Suggestions for new 20G non-planted tank?

[Bergebo]

Howdy all, new here, but have browsed for a few weeks.

Anyway, I've been away from the hobby for about 5 years or so. Recently I set up a 20G hex tank, did a fishless cycle and have since added 5 little White Clouds to populate the upper level.

I decided to go retro, with fake plastic plants, a small section with pearly white gravel and even a goofy "No Fishing" ornament. I realize this is probably blasphamy to some of you, but I grew tired of the constant pruning, scraping, testing that I used to do with planted tanks.

So, any ideas on hardy, peaceful, inexpensive fish to buy for the middle and lower areas? Will ottos do well in an unplanted tank?

Thanks a bunch.

[ChEeRs_BiG_EaRs]

ottos will do fine in the tank as long as there is algae. you could use barbs, ie rosey or tiger, but they are fin nippers. you could also go tetras, though they arent the hardiest fish around, but look great. maybe some cardinals or penguines. um gouramis arnt peaceful but can look stunning. you could use some rams though they tend to hang lower in the tank. clown loaches are great fun to watch, but the tank might be a little small for four which is the recommended number you should keep as a min. there are a huge variety you clould keep, id recommend smaller fish like characins for htat sized tank, though its up to you. if you specify what you want more, ie characins, cichlids etc, ill be happy to narrow it down for you.
BiG EaRs

[Bergebo]

Thanks ears.

Narrowing it down:

1. Peaceful. Nix on the fin nippers for now. Can't we all just get along? :)

2. Size. 3 inches or under. Probably more like 2 inches. I'd rather have 5 or 6 of a species, than one.

3. Hardiness/ Ease of keeping. That being said, my current water is that strange combination of soft, but alkaline. I figure the pH will drop from it's current 8.2 as the tank matures. Is that correct?

For your suggestions, I've read that the dwarf gouramis are peaceful. True?

Cardinal tetras look interesting.

Any info on Rasboras? They seem to fit my wants list, but I haven't heard much about them.

[TKOS]

I have a ten gallon tank with white clouds and cories. It makes for a fun display. The cories don't get too big and are constantly entertaining in my tank. I also had a betta in the tank for some time as well which was fun as he used to keep everyone else schooling.

[ChilDawg]

Originally posted by Bergebo
I figure the pH will drop from it's current 8.2 as the tank matures. Is that correct?

Maybe, maybe not. It depends on the water with which you replenish the tank. The pH has a tendency to drop between water changes, but I don't see it being a permanent thing, nor do I see it happening if your water changes are well-spaced.

I like Cories (Paleatus/Salt-and-Pepper) for the bottom of the tank, and White Clouds for the middle of the tank.

I picked those for a cooler-tropical tank...that's why I specified the species of Cory, as most Cories might have a problem with the temperatures necessary for WCMM health.

[Bergebo]

Thanks for the replies. The pepper cory seems like a perfect fit. I'm going to get three of them to patrol the bottom.

[ChilDawg]

Sweet, glad that I could help! :)