[fishhead59]

I have recently set up a 65G (48x13x24) with a built-in wet/dry filter taking up 4" along approx. 40% of the back.

My plan is to go all male Malawi, and with the guidance of my lfs, I currently have stocked one each of the following (all 1 1/2 to 2 1/2"):

Yellow Lab
Rusty
Yellow Tail Acei
Moorii Dolphin
Taiwan Reef
Deep Water Hap
Intermedius
Red Empress

How many more fish will I be able to add?, what type? and what is the long-term outlook for this mix given the dimensions of the tank and the potential adult sizes?

I greatly appreciate your help.

 

[zimmy]

Two things that come to mind immediately: I wouldn't think it's possible to accurately sex your fish at 1.5 to 2.5." Once their sex does becomes apparent, you'll likely need to change some out.

Your moorii dolphin (assuming it's male) could grow to about 10." It'll be really cramped in that tank.

The information provided through the link below is far from fool-proof but it's another tool to help you figure out stocking levels.

http://aqadvisor.com/AqAdvisor.php?AqVo ... hUnit=inch

 

[DJRansome]

I'd say the dolphin, taiwan and empress are too big for the tank.

 

[fishhead59]

Thanks, unfortunately that's what I was afraid of. I was thinking a couple of those were going to get too big, maybe the lfs thought I could enjoy them for awhile then bring them back when they got too large.

Assuming I keep all the species at around 6 ", what would be the max # of fish for this tank?

 

[DJRansome]

I'd shoot for 8-10.

 

[gmaschke]

Enjoying them for a while and taking them to the LFS or trading locally is a great idea but contastantly changing stock has a down side. Introducing new fish when territory and dominace is already established is tough on the new fish.

There is another option. Enjoy what you have for a while but start saving and planning for a larger tank :thumb:

As stated sexing can be tough on young fish but sometimes its obvious its a male even at young ages so it is quite possible to accurately get males at those sizes. I just recently obtained some peacocks online and at 1 1/4" I know I have 3 positive males. Infact they are surprisingly awesome already. I have never seen this much color at this size so I am extremely excited. You can mistake females for males more easily than males for females.