I am going to be stocking a new 36gal Bowfront aquarium. I plan to start with Zebra Danios. I know that typically you only want to add a fish or two to avoid a bioload problem but I also read that you should have at least 5 Danios so that a pecking order in the school can form.

I eventually want to have 7-11 Danios. How many should I add initially and when and how many should I subsequently add?

Have you cycled your tank?If you have done a fishless cycle with a tank that size the minimum number can be added after its completed.

You can cycle with fish but it will require you do testing alot to make sure the fish are sfe and it does have an ill effect on them.

__________________
http://bountifulbettas.blogspot.com/

"Come to the dark side....we have cookies...and filters/heaters/and water changes!"

+1 to what bev said.

I just did a fishless cycle in 3 weeks and a few days, much easier, less water changes, and no dead fish. It's the way to go!

__________________
"Being ignorant is not so much a Shame, as being unwilling to learn".-- Benjamin Franklin

with Summer too. Cycle first!

Hello Law...

Danios are very hardy and can easily survive the cycling process if you decide to cycle your tank using fish. Prior to adding the fish, plant the tank real well and add a half dozen or so of the Danios.

Cycling the tank with fish is safe as long as you know going into this that you need to test the water conditions daily. When the ammonia approaches unsafe levels, a large water change will bring the tank water back into the safe zone. When your ammonia and nitrite tests read zero consistently, then you can add a half a dozen more Danios. Continue daily testing and do your water changes until your tank is fully stocked.

Once the tank is cycled and stocked, I'd encourage you to remove and replace at least half the tank water every week. This will guarantee stable water conditions for your fish and plants.

Just an opinion.

B

__________________
Low Tech Water Building Keeper