Stocking 135

[Deadliestviper7]

Get a larger pictus, 4 inches or more, if u grow them together they don't register as food

 

[pcfriedrich]

Well, the GT escaped from the tank the first night, so I added 3 Geophagus Tapajos. We'll call this a fully stocked 135.

 

[pcfriedrich]

With adequate filtration you are fine, I'd even say you could add another medium sized cichlid.

As far as filtration, I have an overflow sump, with a little giant pump rated at 700 GPH, a Penguin 350 and an Emperor 400, so assuming everything is running optimally, that's 1450 GPH, over 10X hourly turnover. Is that adequate or should I possibly add a canister? I know most I have read recommend 50% weekly water changes for the Tapajos.
I can't imagine that's necessary while they are so small in a 135. I just ordered an API test kit, and will do water changes when necessary...

 

[Gourami Swami]

The tapajos like very clean water, and 50% once a week would be optimal, but i dont think its completely necessary, especially while they're still small. I would recommend at least a 25-30% change once a week though. Your filtration should be adequate, I would leave it as is for now and if you find that the tank is getting dirty too fast (which is possible considering how messy oscars and plecos are), then add something.

 

[pcfriedrich]

The tapajos like very clean water, and 50% once a week would be optimal, but i dont think its completely necessary, especially while they're still small. I would recommend at least a 25-30% change once a week though. Your filtration should be adequate, I would leave it as is for now and if you find that the tank is getting dirty too fast (which is possible considering how messy oscars and plecos are), then add something.

Thanks. Yeah, I also ordered some Seachem Stability and Pristine to ensure optimal biological filtration and help prevent/remove any sludge buildup in the sump filter.