Bottom Feeders Suitable for Small Tanks

[PumaWard]

Hello

I've searched through the species database here, but some of the species I looked at did not contain pictures, temp requirements etc. So I am going to ask some of your guys opinions.

I set up a home made 4 gallon as a species tank for chocolate gourami. It has now completely cycled (it went through a mini cycle but my gourami survived :) ) Anyway, I need some suggested bottom dwellers. I had originally wanted shrimp for it, but they are never at the lfs, so I am looking for other options. I just got a heater for the tank (temps dropped into the low 40's night before last :eek: , so I figured it was about time to get one). Anyway I am aiming for a temperature around 83F. I am probably looking at smaller cory cat species, but am also flexible with small, peaceful loaches. I am also considering just leaving it the way it is... though there is still a small amount of bloodworms that go uneaten.

Anyway, any suggestions?

[ChilDawg]

Kuhlis...ask OG for help with setting that up.

Cories are too large for that tank...if you keep them in the recommended shoals. Otherwise you may have a stressed out Cory...

[Clownloach458]

yes;yes cories are very good. I really cant think of any other bottom feeders, For that size tank. there are some fish that u could keep for a small time. high finned banded shark. for a short time/ lol. then you would need to move em to bigger tank....ya...corys would work best

[ChilDawg]

Hi-fins? Glad you're not serious b/c I'm not even sure that it's easy to find specimens which fit in any manner but diagonally in that sized tank!!! :)

[famman]

3 panda cories might just fit, they are very small.
good luck
:)

[ChilDawg]

Honestly, I would just keep it as a specimen tank...my Betta doesn't mind being in a specimen tank, and I doubt that a Chocolate Gourami would be upset about being by its lonesome!

[TKOS]

Some nice ram's horn snails. They work well in my Betta 5 gallon. And they keep the algae down.

[PumaWard]

I think that I am going to get a pair of kuhli's. The one I have in my 75 hardly ever moves much and is very calm (at least compaired to my dojos), though I don't think I am going to get another chocolate as the 2 I already have are settling in finally; the petshop only has adults now anyway :(. It's probably going to be a little while before I add any anyhow. Thanks for the advice :D

[Tetratastic]

What about a pair of otos? More like suck-on-glass feeders than bottom feeders, but they keep my 2.5 hex nice and clean.

[Tightdog1]

yes ottos are very nice algae eaters for the small aquarium. probably even better than plecos.