What to add?

[Erik713]

Ok guys - I need your expert advice, if you'd be so kind to offer it.

My first tank (10 gallons) is cycled (the Ammonia levels are trace, the Nitrites are at .5 ppm). I currently have two mollies, two tetra (somewhat large blue and pink - I don't remember their name, but Serpae or Snowball Tetra comes to mind) and a pleco.

I'd like to add one more "exotic" looking fish to the tank that would be friendly with these guys. What would you all recommend? I really like the way the Angels look, but I wasn't sure if they'd cause problems with my fish.

What are some of my options?

Thanks in advance :)

[Erik713]

I think I finally found what my blue and pink tetra are -- White Skirt Tetra that have been colored. Take a look at my "fishcam" and see if you agree.

Then, if someone would be so kind, please leave some suggestions for another fish to add.

Thanks in advance!

[OrionGirl]

Angels will quickly outgrow a 10. Really, I wouldn't add anything else to the tank. First--mollies get to be decent sized fish, and will likely produce young if you have a pregnant female or a pair. Second--the painted fish are prone to disease, and adding more fish may stress them to the point of illness. I would not add any more painted fish, either, for that and other reasons. Third, the species of pleco you have is important--common ones are not appropriate for small tanks, as they have an adults size of 12-18 inches.

[Erik713]

Ok - Thanks for the advice. The gentleman at the fish store told me that the pleco would not outgrow the tank. That's all I know about the type I have.

How did the "painted" tetra I have get colored? I read that it is usually artificial. How does that happen?

[OrionGirl]

Do a search on painted fish--there are several threads, indeed whole webpages, outlining the process.

I will NOT have this thread turning into another discussion on the subject. If others wish to provide links, that's fine, but please do not bring it up.

For the pleco--you need to determine the species. LFS employees are seldom the best source of info, and will provide false information either through ignorance, or the push to sell.

[Erik713]

On the painted fish - point taken. I'll search.

On the Pleco - I got the fish for free, so I doubt they were pushing to sell it. That only leaves incompetence if this is the wrong type of Pleco. I'll check it out and see.

Thanks for the help OrionGirl