Hi all, thanks for reading. Just needed some input. I have a 10 gal. tank fully equipt, I have decided on 6 fancy guppies(2 male 4 female), 6 cardinal tetras, 4-6 black phantom tetras(equal males and females), and I am undecided on if I can fit an additional 4-6 harlequin rasboras. I plan on introducing the guppies into the new tank first, then about a week later the black phantom tetras, then in another week the cardinal tetras, unless I can fit the harlequin rasboras. If I can fit them then they will be third to go in, and the cardinals last since they are so sensitive to the pH and such. I'd like to get the community going soon, but won't until I know about the harlequins. What do you think? Any advise would be helpful. Thanks again!
starting a new community..3 or 4 breeds?
- Thread starter rainbowprizimz
- Start date
What does "fully-equipped" mean for that tank?
Unless there are a ton of plants, I agree with Hebdizzle on that being overstocked. I would cycle it using Bio-Spira and then only keep the Harlequins in it.
Unless there are a ton of plants, I agree with Hebdizzle on that being overstocked. I would cycle it using Bio-Spira and then only keep the Harlequins in it.
Don't worry I am finished cycling, thanks to the wonderful creation of EasyBalance by AquaSafe. It seems to speed up the cycling process. And I won't be too heartbroken if you tell me that the harlequins will overcrowd. 6 gups, 6 cardnials, 4-6 phantoms in a 10gal does seem a little hasty. I just think the halequins would add a nice contrast. grrr maybe I needed a bigger tank lol. Anyhow if I can I would like to have all 4 breeds but if I can't it's ok. Like I said before any input would be helpful for I am often undecided.
Well I haven't purchased any fish yet, so I will definetly consider cutting back the numbers. I do have several plants, but I was able to set it up (surprisingly) to where there is a lot of swimming room in the front of the tank. "fully equipt" meaning a small laser system, filter, heater, floating and grounded plants, and various rock formations.
Keep in mind your guppies will up the population quite a bit as well. They reproduce... like guppies!
Yes I did realize that. I suppose it is just a rumor then that the Black Phantom Tetras will eat the fry? Otherwise I have a spare 2.5 gal tank to transfer them to while they grow.
BPTs, among everything else in a tank, will likely eat guppy fry, but if you plant the tank well, some guppies will get away and increase the bioload of such tank.
Ahem, ever hear of 1 inch per gallon?
This is the sort of situation that brings up the 1 inch per gallon rule. With the size, habits and temperments of these fish, this DOES apply.
So you ought to limit yourself to 10 inches of fish, body length only. So, that is 10 fish or less, total.
BUT, with plants you will want some otos and some shrimp. Maybe a small catfish or other bottom dweller.
So, I think you need to pick ONE group of fish, have 6 or 7 of them, plus 2 otos and one catfish and 2 or 3 Amano shrimp. That's how my 10 G was set up and it worked out nicely.
What sort of light do you have on this 10? Before you add fish, you need to be sure the lighting is good, or the plants will die and pollute the water.
This is the sort of situation that brings up the 1 inch per gallon rule. With the size, habits and temperments of these fish, this DOES apply.
So you ought to limit yourself to 10 inches of fish, body length only. So, that is 10 fish or less, total.
BUT, with plants you will want some otos and some shrimp. Maybe a small catfish or other bottom dweller.
So, I think you need to pick ONE group of fish, have 6 or 7 of them, plus 2 otos and one catfish and 2 or 3 Amano shrimp. That's how my 10 G was set up and it worked out nicely.
What sort of light do you have on this 10? Before you add fish, you need to be sure the lighting is good, or the plants will die and pollute the water.