50 times bigger.

 

[tlindsey]

I would not recommend putting them in with monster fish (even baby monsters could eat the tiger barbs).

I agree with this.

 

[fishhead0103666]

I’m more anal about giving fish space so honestly given the 36” of width I wouldn’t do any of the main stock except maybe the ngt. The tiger barbs and loaches are a bad idea no matter what if put with the main stock.

 

[jjohnwm]

I'm sitting in front of an 8 x 3 footprint tank, so similar to yours, and just trying to envision it with a half-dozen or more fish in the 30-inch size range...and picturing a 30-ish inch turtle added to the mix...and then, for good measure, another 70 or 80 smaller fish to keep it from looking so empty.

Sounds great! Keep us posted!

 

[Joshuakahan]

Currently building what I plan on being my last tank system and I am curious on opinions on future stocking. Tank is 7x3x3 (470 gallon) with 72x24x19 (142 gallon) sump and the system will have a 36x24x13 (43 gallon) grow out connected. So system will be about 650 gallons in total. My filtration is composed of four 7 inch filter socks 6 cubic feet of k1 and 1 Ultima 2 2000. I plan on setting up a 5 percent 35 gallon daily water change system with a supplemental weekly 200-300 gallon water change .
Future plans for stocking are as follows

1 Leichardi/Saratoga Arowana (max size in home aquarium approx 30 inches.
1 Baramundi (No clue may get too big!!! 30-36 inches???)
1 Golden Chines Perch (max out at 28 inches)
1--2 Short body albino alligator gars (max out at 18-24 inches)
1 Fly river turtle (max out 28 inches)
1 NGT Datnoid ( max out 24 inches)
3 Stingrays (multiple captive bred generations dont expect them to exceed 20 inches)

My plan was until these guys get big (planning on getting them all as small as possible 3-5 inches) I will fill the tank with 20-30 clown loaches and 50 tiger barbs. Loaches I plan on buying around 5-6 inches in size. I know they are slow growers. I assume the barbs will get eaten as time passes since they max out at 3.5 inches but hoping by the time the predatory fish get bigger the barbs will be big enough to not be viewed as prey especially if predators are always well fed. Option 2 I can always take loaches put them in the grow out and eventually sell if it turns into a slaughter house. Am I being overly optimistic or is this achievable? Every thing but the Baramundi I expect to stay well under 3 feet in length.

Are you trolling? Lol

 

[esoxlucius]

There are so many things wrong with your opening post, I'm not surprised someone thinks you're trolling, but for the record I think you're genuine, just maybe a little misguided, and unsurprisingly very excited about stocking your new build.

We all have wish lists for new tanks, and most of those wish lists are just non starters when you sit down, screw your head on properly, and put some serious thought into what you've actually got planned.

The tank you have planned is quite big, but even at that size you are really really pushing the limits when those fish get big. By the way, your maximum size quotes are way off the mark, they'll not get nowhere near those sizes, why? Because there's no doubt in my mind they'll be stunted due to the high load and potential stress levels.

Putting little fish in there as other interest until your main fish grow is a shocking idea. They'll just be snacks for the other fish, and a clown loach snack can prove lethal for a would be predator due to its subocular spines under its eyes.

The arowana is first on your list which tells me that maybe this is your favourite and must have fish. In my opinion, even though your tank is quite big, I think it's only suitable for your arowana, and that's it!!! The arowana should reach it's max size given that it'll be on its own and the fact you have a good water change schedule planned will also help it grow to its max and remain healthy.

But of course this is just my opinion.

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

There are so many things wrong with your opening post, I'm not surprised someone thinks you're trolling, but for the record I think you're genuine, just maybe a little misguided, and unsurprisingly very excited about stocking your new build.

We all have wish lists for new tanks, and most of those wish lists are just non starters when you sit down, screw your head on properly, and put some serious thought into what you've actually got planned.

The tank you have planned is quite big, but even at that size you are really really pushing the limits when those fish get big. By the way, your maximum size quotes are way off the mark, they'll not get nowhere near those sizes, why? Because there's no doubt in my mind they'll be stunted due to the high load and potential stress levels.

Putting little fish in there as other interest until your main fish grow is a shocking idea. They'll just be snacks for the other fish, and a clown loach snack can prove lethal for a would be predator due to its subocular spines under its eyes.

The arowana is first on your list which tells me that maybe this is your favourite and must have fish. In my opinion, even though your tank is quite big, I think it's only suitable for your arowana, and that's it!!! The arowana should reach it's max size given that it'll be on its own and the fact you have a good water change schedule planned will also help it grow to its max and remain healthy.

But of course this is just my opinion.

100% agree. I also agree that I don't thnk you are trolling, but the tiny dither fish is a really bad idea.

 

[M3AN ONE]

500 Gallons one fish I wasn't expecting that! Keep in mind the tank is 3 feet high I do feel that that makes a difference what you can add to the tank. Stingrays and arowana for example will be no where near each other. I tried to break it up into fish by sections or regions they would swim in.

 

[esoxlucius]

500 Gallons one fish I wasn't expecting that! Keep in mind the tank is 3 feet high I do feel that that makes a difference what you can add to the tank. Stingrays and arowana for example will be no where near each other. I tried to break it up into fish by sections or regions they would swim in.

I don't even like arowanas, but even I can't deny the fact that they are one of, if not the stand alone most majestic fish in the hobby. It's hardly surprising they're revered in a lot of Asian countries, and by Western hobbyists alike, where they're not banned that is!

As a full grown 30" or so lump of a fish gliding around a tank as they do, I just believe that they deserve to be alone to get the best out of them.

DIY Joey had a single arowana in his plywood tank, around 360 gallons if my memory serves. That example stands out for me as the way to keep this large beautiful mesmerising species.

But of course, you do what you want, we're just trying to throw a few ideas around for you. It goes without saying that you won't like, or agree, with many of the ideas we come up with.

That's the way forums work after all, come on them for advice, and then do the complete opposite, lol.

It's your call, be sure to keep us updated with pics and such.