Stocking 40 gallon

[JustOneMore20]

Snails aren't that bad. They are prolific, yes, but as long as you don't overfeed, they aren't terrible. The ones you get with plants won't eat live plants. They may eat some dead leaves though.

Torpedo Barbs definitely get too large for that size tank. I recommend a 6ft tank for them, as they get pretty large.

Cherry Barbs are not aggressive. They are pretty shy and may hide alot.

Having a school of tetras and the Rasboras would be nice. You could choose another color tetra for some color variety.

If you want 3 schools, I'd go with Tetras over Tiger Barbs. If you really want the Barbs, I recommend just 2 schools, having more of them. Be prepared for some nipping and chasing from them.

[darkfalz]

Neons, rasboras, danios and cherry barbs maybe.

[Dr_House]

I've also heard a lot of great things about beckford's pencilfish. They are peaceful and school tightly, from what I've heard. Not trying to complicate things. I just hate it when I get a tank stocked and then see a fish I didn't realize existed before. Here's a picture of one.

[darkfalz]

Once I get to the fish store and am just overwhelmed by the variety it's going to be difficult.

[Dr_House]

Oh, you haven't actually been to the pet store yet? Well, you hit the nail right on the head. Everything changes when you visit the pet store.

[darkfalz]

Maybe 6 of each
rasboras
zebra danios
neons
another tetra (black neon maybe)

Long as they all have similar feeding/water requirements. I like little fish.

[Dr_House]

That sounds like a good mix of fish to me. Personally, I prefer larger numbers of fewer fish, so I'd only have 2 groups, 3 at most, but that's just preference. If you like more variety, as many do, the fish you've chosen should do well together.

[darkfalz]

I probably don't need the black neons. I think 18 small fish would be a good stocking level for 40 gallons planted, and once it's well established I might add a trio of otos to complete the tank.

[darkfalz]

I'm back from the fish store. Got 6 harlequins and 6 neons and a bunch of different plants. So I still have time to decide any other tankmates (thinking 4 otos once tank is well established). Really wanted the tiger barbs but resisted. Will post pics tomorrow after I put the plants in, as they are soaking in snail rid at the moment.

[darkfalz]

Here are the fish, and the tank. Rasboras are just juvies, barely bigger than the tetras. They sure are fast and active. They school one minute and then are all over the place the next. Tetras hang around the bottom. So feeding time is a bit all over the place.

I know the left plant is pennywort and the right plant is a sword, the middle plant (same plant) don't remember the name, it's the one covered with the fuzz. Also got some anubias nana tied to my driftwood.

[dolifisis]

Originally Posted by Dr_House

I've also heard a lot of great things about beckford's pencilfish. They are peaceful and school tightly, from what I've heard. Not trying to complicate things. I just hate it when I get a tank stocked and then see a fish I didn't realize existed before. Here's a picture of one.

These are on sale right now @ Dr.s Foster & Smith. I've had them before and they're very beautiful fish.